USB Computer Microphone Not Working in Windows 10 (SOLVED)

Not all microphones connect via the audio jack on a laptop or PC. The audio jack is the commonly used port for a wide range of audio devices but some devices can and do use a USB port. These microphones aren’t any less capable than those that use an audio jack. In fact, many of them offer better sound quality.

FIX: USB Microphone Not Working (Windows 10)

Devices that connect over a USB port are easy to use. Drivers for them are normally generic ones and they’re already present making the device plug & play. That said, if USB microphone you’ve connected to your system isn’t working or if you’ve connected a microphone via an audio jack to USB adapter and it isn’t detected, try the fixes below.

1. Restart app/system

If you connected the USB mic to your system after opening the app you intend to use it in, it is possible the app cannot detect the new device.

1. Disconnect the microphone from the system.
2. Close the app you want to use it with.
3. Connect the microphone to the system.
4. Open the app and check if the mic is detected.

If this doesn’t work, try the same steps but with the system.

1. Disconnect the mic from the system.
2. Shut the system down.
3. Connect the mic to the system.
4. Boot the system up.
5. Open an app and check if the mic is detected.

2. Select the microphone from Sounds

The mic may have been set up correctly but it may not be set as the preferred device or the default device on Windows 10. You need to set it as the default device from the Sound settings.

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Go to Hardware & sound.
3. Click Sounds.
4. Go to the Recording tab.
5. Right-click the mic and select Set as default device.
6. Restart the system and check if the mic is detected.

3. Reinstall USB Microphone

Reinstalling the Microphone may help resolve issues with it. 

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Audio Inputs and Outputs
3. Right-click the USB mic and select Uninstall device.
4. Disconnect the mic.
5. Connect the mic again.
6. Windows 10 will detect and install drivers for the device.

4. Run hardware troubleshooter

Problems with the USB port may be one reason the mic isn’t working. To troubleshoot the UBS port you have to run the hardware troubleshooter.

1. Tap the Win+R keyboard shortcut to open the Run box.
2. In the run box, enter msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and tap the enter key.
3. Run the Hardware troubleshooter and apply all fixes that it recommends.
4. Restart the system and connect the mic again.

5. Run audio troubleshooter

The audio problems may not have to do with the USB port. Instead, other audio-related settings may need to be checked in order for the mic to work. The easiest way to check and fix problems with audio settings is to run the audio troubleshooter.

1. Open the Settings app with the Win+I keyboard shortcut.
2. Go to Update & Security.
3. Select the Troubleshoot tab.
4. Click Additional troubleshooters.
5. Select and run the Audio troubleshooter.
6. Apply all fixes that it recommends.
7. Restart the system and use your mic.

6. Check power source

Some devices, including mics, that can connect via the USB port need an external power source. Check if your mic needs either an external power source or not. It will come with the appropriate cable and directions on how to connect it. Try connecting it to the same USB port that you use to charge device i.e., the charging port on a Windows 10 system.

Conclusion

USB mics often offer better audio quality than those that connect over the audio jack. This holds especially true for cheaper mics. A more expensive mic will work well regardless of the port that it uses. You should also check if the mic model you’re using has any known issues with it. Check forums dedicated to the device and its set up and make sure you’ve done everything to set it up correctly. 

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Fatima Wahab

Fatima has been writing for AddictiveTips for six years. She began as a junior writer and has been working as the Editor in Chief since 2014. Fatima gets an adrenaline rush from figuring out how technology works, and how to manipulate it. A well-designed app, something that solves a common everyday problem and looks

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