Solve PC Sound-Audio-Microphone Issues

Solve PC Sound-Audio-Microphone Issues

No Sound

  1. Click speaker in bottom-right system tray, increase volume by dragging needle & you should hear a ding:
     or 
  2. No audible ding? Check physical speaker volume nob:
    1. Dell round ones have a dial on the top (usually left), right/clockwise will increase the volume
    2. Headphones may have a volume dial on the wire
  3. Try bottom-right speaker volume again. If you get a ding, but app/website still isn’t working you’ll need to look for a speaker there to unmute or increase volume
    1. Hovering over video on website usually shows a speaker & volume on bottom
  4. No audible ding? After you click speaker in bottom-right if you see an arrow after the text click it & change to anything that doesn’t say Intel, Display, GFX, or Graphics
     or 
  5. If using speakers not built-in follow the wires from the speaker to confirm it goes to the green jack on the PC tower. Confirm the other wire (likely power) is connected as well
  6. All else fails, try a restart. Automatic updates on PC's now include things like sound that require a reboot, but don't also tell you

Microphone isn't working

  1. Right-click speaker in bottom-right by date/time, click 'Sound settings':
  2. Scroll down to Input (in the System>Sound settings window that opens up). Click the arrow next to the microphone you would like to use:
    Note: Realtek is usually microphone inside laptop, otherwise you'll see the brand name of your corded webcam or headset in here

  3. Input volume will show a moving thicker bar as you talk if the microphone is working. You can also Start test
  4. All else fails, restart your PC. Automatic updates on PC's now include things like sound that require a reboot, but don't also tell you. You can trigger these updates with steps in this article: Update Windows Computer OS & Software

Microphone blue bar shows its working, but doesn't work in my app/program

  1. Confirm microphone isn't muted. Video meeting hosts can sometimes disallow microphones
  2. Verify privacy feature didn't block microphone
    1. Click Windows Start button 
    2. Settings
    3. Privacy & security
    4. Microphone
    5. Ensure the app you are using is 'On' for microphone access:

Windows 10 methods

Microphone isn't working

  1. Right-click speaker in bottom-right by date/time, click 'Open Sound settings'
  2. Input section, 'Test your microphone' will show a blue bar as you talk if the microphone is working
    1. Most laptops have built-in microphones & many webcams do now as well however its possible your PC may not have a microphone
  3. Input allows you to change your microphone (i.e. 'input device')
    1. If you shut your laptop lid its best to have a corded webcam & select that microphone (brand). If you don't have corded webcam keep your laptop lid open for best microphone sound
  4. All else fails, try a restart. Automatic updates on PC's now include things like sound that require a reboot, but don't also tell you

Related Articles

Change webcam, mic, speakers in video call
Troubleshoot video call/meeting cam, speaker, microphone
Share Sound from your Computer in a Video Meeting

References

  1. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/how-to-set-up-and-test-microphones-in-windows-ba9a4aab-35d1-12ee-5835-cccac7ee87a4
  2. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/fix-microphone-problems-5f230348-106d-bfa4-1db5-336f35576011
  3. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/fix-sound-or-audio-problems-in-windows-73025246-b61c-40fb-671a-2535c7cd56c8