What to do if the microphone does not work on a Windows XP computer? Why doesn't the microphone work?
Having trouble recording audio on Windows 10? Why, after updating the Windows 10 system, did problems appear with the microphone that stopped working? We have several answers to solve such problems.
Sound problems in Windows 10 may occur no matter what sound card you use. Many users of sound cards such as Conexant, Realtek and VIA write on the forums that after downloading some Windows updates 10 Audio recording or microphone does not work. We discussed some of these problems in the article How to fix sound problems in Windows 10.
This time we will focus on more specific malfunction. What to do if there are problems with the microphone on your laptop, or an external microphone connected to a computer with installed Windows 10? Solving this problem is not at all difficult.
To get started, right-click on the volume control icon on the Windows 10 taskbar. From the drop-down menu, select “Recording Devices.”
After opening a new window on the “Recording” tab, select the desired microphone from the list and go to “Properties”.
A new “Microphone Properties” window will open. Then we go to the “Advanced” tab and then select the section called “Default Format”. Here we expand the tab with the available options.
In the drop-down tab in the device properties, select the option "2-channel, 16-bit, 96000 Hz (studio quality)". After selecting this option, click the Apply button, then OK. After this, you can exit the device properties window.
After confirming the options, the microphone should work immediately. You can check whether it works using the standard Voice Recorder program or through other applications, such as Skype or Facebook Messenger, which have a voice call option.
This method should work regardless of your sound card. If you have problems recording sound in Windows 10, describe your problem in the comment below. We will try to find answers to specific errors in system. It's also worth noting that if you use external microphone, it’s good to check - sometimes it does not work through installed outdated drivers or the corresponding microphone is not enabled in “Recording devices”. And before you start looking deeper for the cause, check your device settings and update the drivers.
These days, almost every person uses a computer in one way or another. Some people read newspapers online, some just write and receive emails, some communicate with friends in chat rooms or social networks. Of course, the Internet is also indispensable for searching for any information. Still, most people use it for communication purposes. Created for this purpose a large number of social networks, from Facebook to Vkontakte. In addition to the ability to create your posts in the form of text, photos, links and commenting on the posts of others, they also offer the possibility of live communication through a microphone and even a video camera.
It is also impossible not to mention the ancestor modern technologies Internet communication - Skype. It was created in 2003 and currently has more than half a billion registered users! That is, every day millions of people communicate via the Internet. This is definitely a positive fact, since people become closer despite distances, borders, cultural differences, and so on. However, sometimes such communication can be disrupted by microphone failure. In order to figure out why the microphone does not work, you need a little time and knowledge.
What could be the reasons?
So why isn't the microphone working? What could be the reasons? Nowadays, most laptops come with a built-in microphone, and only in rare cases does it not work for some reason. In any case, it makes sense to check it at the very beginning. To do this, use any sound recording program. Another option is to use Skype, which offers the ability to call technical support and automatically record your voice so you can then check the sound quality. The service phone number is automatically included in the contact list.
Connecting a microphone
As the famous cartoon character said: “Calm, only calm”! If the built-in microphone still does not work, you need to perform a couple of simple operations. In your computer's Control Panel (located in "My Computer"), go to the "Hardware and Sound - Manage Sound Devices" section and then select the "Recording" tab. In the list that opens, select a microphone, right-click and click “Enable”. If there is not a single microphone in the list, right-click on the “Recordings” field and check the two sections - “Show disconnected devices” and “Show disconnected devices”. After that, a microphone will appear in the list, which you need to connect using the above steps.
Checking the sound quality
After connecting the microphone, you should check the sound quality. If it doesn't suit you, you can always connect an external microphone. To do this, find two round sockets, usually green and red, on the side or back of the laptop. The microphone jack is red. The device plug is inserted into it. Typically, connecting an external microphone will automatically disable the built-in microphone. If for some reason this does not happen on your computer, disable the built-in microphone manually using the instructions above (only in this case you will need to select “Disable” instead of “Enable”). After connecting an external microphone, it’s also a good idea to check the sound quality. To do this, use any sound recording program on your computer or Skype.
And again about why the microphone (this time external) does not work...
