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Set up and test a microphone
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Connect the microphone
Connect a wired microphone or turn on a wireless one. For a Bluetooth headset or microphone, make sure Bluetooth is on and put the device into pairing mode using its manufacturer’s instructions. Pair it in Windows through Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices > Add device, then follow the prompts. You can also pair through Quick Settings. Keep the device near the PC while pairing. Microsoft’s instruction is: “If it’s a Bluetooth microphone, select Add device and follow the prompts.” Microsoft’s microphone setup guide explains the Windows setup path.
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Select the recording input
Go to Settings > System > Sound and find the microphone under Input. Select the device you intend to use. Pairing a Bluetooth headset does not necessarily select its microphone as Windows’ recording input.
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Run the Windows microphone test
Open the selected input’s properties and choose Start test. Speak normally, select Stop test, then choose Play to listen to the sample. If the recording is too quiet, adjust Input volume and test again. This checks whether Windows receives audio from the selected microphone before you troubleshoot a particular app.
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Allow Windows apps to use the microphone
If the Windows test works but an app cannot hear you, check privacy permissions at Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone. Turn on Microphone access and Let apps access your microphone. Enable access for the relevant Store app if it appears in the list. For desktop programs, turn on Let desktop apps access your microphone. Microsoft notes: “To use your microphone with apps on Windows 11, you’ll need to turn on some permissions in Privacy & security settings.” See Microsoft’s microphone permissions guide.
Then check the app itself: it may have its own microphone selector or permission setting. For a browser-based call, the browser and the individual website may also ask for microphone access. App controls differ, so a successful Windows test does not establish that every app is configured to use the same input.
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Bluetooth & devices is not the microphone selector
Bluetooth & devices is where you pair and manage Bluetooth hardware. To choose a recording device, use Settings > System > Sound > Input. Mobile devices manages connected phones and tablets and related features such as syncing, hotspot, and tethering. A phone listed there is not, by that fact alone, configured as a Windows microphone. Microsoft documents phone integration and microphone input as separate settings areas: see its Mobile devices guidance and microphone setup instructions. The documented Mobile devices features are not a route for selecting a phone’s built-in microphone as the PC input.
Troubleshoot a microphone Windows or an app cannot hear
The microphone does not appear under Input
- Reconnect the microphone or restart it, then look again under Settings > System > Sound > Input.
- For Bluetooth, check that the device is charged, powered on, within range, and in pairing mode; also confirm Bluetooth is enabled on the PC.
- If Windows cannot discover the device, review Bluetooth device discovery settings. Microsoft’s troubleshooting guide describes Default and Advanced discovery levels.
The Bluetooth device is listed but will not connect
- Remove the device from Windows and add it again. Toggle Bluetooth, check that Airplane mode is off, and make sure the headset or microphone has charge.
- If it still fails, try the Bluetooth troubleshooter and check for current drivers from the PC or device manufacturer. Microsoft lists configuration, drivers, the device itself, distance, and battery as possible causes. See Microsoft’s Bluetooth troubleshooting guide.
The Windows test records no sound
- Check the device’s physical mute switch and verify that the intended microphone is selected under Input.
- Run the test again after checking the input level. If Windows still does not detect the microphone, follow Microsoft’s microphone troubleshooting guidance, which points to audio-driver troubleshooting when needed.
Windows hears the microphone, but one app does not
- Confirm microphone access is enabled in Privacy & security > Microphone and that the app is set to the same input device that passed the Windows test.
- Check the app’s own permission and input controls. For a website, verify permission in both the browser and the site.
- For desktop programs, use the desktop-app access toggle; they are not managed by individual Store-app switches.
Voice typing does not hear you
Confirm the correct device is selected under Sound > Input, check its input level, and verify microphone access. If the built-in microphone is inadequate, Microsoft suggests trying a headset or external microphone. See Microsoft’s voice-typing guidance.
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Bluetooth LE Audio is a separate compatibility question
Basic Bluetooth pairing does not mean a PC supports Bluetooth LE Audio. Microsoft specifies Windows 11 version 22H2 or newer, compatible Bluetooth LE hardware, a compatible audio codec, and manufacturer drivers. If Use LE Audio when available is missing from the device settings, Microsoft says support may be limited by hardware or by missing or incompatible drivers. Check Microsoft’s LE Audio information before assuming a headset or PC can use it.
Quick Recap
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