If your microphone is not detected, shows up with a warning icon, or stopped working after an update, the driver is often the problem. Windows 10 usually installs microphone drivers automatically, but sometimes you need to reinstall, update, or download one from the manufacturer. This guide covers every way to install a microphone driver on Windows 10, and the settings to check afterward so your mic actually works.
Quick Answer
Right-click Start and open Device Manager. Expand Audio inputs and outputs, right-click your microphone, and choose Update driver > Search automatically for drivers. If that does not help, choose Uninstall device and restart; Windows reinstalls the driver. For built-in laptop mics, download the audio driver from your PC maker's support site.
Which Driver Do You Need?
| Microphone type | Driver source |
|---|---|
| Built-in laptop or webcam mic | Audio or camera driver from the PC maker, or Windows Update |
| Headset plugged into the audio jack | Your PC's audio (sound card) driver |
| USB microphone or USB headset | Usually built into Windows (USB Audio); some models have optional software |
| Bluetooth headset | Bluetooth driver from the PC maker plus Windows' built-in headset support |
| Audio interface (XLR mics) | The interface manufacturer's driver |
Method 1: Update the Driver in Device Manager
- Right-click Start and choose Device Manager.
- Expand Audio inputs and outputs (and Sound, video and game controllers).
- Right-click your microphone and choose Update driver.
- Click Search automatically for drivers.
- Restart if prompted.
Method 2: Reinstall the Driver
- In Device Manager, right-click the microphone (or the audio device under Sound, video and game controllers).
- Choose Uninstall device and confirm. Do not check the option to delete driver software unless you have a replacement ready.
- Restart the PC. Windows detects the device and reinstalls the driver.
If the mic does not reappear, click Action > Scan for hardware changes in Device Manager.
Method 3: Windows Update
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Click View optional updates > Driver updates and install any audio drivers listed.
Method 4: Download From the Manufacturer
- Go to your PC or motherboard maker's support website and enter your model or serial number.
- Download the latest audio driver for Windows 10 (and the Bluetooth driver for Bluetooth headsets).
- Run the installer and restart.
For USB mics and audio interfaces, check the microphone maker's site for drivers or control software.
Method 5: Use the Generic Windows Driver
If a manufacturer driver causes problems, try the built-in one: in Device Manager, choose Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers > Let me pick from a list, and select High Definition Audio Device (or USB Audio Device).
After Installing: Check These Settings
- Privacy: go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone and turn on Allow apps to access your microphone and Allow desktop apps to access your microphone.
- Input device: go to Settings > System > Sound, choose the right microphone under Input, and speak to test the level meter.
- Not disabled: in Sound Control Panel > Recording, right-click and check Show Disabled Devices; enable the mic if needed.
- Volume: click Device properties and raise the input volume.
Troubleshooting
The microphone does not appear in Device Manager
Try another USB port or cable, check for a hardware mute switch, and make sure the mic is not disabled in your laptop's BIOS or privacy switch.
Yellow warning icon
Open the device's Properties to see the error code, then reinstall the driver from the manufacturer.
Run the troubleshooter
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Recording Audio.
Related: Hear yourself on your mic in Windows 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do USB microphones need drivers?
Most work with Windows' built-in USB audio driver. Some include optional software for extra features.
Why did my mic stop working after an update?
The update may have replaced the audio driver or reset privacy settings. Check both, or roll back the driver in Device Manager.
Is there a separate microphone driver?
Usually no. Built-in mics use the audio driver.
Summary
- Update the mic in Device Manager.
- Uninstall and restart to reinstall the driver.
- Install audio drivers from Windows Update or your PC maker.
- Check microphone privacy, input device, and volume settings.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.