If the external microphone also does not work, you again need to figure out why. One of the possible reasons is that the plug was inserted into the wrong socket (it must be inserted into the red socket or, if it is not marked with a color, into the one with a small microphone next to it). It happens that the contact does not work, then the plug must be removed and then reinserted into the socket. Also try twisting the plug while tapping the microphone or repeating "one and one" to check the sound. If your computer is not new, the socket may be damaged. In this case, you will need to contact a specialist. And finally, the last reason why the microphone (external) does not work may be a manufacturing defect. If you recently purchased a microphone and still have your receipt, you will need to exchange it at the store where you bought it. This time, ask the seller to test the new microphone and make sure everything works.
I'm getting questions about the microphone more and more often. This question is mainly related to Skype. And this is the question.
Why Microphone doesn't work on Skype? Many computer or laptop users face this problem when using Skype or programs like Raid Call, etc.
Reasons why the Skype microphone does not work
There are not many reasons why problems arise with the microphone; you can even count them on one hand. And the ways to eliminate them are not complicated if you have straight arms and patience. Let's count the list of problems:
- Microphone not working
- Incorrect connection
- Assignment of sockets realtek hd manager
- System microphone setting
- And the setting in the Skype program itself
Ways to troubleshoot Skype microphone not working
Microphone not working:
A rare but possible cause is a microphone not working. You can check whether the microphone works by connecting it to another computer. If it is faulty, replace it and check it.
Incorrect connection
Every computer and laptop has a microphone jack.
Mostly this connector is pink or red in color. And the microphone itself must be connected to this connector. Otherwise the microphone will not work.
Assigning sockets in realtek hd manager
Sometimes the reason for a microphone not working can be a change in the assignment of the jacks. To do this, you need to configure the realtek hd manager driver. If your sound card is realtek hd then the manager can be found along the path, start-panel control, sound and equipment and at the end realtek hd.
We go in, right-click and change the assignment to microphone.
If you don’t have this manager, you can get it by looking at the following article, automatic driver installation and how to update drivers in 3.5 minutes.
System microphone setting
There is another very important setting - “System microphone settings”. If the microphone does not work on Skype or in general you need to check the volume and decibel level. To do this, go to start, control panel, sound and equipment and sound
In the window that opens, go to the “record” tab
Many novice users are faced with the question of how to set up a microphone or what to do if the microphone is connected to the computer, but it does not work. There is another type of question - the microphone works, but is very quiet. Let's try to understand in more detail the microphone settings and how to properly connect the microphone and configure it.
First, let's deal with correct connection microphone. The microphone plug must be plugged into the pink connector (if it is located on the back panel of the computer) or, if you plug the microphone into the front connectors of your computer and they do not differ in color from each other, then pay attention to the labels near the connectors, next to A microphone icon will be drawn with the connector you need. Please note that the connector on the front panel of the computer may not be connected to or connected incorrectly, so to avoid possible errors, it is best to connect the microphone to the jack on the back panel of the computer for the first time, and after you have everything configured and working, you can try to switch the microphone to the jack on the front panel of your system unit.
Now let's move on to setting up the microphone. First, let's look at how to set up a microphone in Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8. Find the icon in the form of a speaker in the bottom panel on the right near the clock and right-click on it, and in the menu that appears, click on the "Recording devices" item. Now in the window that opens, we go to the “Recording” tab and check that the microphone is selected as the “default device”. If this is not the case, then right-click on the microphone line and select “Use as default”, then right-click again on the same line with the microphone and now select “Use default communication device”. Please note the following point: if you have connected not just a microphone, but a webcam with a microphone (most likely they are connected via a USB connector), then in this case you need to make the webcam microphone the default device (as a rule, the name of the webcam will be in the line, its model or manufacturer.
Now let's move on to other microphone settings; to do this, double-click on the same line of the microphone, after which the “Properties: Microphone” window opens. There are five tabs in this window, but only three are of interest to us so far. On the tab called “Listen” we can check the box “Listen with of this device", in this case, the sound coming from the microphone will be reproduced by the speakers. Perhaps this will only be useful for karaoke, but in other cases it will only get in the way. Moreover, checking this box may result in loud extraneous noise in the speakers if they are located close to the microphone. The second tab called “Levels” allows you to adjust the audio volume. For most microphones, settings are suitable in which the top “Microphone” slider is set to maximum (moved all the way to the right), and the bottom “Microphone Gain” slider is set to +10.0 dB. If the microphone sound seems too loud to you, then first you should reduce the value of the lower slider (move it to the left), and only then, if the lower slider is in the extreme left position, then change the value of the upper slider. The next tab, “Enhancements,” is responsible for enabling audio processing filters. The “Remove DC component” item will help you if your microphone is too sensitive and the sound “chokes.” The “Noise Reduction” item will help you reduce noise if there is extraneous noise interference during a conversation. The Beamforming option is used when you have two microphones connected, in which case, if they are positioned appropriately and this filter is turned on, the sound of the surrounding area outside the microphone's directional beam will be suppressed. The “Echo Suppression” item allows you to reduce the echo when amplified sound from a microphone plays from the speakers.
