Fixing Voice Chat Issues in Valorant on Windows 10 and 11: 6 Proven Solutions

Valorant is a highly competitive team-based shooter that has captured the interest of global gamers. Nonetheless, players often encounter the frustrating issue of voice chat not functioning correctly on their Windows 10 and 11 PCs. Reports from various platforms, especially Reddit, reveal that many players are unable to communicate effectively due to sudden voice chat failures. For instance, one user mentioned their voice chat stops working after only a minute in-game, making coordination with teammates nearly impossible. This article outlines six effective strategies to troubleshoot and resolve these voice chat issues.

1. Check In-Game Voice Chat Settings​

Before delving into extensive troubleshooting, ensure that the voice chat settings within Valorant are configured correctly. Voice chat settings can often reset after updates or changes in configuration. Follow these steps to check the settings:

• Launch Valorant.
• Click on the gear icon () to open the menu.
• Navigate to Settings > Audio > Voice Chat.
• Ensure that the Team Voice Chat and Party Voice Chat options are set to On.
• Adjust the Party Voice During Custom Game setting to On as well.
• Check that the correct input and output devices are selected. Either set them to Default Communications Device or manually choose your preferred devices.
• Increase the Mic Volume and Incoming Volume sliders as necessary. Validating these settings can resolve many common issues related to voice communications.

  2. Allow Microphone Access for Desktop Apps​

  It's crucial to confirm that your Windows settings permit microphone access for desktop applications, including Valorant. If this access is disabled, the game won't capture your microphone input, resulting in voice chat failures. Here’s how to ensure microphone access is permitted:
• Open the Start Menu, type microphone privacy settings, and select the corresponding search result.
• Toggle the Microphone access option to On.
• Under the Let apps access your microphone section, ensure that it’s also enabled.
• For Windows 10 users, click on Change to make adjustments there if needed.
• Enable the Allow desktop apps to access your microphone option. These simple steps can significantly improve your interaction with voice chat features in Valorant.

  3. Turn Off Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)​

  Some players have found success in resolving voice chat issues after disabling Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6). This setting can sometimes lead to connection problems with the micro-servers used for voice chat. To disable IPv6:
• Open the Run dialog (Windows + R) and type ncpa.cpl then hit Enter.
• Right-click on your active network adapter and select Properties.
• Uncheck the Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) option.
• Click OK to apply the settings. Disabling IPv6 might allow for better communication stability within Valorant.

  4. Set a Google Public DNS​

  Switching to Google's Public DNS can also help in resolving voice chat connection issues. This DNS configuration may enhance connectivity between your device and Valorant servers. Here's how:
• Follow the first three steps outlined in the previous IPv6 fix.
• Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties.
• Choose the option Use the following DNS server addresses.
• Input the Preferred DNS server as 8.8.8.8 and the Alternate DNS server as 8.8.4.4.
• Click OK to finalize these settings.
• Run Command Prompt as an administrator and type ipconfig /flushdns to refresh the DNS settings. This configuration change might help improve voice chat reliability during gameplay.

  5. Change Sound Settings in Windows​

  Misconfigured sound settings are often at the root of audio issues in games. Follow these steps to ensure that your audio settings are optimal for Valorant:
• Access the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R and entering mmsys.cpl,,1 to open the Sound settings.
• Click on the Recording tab and identify your microphone.
• Right-click on it and select Set as Default Device to make sure your chosen microphone is active.
• Click on Properties and then go to the Advanced tab. Change the default format to 41000 Hz (CD Quality).
• Deselect the option Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device.
• Adjust the Levels tab to ensure your microphone is not muted and that the volumes are adequately set.
• Apply all changes and confirm the settings. This method often resolves audio inconsistencies that can affect in-game communications.

  6. Disable Background Apps and Services​

  Finally, interference from other applications running in the background can occasionally disrupt voice chat. Third-party applications, especially those that utilize audio resources (like Discord or Skype), can cause conflicts. You can mitigate this by performing a clean boot:
• Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
• In the System Configuration window, navigate to the Services tab.
• Check Hide all Microsoft services to avoid disabling essential Windows processes.
• Click on Disable all to turn off unwanted services that could interfere.
• Open the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager. From there, disable unnecessary startup programs. This clean environment can significantly enhance game performance, including voice chat functionality.

  Additional Suggestions​

  While the solutions above should address most common issues related to Valorant’s voice chat, here are a few more troubleshooting methods you might consider:
• Check Firewall Settings: Make sure that Valorant is allowed through Windows Defender Firewall or any third-party security software you may be using.
• Reset Network Settings: Sometimes, resetting your network configurations can help overcome persistent connectivity issues.
• Run as Administrator: Launch Valorant with administrative privileges to ensure it has necessary access to system resources. If none of these methods work, reaching out to Valorant support for personalized assistance may provide more specific solutions tailored to your scenario.

  Conclusion​

  Voice chat is an essential feature for collaborating and strategizing in Valorant. Issues with this feature can significantly impact your gaming experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve most voice chat problems commonly experienced on Windows systems. Whether it's adjusting audio settings, enabling microphone access, or performing system checks, these strategies aim to restore functionality and enhance your gameplay experience.

  Source​

  The insights provided in this article are derived from a detailed guide featured on KeenGamer .