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Microphone Not Working Due to Privacy Settings in Windows 11 or Windows 10

Summary: This article provides information about how to resolve microphone issues caused due to privacy settings in Windows 11 or Windows 10.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.

Symptoms

If your microphone suddenly stops working, but the microphone is listed in Device Manager. You've tested other microphones and they are having the same problem. You checked and the audio levels are set as they should be and the microphone is not muted. However when you run the Microphone Wizard it gives the following error.

Wizard could not launch error when accessing the microphone

Figure 1: The Wizard could not start

Cause

The privacy settings for microphone in Windows 11 or Windows 10 might prevent apps and websites from using the microphone of your computer. Privacy settings give you control over which apps and websites can use your microphone.

Resolution

This error is usually tied to privacy issues in Windows 11 or Windows 10. Follow these steps to resolve microphone-related issues.

  1. Using the start menu, open Settings

  2. Go to Privacy

  3. Scroll down the left-hand side and select Microphone under App Permissions

  4. Toggle on Allow apps to access your microphone

  5. Test that this has resolved your error.

Additional Information

Affected Products

Alienware, Inspiron, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series, G Series, Alienware, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations
Article Properties
Article Number: 000133024
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 21 Dec 2023
Version:  5
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