If you have the Windows XP operating system installed, then you will be interested in this section of the article, which will describe how to set up a microphone in Windows XP. The microphone settings in this operating system may seem less convenient than in Windows 7. But we don’t have to choose, so let’s move on to the settings. Click the "Start" button, go to the "Control Panel" and click on the "Sounds and Audio Devices" icon. (If you do not see such an icon, then in the upper left part of the Control Panel window, click on the inscription “Switch to classic view”). Now that the “Properties: Sounds and Audio Devices” window has opened, go to the “Audio” tab. On this tab, we need to click the “Volume” button in the “Sound Recording” section. Please note that if your computer has two sound cards installed, then in the “Default device” section we need to select the sound card to which the microphone is connected. After pressing the “Volume” button, a window will open in which we will need to, in the “Microphone” section, raise the volume control all the way up and check the box next to “Select”. Next, we close this window and, returning to the “Properties: Sounds and Audio Devices” window, in the “Sound Playback” section, click the “Volume” button. In the “Volume” window that opens, select “Options” in the top menu and click on “Properties” in the submenu that appears. The “Properties” window will open in which, in the “Display volume controls” section, check the box next to the “Microphone” item. Click “OK” and, returning to the “Volume” window, in the “Microphone” section that appears, set the checkbox to “Off”. If we need the sound from the microphone to be played in the speakers, then the “Off” checkbox needs to be unchecked and the volume slider set to maximum.
And a small conclusion. If you have configured everything correctly, then in the vast majority of programs you do not need to configure the microphone additionally. Sometimes you have to additionally configure the microphone in Skype. In order to set up a microphone in Skype, we need to launch Skype and in the main program window, click on the “Tools” menu item and select “Settings” in the submenu that appears. In the settings window that opens, on the left side we go to the “Sound Settings” section and now on the right side of the window we need to make sure that in the “Microphone” item the microphone we need is selected, check the “Allow automatic microphone setup” item in most cases It's best to leave it on (in this case, the sound volume will adapt to the volume of your voice). If during a conversation on Skype the interlocutor cannot hear you or hears you very poorly, then you should uncheck this box and adjust the microphone gain manually. So, having configured the microphone correctly, you can discuss with friends and colleagues on Skype crafts made from CDs and DVDs that you found on the online crafts website. Personally, I really liked them.
The built-in microphone may not work for a number of reasons. You may also wonder why the microphone is connected but not working if you are using an additional device. But first things first.
Why doesn't the built-in microphone work?
If your laptop does not see the microphone, then you will not be able to turn it on. First you need to open the device manager and look at the line “Sound, video and gaming devices" If there are yellow icons there, you need drivers, but only “native” ones.
After you download and install them, you can try to turn on and configure the microphone. But in Windows this problem is usually not solved. In this case, you need to open the Control Panel, Sound tab.
In the window that appears, click the “Record” tab. You will see one or more microphones. If the microphone is not configured correctly, it squeaks, hums, or is barely audible. Try setting it up.
Click on the “Properties” button and go to the “Levels” tab in the newly opened window, make adjustments to find the optimal sound.
If the laptop does not see the built-in microphone, you can try “rolling back” the system. Sometimes the problem is related to the contacts on the cable coming off. In this case, you need the help of a specialist with knowledge of electronics.
If the microphone on your laptop stops working and you are unable to influence it, you can purchase an external microphone and connect it, after first disabling the built-in one.
What to do if the external microphone does not work?
It must be said right away that if the microphone does not work during a conversation on Skype, then it is not Skype that is to blame, but the system settings. As a rule, there is no need to configure the microphone in the program - it is determined by the system itself. Of course, if you plug it into the correct audio card connector.
