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My Laptop's Built-In Microphone Is Not Working

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If your PC or MacBook has a built-in microphone that isn’t responding, the issue could be caused by a variety of issues. In this article, you will find a few steps that you can take to troubleshoot the microphone.


Check the Recording Volume For a PC Microphone

To check the recording volume of your built-in microphone on your laptop, click the Sound symbol in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen, then select Recording Devices. Next, double-click Internal Microphone. Select Levels, and ensure that the recording volume is sufficient.

Microphone Fails on Windows 10

If you are using Windows 10 and facing an issue with your computer’s built-in microphone, check if you have updated your operating software beyond the April 2018 update. If so, many peripherals are automatically disabled for security reasons.

To grant your PC access to the microphone, open the Start menu, and select Settings. Click Privacy, then find Microphone. Next, turn on the Microphone, and select Allow apps access to your microphone.

Enable Your Internal Microphone

To get started, open Windows and right-click on the volume button in the menu bar in the lower right-hand corner. In the menu that opens, click Recording devices. Find your device and note if it is enabled or disabled. If you see that the microphone, often labeled Internal Microphone, is disabled, right-click on it and select Enable.

N.B. If after opening the sound panel you do not see your internal microphone listed, right-click in the white space and check Show disabled devices. Then, complete the remaining steps above.

Update Your Microphone Driver

To update your driver, go to the Start menu and search Device Manager. Click to open Audio Inputs and Outputs, then select Internal Microphone. Go to the Driver tab, click Update Driver, and follow the instructions to complete the update.

Check the Volume For a MacBook Microphone

On your MacBook, click the Apple symbol in the menu bar, then select System Preferences. Click Sound, and go to the Input tab. Select Internal microphone and adjust the recording volume as needed. The Input Level bar will allow you to test the microphone’s strength.

Run an SMC Reset on Your MacBook

If you are still unable to get the microphone to work, you will need to complete an SMC reset. The procedure is different depending on the model of your MacBook. If your laptop has a non-removable battery, go to the Apple menu, and select Shut Down.... After your laptop is off, press and hold the Shift + Control + Option + Power keys for 10 seconds. Then release the keys, turn on your MacBook, and try recording again.

If you have an older MacBook with a battery that can be removed, go to the Apple menu, and select Shut Down.... Next, remove the battery. Then, press and hold the Power button for five seconds. Reinsert the battery and turn on your MacBook.

N.B. MacBooks are generally not capable of processing two audio inputs simultaneously. To check this, make sure that there is only one device in use on your computer.

Image: © Maxim Basinski - 123RF.com
Jean-François Pillou

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