Windows detects the microphone but doesn't record audio: step-by-step solution

When Windows detects the microphone but it doesn't record audio, it's usually due to permissions issues, device selection problems, audio levels, driver issues, or an app conflict. This guide provides a clear and simple step-by-step solution. identify the cause so you can record normally on your PC.

Windows detects the microphone, but doesn't record audio: step-by-step solution

The first thing you should do if Windows detects the microphone but it's not recording audio is to identify where the problem is. When this It happens in a specific application., It's most likely a permissions issue. (which is very easy to solve). However, if this happens in all system applications, there are other alternatives that can help you. Let's see.

Rapid diagnosis

If the microphone you are using has a physical (wired) connection, this is the first thing you should check. Make sure it is properly plugged into the PCAnd if it connects via Bluetooth, then check that the Bluetooth pairing is in place between both devices. The following will also help you perform a quick diagnosis:

• Test the hardware on another computerConnect the microphone to another PC or mobile device to rule out a physical failure of the device.
• Check that the microphone is not mutedRepair the mute buttons on both your PC and your microphone or headphones. If it's muted, your recordings won't be saved no matter how hard you try.
• Identify whether the problem is with the system or an app.Use the Voice Recorder and a video call. If the microphone works in one app but not another, then the problem lies with permissions or settings in that particular app.

Check your Windows settings

Once you have identified the reason why Windows It detects the microphone, but it's not recording audio; you need to continue with step number 2: Review Windows settingsFrom there, you can see which apps have access to the microphone, select it as the primary device, and run the troubleshooter. Below, we've outlined step-by-step what to do in each case:

• Enable microphone permissionsGo to Settings – Privacy and security – Microphone. Enable “Microphone access” and “Allow apps to access your microphone.” If you're using it in a desktop application, also enable “Allow desktop applications to access your microphone.” Take this opportunity to check each application individually to ensure it has permission to use the microphone.
• Select the correct deviceGo to Settings – System – Sound – Input – “Choose a device to speak or record”. Select your microphone. In Properties, tap “Start test”, speak, and tap “Play” to hear the sample.
• Run the audio troubleshooterIn Settings – System – Sound, scroll down to “Advanced” and run “Input Devices” to perform an automatic diagnostic.

Adjust the levels if Windows detects the microphone but it's not recording audio.

Did you know that the microphone also has an input "volume"? If this level is set to 0, then nothing you say will be recorded. Therefore, in Input Device Properties, Adjust the microphone volume and disables any panel mute.

You can also try disabling "Audio Enhancements" and try again. Sometimes these enhancements can override or distort the sound capture. Additionally, you can deactivate “Allow applications to take exclusive control"to prevent one app from blocking the microphone for others."

Audio Controllers and Services

Another reason why Windows detects the microphone but doesn't record audio is that the sound drivers are outdatedTo update it, follow the steps below:

1. Right-click on the Windows Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Next, expand “Sound, video and gaming devices”.
3. Right-click on your microphone's name and select Update driver to automatically check for updates.
4. You can also manually search for the latest driver from your microphone brand's official website.

Something else you can do if Windows detects the microphone but it's not recording audio is Restart the audio service in Windows using PowerShell with administrator privilegesTo achieve this, do the following:

1. Search for PowerShell in Start and choose Run as administrator.
2. Check the service status by copying the following command: Get-Service -Name audiosrv, AudioEndpointBuilder
3. Then, to perform a basic service restart, copy the following command: Restart-Service -Name audiosrv and you're done.

What to do if the problem continues

If you've already tried everything above and Windows still detects the microphone but isn't recording audio, there are a few more checks you can perform. Here are some others. There are both physical and configurational alternatives to fix the problem.:

• Try another port/cable and remove hidden devicesTry a different USB port to see if the problem lies with one of the ports. You can also uninstall and reinstall the device in Device Manager. To do this, remove it, reconnect it, and it will automatically reinstall.
• Restore sound settingsAfter resetting the sound settings (using PowerShell as explained above), repeat the selection of the default device and levels.
• Confirm correct Bluetooth profileIf you're using Bluetooth headphones/microphone, use the hands-free profile for recording. Make sure both devices are properly connected.
• Select your microphone as default.Right-click on the volume icon – Sound settings – Advanced options – More sound options – Record. Make sure your microphone is selected as the default. If it isn't, right-click on it and then right-click on "Set as default device" – Apply and OK.

Windows detects the microphone, but doesn't record audio: conclusion

In conclusion, when Windows detects the microphone but it's not recording audio, the solution is to check the permissions, select the correct device, adjust the levels, and restart the sound services. With a step-by-step approach, It is possible to identify the true cause and restore functionality.This way, your system will be ready to make clear recordings without annoying interruptions.