There is a special connector for a microphone on the side or front panel of the laptop - 
3.5 jack. Usually he has pink color, although the connectors are not always colored. In any case, it is marked with a graphic icon.
After connecting, you need to make sure that you have the audio driver installed. This process has been described above. After this, you need to make sure that the microphone has been defined in Windows. To do this, click on the sound icon on the toolbar. Having opened the Realtek manager, go to the “Microphone” tab and assign a new microphone to use as the default.
Similarly, you can configure the microphone through the Realtek manager if the laptop sees the microphone, but it does not work.
Many users are faced with the fact that it does not work. In this material we will look at several reasons that may lead to the fact that the microphone will not work on your computer.
Reason #1: Sound card drivers are not installed.
If you have, then the first thing you should check is the drivers for. After all, for normal operation sound, drivers for the sound card must be installed on the computer.
To make sure that sound card drivers are installed on your computer, press the key combination Win+R and in the window that appears, enter the command “ mmc devmgmt.msc" After this, the “ ” window will open in front of you. Here you need to open the section “ Sound, gaming and video devices"and see whether your sound card is displayed there or not.
If your sound card is not listed in this section of Device Manager or is displayed as “ Unknown device", then this means that you need to install drivers. If integrated, then drivers for it can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website motherboard, if the sound card is discrete, then you need to look for drivers on the website of its manufacturer.
Reason #2: The microphone is turned off or not connected correctly.
If everything is fine with your sound card drivers, but the microphone is still not working, then the next thing to check is whether it is enabled. Very often microphones have a special button that allows you to quickly mute the microphone. If there is such a button on your microphone, then click on it and check the microphone again.
You also need to make sure that your microphone is connected correctly. The microphone is always connected to the sound card connector that is highlighted pink. If your sound card does not have color designation, then perhaps next to the connector there is a small icon indicating an input for connecting a microphone.
On laptops, the microphone jack can be combined with the headphone jack. In this case, for the microphone to work properly, you will need a special splitter.
Reason number 3. in the settings.
If you have checked all of the above, but your microphone still does not work, then you should look at the system. To do this, right-click on the speaker icon on the taskbar and select the “Recording Devices” menu item.
After this, a window will open in front of you in which your microphone should be displayed. If it is not there, then the system does not see it and the cause of the malfunction must be looked for elsewhere. If there is a microphone, then select it with the mouse and click on the “Properties” button.
After this, a small window with microphone settings will appear. On the first tab, which is called “General”, you need to make sure that the “Use this device” option is selected at the bottom of the window. If everything is fine, then go to the “Levels” tab.
On the Levels tab, you can adjust the microphone volume and gain. If your microphone does not work, then try to the maximum, save the settings using the “Apply” button and test the microphone again. Perhaps your microphone is not working because it is too quiet.
Reason No. 4. Problems with the front panel.
There are also situations where the microphone does not work when connected to the front panel of the computer. While when using the connector on the rear panel everything is fine. If you have a similar problem, then you need to look for the cause of the front panel malfunction.
First, open the driver settings of your sound card and find there a switch between the front panel operating modes: AC97 and HD Audio. Try switching the front panel of your computer to a different mode and testing the microphone again.
It also cannot be ruled out that the front panel of the computer was incorrectly connected to the motherboard or was disconnected by mistake. In this case, you need to connect it again. The instructions from your motherboard will help you with this.
I'm getting questions about the microphone more and more often. This question is mainly related to Skype. And this is the question.
Why Microphone doesn't work on Skype? Many computer or laptop users face this problem when using Skype or programs like Raid Call, etc.
There are not many reasons why problems arise with the microphone; you can even count them on one hand. And the ways to eliminate them are not complicated if you have straight arms and patience. Let's count the list of problems:
- Microphone not working
- Incorrect connection
- Assignment of sockets realtek hd manager
- System microphone setting
- And the setting in the Skype program itself
Ways to troubleshoot Skype microphone not working
Microphone not working:
A rare but possible cause is a microphone not working. You can check whether the microphone works by connecting it to another computer. If it is faulty, replace it and check it.
Incorrect connection
Every computer and laptop has a microphone jack.
Mostly this connector is pink or red in color. And the microphone itself must be connected to this connector. Otherwise the microphone will not work.
