Thanks for the screenshot—your explanation is actually quite clear!
From what you’ve described:
- Windows detects your microphone (the volume bar moves when you make noise into it).
- But when you run the Windows microphone test (where it should play back your recorded voice), you hear nothing.
This is a surprisingly common issue. Here’s a step-by-step troubleshooting guide:
1. Double-Check Playback Device
When you test the mic, Windows plays your recorded voice through your default playback device (speakers/headphones). If you have the wrong playback/output device selected, you won't hear anything.
- Right-click the speaker icon in your taskbar → “Open Sound settings”
- Under "Output," check that the correct audio device (headphones or speakers you’re using) is selected.
2. Privacy Settings (Windows 11)
If the mic works in the volume bar but not in playback, sometimes mic access is restricted for the app.
- Go to Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone
- Make sure “Microphone access” and “Let apps access your microphone” are ON.
3. Enhance Microphone/Listen Features
Go to Control Panel > Sound > Recording tab, select your mic > Properties:
- Under the “Listen” tab: Try enabling “Listen to this device.” If you hear yourself, the mic and playback are both working.
- Under the “Levels” tab: Ensure the mic isn’t muted and is set to a reasonable level.
- Under the “Advanced” tab, ensure "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device" is checked.
4. Test Mic in Other Apps
- Open Voice Recorder (built into Windows).
- Record something. If playback works here, it's a Windows test bug or permissions issue.
5. Check App-Specific Settings
If you’re only having issues in certain apps (e.g., Discord, Teams), check their internal audio settings for the correct input/output devices.
6. Update Sound Drivers
- Right-click Start → Device Manager → Audio inputs and outputs
- Right-click your mic and speakers → Update drivers
Final Thoughts
If the volume bar is responding, your mic hardware is working. Most likely, it's a Windows playback device mix-up or a privacy setting blocking the test playback.
Let me know if any of the above helps, or if you get stuck at any step. If possible, specify whether this issue is only in the Windows Settings test or in all apps, and if your headset/speakers output sound properly in general. This will help narrow it down even further!