Assigning sockets in realtek hd manager
Sometimes the reason for a microphone not working can be a change in the assignment of the jacks. To do this you need to produce. If your sound card is realtek hd then the manager can be found along the path, start-panel control, sound and equipment and at the end realtek hd.
We go in, right-click and change the assignment to microphone.
System microphone setting
There is another very important setting - “System microphone settings”. If the microphone does not work on Skype or in general you need to check the volume and decibel level. To do this, go to start, control panel, sound and equipment and sound
In the window that opens, go to the “record” tab
Now let's go to the masonry levels and take a look.
The volume level should be one hundred, and the decibel should be +0 and there should not be a red circle on the speaker next to the level.
And if you have a microphone the cost is 250 rubles. then set the following settings. The volume level is 80%, and the decibel is +20, while keeping the microphone at a distance from you and from the speakers and from the system unit.
And the setting in the Skype program itself
The last thing that remains is setting up the microphone in Skype. Go to Skype and open the settings menu
In this section we need a microphone. If you have several microphones, select the one you use. And add volume if it is missing. Then click save and check.
If after such actions the problem does not disappear, then I recommend
Reinstall the operating system windows systems. And if the problem occurs again, then your sound card is 100% burned out. Buy an external sound card and forget about the problem forever, forever!
I'm getting questions about the microphone more and more often. This question is mainly related to Skype. And this is the question.
Why Microphone doesn't work on Skype? Many computer or laptop users face this problem when using Skype or programs like Raid Call, etc.
There are not many reasons why problems arise with the microphone; you can even count them on one hand. And the ways to eliminate them are not complicated if you have straight arms and patience. Let's count the list of problems:
- Microphone not working
- Incorrect connection
- Assignment of sockets realtek hd manager
- System microphone setting
- And the setting in the Skype program itself
Ways to troubleshoot Skype microphone not working
Microphone not working:
A rare but possible cause is a microphone not working. You can check whether the microphone works by connecting it to another computer. If it is faulty, replace it and check it.
Incorrect connection
Every computer and laptop has a microphone jack.
Mostly this connector is pink or red in color. And the microphone itself must be connected to this connector. Otherwise the microphone will not work.
Assigning sockets in realtek hd manager
Sometimes the reason for a microphone not working can be a change in the assignment of the jacks. To do this you need to produce. If your sound card is realtek hd then the manager can be found along the path, start-panel control, sound and equipment and at the end realtek hd.
We go in, right-click and change the assignment to microphone.
System microphone setting
There is another very important setting - “System microphone settings”. If the microphone does not work on Skype or in general you need to check the volume and decibel level. To do this, go to start, control panel, sound and equipment and sound
In the window that opens, go to the “record” tab
Now let's go to the masonry levels and take a look.
The volume level should be one hundred, and the decibel should be +0 and there should not be a red circle on the speaker next to the level.
And if you have a microphone the cost is 250 rubles. then set the following settings. The volume level is 80%, and the decibel is +20, while keeping the microphone at a distance from you and from the speakers and from the system unit.
And the setting in the Skype program itself
The last thing that remains is setting up the microphone in Skype. Go to Skype and open the settings menu
In this section we need a microphone. If you have several microphones, select the one you use. And add volume if it is missing. Then click save and check.
If after such actions the problem does not disappear, then I recommend
Reinstall the Windows operating system. And if the problem occurs again, then your sound card is 100% burned out. Buy an external sound card and forget about the problem forever, forever!
Some users are faced with the problem of the microphone not working. Of course, this is not fatal, but quite unpleasant. Especially if you like to communicate via Skype or play team games Online Games. There can be many reasons why this happens. Therefore, today we will try to figure out why the microphone does not work on Windows computer XP and how to fix it.
How to connect a microphone
First, let's figure out how to properly connect a microphone. It's all very simple, especially if you've done it.
All these devices are connected to the system unit via a plug painted pink. In this case, the connector in the computer where you need to plug it in must have the same color.
For user convenience, each connector is colored differently. For example, for columns - green color, for the keyboard - purple, for the microphone, as already mentioned - pink. However, there may be system units with two connectors of the same color. In this case, try inserting the plug into each of them one by one. Typically, manufacturers place a microphone icon next to such a connector.
Sometimes the socket on the front panel of the computer may be incorrectly connected or completely disconnected from the motherboard. Therefore, if you are installing a microphone for the first time, it is better to immediately use the rear connector.
Next, we need to check the operation of the device. For this purpose, Windows operating systems have a standard Sound Recording utility. You can access it through the Start menu. By clicking on the button, follow the Standard link, where in the Entertainment folder you will find Sound Recording. Just in case, especially if you use them for Skype conversations.
How to troubleshoot Windows XP
Now let’s take a closer look at the situation, if the microphone does not work on a Windows xp computer, what to do in this case. This may be due to the fact that you did not connect the microphone to the computer in the system settings. It is believed that in Windows XP the settings are less convenient than, say, in Windows 7. However, in both cases, everything is quite simple if you know the approximate operating algorithm.
So, through the Start button, we go to the Control Panel. Here we click on the link Sounds and audio devices. If you can't find this icon, in Control Panel, click Switch to Classic View. After the tab menu opens, you need to go to Sound recordings using the Volume link. Here, in the Options link, you will need to select Properties.
In the window that appears, you will need to check the boxes for all devices that are connected to the computer. In our case, we need to remember to mark the microphone. If necessary, mark other items in the menu, CD, recording level, etc. Next, the microphone volume slider is set to the level you need.
Of particular note is the case when the computer has two sound cards installed. In such a situation, in the Default device item, select the sound card to which you will connect the microphone. Now you can check the device in operation. It may happen that after all your efforts, the sound on the computer will disappear completely, read what to do in this case.
These settings are sufficient to use most programs. However, some utilities may require additional settings. For example, for the Skype program you will need to launch it and open the Tools menu. Next, click on the Sound Settings link. In the Microphone item, you can leave the automatic settings or adjust the device volume yourself.
So that you can easily communicate with friends or do other activities that require a microphone, connect it to the system unit as described above. We have shown sample settings for Windows XP. For others operating systems steps may vary slightly.
Greetings to all readers, today we will look at an interesting situation. You bought yourself a microphone to chat with a friend on Skype, but it doesn’t work like that... of course it’s not pleasant and of course you don’t have a programmer friend who could help you. So what to do if the microphone does not work? Of course, you need to figure out what the reason is, and I will try to help you with this.
Due to the fact that laptops and typical system units have different structure, then I would like to clarify one nuance - in a laptop, unlike its big brother, there is a built-in microphone, so you will not be able to connect it incorrectly no matter how hard you try - it is almost always on... but in the personal computer we are used to, you can insert the connector into the wrong then a slot, or generally not working - after all, we have a lot of computer assembly professionals.
So, let's start troubleshooting. As I already said, laptops have no problems with the microphone when connecting, so we rule out the possibility of an incorrect connection. Let's move on to our big brother - here the crooked assemblers could have screwed up and not connected the front panel, this has happened very often in my practice, so we check the whole thing by connecting the microphone to the connector on the motherboard in order to certainly exclude possible connection problems.
What to do if the microphone does not work?
If everything is extremely simple with the connection, then Windows has its pitfalls. If the microphone does not work, then the first thing we do is go to the audio device settings (right click on the speaker icon next to the clock) and select “Recording devices” there
These days, almost every person uses a computer in one way or another. Some people read newspapers online, some just write and receive emails, some communicate with friends in chat rooms or social networks. Of course, the Internet is also indispensable for searching for any information. Still, most people use it for communication purposes. A large number of social networks have been created for this, from Facebook to Vkontakte. In addition to the ability to create your posts in the form of text, photos, links and commenting on the posts of others, they also offer the possibility of live communication through a microphone and even a video camera.
It is also impossible not to mention the founder of modern Internet communication technologies - Skype. It was created in 2003 and currently has more than half a billion registered users! That is, every day millions of people communicate via the Internet. This is definitely a positive fact, since people become closer despite distances, borders, cultural differences, and so on. However, sometimes such communication can be disrupted by microphone failure. In order to figure out why the microphone does not work, you need a little time and knowledge.
What could be the reasons?
So why isn't the microphone working? What could be the reasons? Nowadays, most laptops come with a built-in microphone, and only in rare cases does it not work for some reason. In any case, it makes sense to check it at the very beginning. To do this, use any sound recording program. Another option is to use Skype, which offers the ability to call technical support and automatically record your voice so you can then check the sound quality. The service phone number is automatically included in the contact list.
Connecting a microphone
As the famous cartoon character said: “Calm, only calm”! If the built-in microphone still does not work, you need to perform a couple of simple operations. In your computer's Control Panel (located in "My Computer"), go to the "Hardware and Sound - Manage Sound Devices" section and then select the "Recording" tab. In the list that opens, select a microphone, right-click and click “Enable”. If there is not a single microphone in the list, right-click on the “Recordings” field and check the two sections - “Show disconnected devices” and “Show disconnected devices”. After that, a microphone will appear in the list, which you need to connect using the above steps.
Checking the sound quality
After connecting the microphone, you should check the sound quality. If it doesn't suit you, you can always connect an external microphone. To do this, find two round sockets, usually green and red, on the side or back of the laptop. The microphone jack is red. The device plug is inserted into it. Typically, connecting an external microphone will automatically disable the built-in microphone. If for some reason this does not happen on your computer, disable the built-in microphone manually using the instructions above (only in this case you will need to select “Disable” instead of “Enable”). After connecting an external microphone, it’s also a good idea to check the sound quality. To do this, use any sound recording program on your computer or Skype.
And again about why the microphone (this time external) does not work...
If the external microphone also does not work, you again need to figure out why. One of the possible reasons is that the plug was inserted into the wrong socket (it must be inserted into the red socket or, if it is not marked with a color, into the one with a small microphone next to it). It happens that the contact does not work, then the plug must be removed and then reinserted into the socket. Also try twisting the plug while tapping the microphone or repeating "one and one" to check the sound. If your computer is not new, the socket may be damaged. In this case, you will need to contact a specialist. And finally, the last reason why the microphone (external) does not work may be a manufacturing defect. If you recently purchased a microphone and still have your receipt, you will need to exchange it at the store where you bought it. This time, ask the seller to test the new microphone and make sure everything works.
Has your microphone stopped working? It's not a common problem, but it's not particularly rare either. There are many reasons why this happened, and a banal breakdown requiring equipment replacement is just one of them. Sometimes things can be much simpler. The article will discuss options for why the microphone stopped working on a laptop or computer, what can be done about it, and in the most tragic case, how the microphone is repaired.
Microphone not included
Oddly enough, absent-mindedness is sometimes the cause of many troubles. So, the microphone may be in perfect condition and ready to work, but simply not be turned on.
How to check if this is not true and that the microphone has stopped working due to the forgetfulness of the owner of all the equipment? To do this, you need to go to the “Recording devices” tab (it can be found in the menu that appears if you right-click on the speaker image in the panel at the bottom of the screen), and the PC itself will display on the display all available microphones for recording and their current status.
The same can be checked in the “Device Manager” (you can find it by searching for “Windows”).
Driver problem
Also, the microphone may stop working if the drivers for it are installed incorrectly, are outdated, or do not exist at all. You can check this manually in Device Manager. But a microphone program can also help with this; it will automatically find the necessary executables on the Internet and install them on the PC.
There is another advantage to using it. A microphone program (correctly chosen, of course) can diagnose the condition of recording devices, identify problems and give advice on how to fix them.
Weak microphone
How will the user know that the microphone has stopped working? You can't hear him on the recording. But there is an option that the performance is not impaired, the signal is simply insufficient and the voice (or any other sound) is ultimately not perceived by the device and, as a result, is not reproduced. This problem can be solved using the option in the settings of this equipment. You will need to check the box next to the function.
Incorrect software settings
Maybe the microphone works when using the standard Voice Recorder from Windows, but does not want to do this at all in Skype? Then the problem is not in it, but in the configuration of this service.
The microphone in Skype is configured separately, using the “Tools” tab in the top menu of the program. You should make sure that everything is correct there and all the boxes are checked, so that later you won’t be surprised why the microphone stopped working.
Microphone not selected as primary device
If the microphone refuses to work in online recording services (vokaru-type voice recorders or online webcam recording), then it may not be selected as the main recording device. The best option- agree with what the site itself offers. This means to allow the input device (in in this case- recordings) and check the boxes if the microphone is selected by default.
Line input failure (for externally connected recording devices)
If an externally connected microphone stops working, the problem may not be with it, but with the line input. It’s very easy to check: firstly, try using the PC’s “native” recording device, and secondly, you can connect an external microphone to another device (any other laptop, tablet, smartphone, computer, etc.). If there is a problem with the linear input, well, you will have to take it in for repair.
Incorrect connection
This reason also applies to microphones that are connected separately. If there is only one on a laptop - for a headset, recording device and headphones, it is very problematic to confuse it with any other. But if there are two inputs - separately for headphones and for a microphone - it is quite possible. You should make sure that the connection is correct before you start to panic.
for performance
So, if the user is actively searching for the reason why the microphone stopped working, he will be forced to constantly check it. Standard Features Windows (any version) allows you to do this in real time.
You just need to go to the “Recording devices” tab (how to do this was already written in the same article a little earlier), select the appropriate one and find the “Listen” option in the parameters. Place a checkmark next to it. Done - now all sounds received by the microphone will be simultaneously output to the PC speakers.
There you can also find other configurations of the recording device: experiment with microphone gain, noise reduction and everything else.
If this did happen
It is possible that there is another reason why the microphone stopped working, which was already mentioned at the very beginning. If it's broken, that's also possible.
The likelihood increases if:
In this case, the microphone (if it comes separately from the PC) or the entire laptop will have to be taken to a service center, where they can provide professional assistance.
Microphone repair can be quick or lengthy (depending on the severity of the damage). The price also varies widely, depending on which recording device needs to be repaired and why it broke.
Finally
If the microphone stops working, the main thing is not to despair and not to panic, but instead to go through the main points and figure out why this could happen. They are all presented in the article. Careful and attentive inspection will ensure (in most cases) that both the recording device and the nerves are preserved. For every case of real microphone failure, there are ten mishaps that occur due to pure absent-mindedness.
Many users are faced with the fact that it does not work. In this material we will look at several reasons that may lead to the fact that the microphone will not work on your computer.
Reason #1: Sound card drivers are not installed.
If you have, then the first thing you should check is the drivers for. After all, for sound to work properly, drivers for the sound card must be installed on the computer.
To make sure that sound card drivers are installed on your computer, press the key combination Win+R and in the window that appears, enter the command “ mmc devmgmt.msc" After this, the “ ” window will open in front of you. Here you need to open the section “ Sound, gaming and video devices"and see whether your sound card is displayed there or not.
If your sound card is not listed in this section of Device Manager or is displayed as an “Unknown Device,” then this means that you need to install drivers. If it is integrated, then the drivers for it can be downloaded from the motherboard manufacturer’s website, but if the sound card is discrete, then the drivers need to be looked for on the website of its manufacturer.
Reason #2: The microphone is turned off or not connected correctly.
If everything is fine with your sound card drivers, but the microphone is still not working, then the next thing to check is whether it is enabled. Very often microphones have a special button that allows you to quickly mute the microphone. If there is such a button on your microphone, then click on it and check the microphone again.
You also need to make sure that your microphone is connected correctly. The microphone is always connected to the sound card connector, which is highlighted in pink. If your sound card does not have a color designation, then there may be a small icon next to the connector indicating an input for connecting a microphone.
On laptops, the microphone jack can be combined with the headphone jack. In this case, for the microphone to work properly, you will need a special splitter.
Reason number 3. in the settings.
If you have checked all of the above, but your microphone still does not work, then you should look at the system. To do this, right-click on the speaker icon on the taskbar and select the “Recording Devices” menu item.
After this, a window will open in front of you in which your microphone should be displayed. If it is not there, then the system does not see it and the cause of the malfunction must be looked for elsewhere. If there is a microphone, then select it with the mouse and click on the “Properties” button.
After this, a small window with microphone settings will appear. On the first tab, which is called “General”, you need to make sure that the “Use this device” option is selected at the bottom of the window. If everything is fine, then go to the “Levels” tab.
On the Levels tab, you can adjust the microphone volume and gain. If your microphone does not work, then try to the maximum, save the settings using the “Apply” button and test the microphone again. Perhaps your microphone is not working because it is too quiet.
Reason No. 4. Problems with the front panel.
There are also situations where the microphone does not work when connected to the front panel of the computer. While when using the connector on the rear panel everything is fine. If you have a similar problem, then you need to look for the cause of the front panel malfunction.
First, open the driver settings of your sound card and find there a switch between the front panel operating modes: AC97 and HD Audio. Try switching the front panel of your computer to a different mode and testing the microphone again.