No Audio (Microphone or Speakers) Detected in Windows

SUMMARY
Audio input devices (microphones) and output devices (speakers) may not be detected by Windows or software applications such as Zoom, Teams, or Echo360.

 

This type of situation can be related to hardware (ex: a faulty microphone or cable connection) or software (ex: a misconfigured setting). Here are some common troubleshooting steps to take when microphones or speakers are not detected inside software applications.

Ensure Microphone and Speakers are Plugged In

If you are using an external microphone (typically a USB-connected headset or webcam), it is a good idea to remove the cable from the port, then re-insert it to ensure it is completely inserted. If you have an external speaker bar attached to your monitor, it is connected via a short USB cable to the underneath of the monitor. The monitor is then connected with a USB cable to the computer. These steps should not apply to internal microphones and speakers on laptops.

Ensure Microphone and Speakers are Enabled in Windows Settings

Microphones and speakers can become disabled inside Windows audio settings. The following steps can be taken by users and does not require any administrator permissions.

  1. Right-click the volume icon in the lower-right corner (by the system clock).
  2. Choose Open Sound Settings.
  3. To check your speakers:
    1. Scroll to the Output section and click the Manage Sound Devices link .
    2. Under Output Devices, click your preferred speakers. The built-in speakers on a laptop may be called "Realtek Audio." The speaker bar on a desktop should say "Dell Soundbar." A USB headset may also be listed if connected. Then click the Enable button.
  4. To check your microphone:
    1. Scroll down to the Input section and click the Manage Sound Devices link.
    2. Under Input Devices, click your preferred microphone. The built-in microphone may be called "Microphone Array", and you may also have a USB webcam or headset microphone listed. Then click the Enable button.

Run Dell Command Update

Drivers can also cause audio issues. Updates can come from Microsoft through the Windows Update service and from Dell through the Dell Command Update application. 

  1. Click your Start Menu, then scroll down and click on Dell Command Update.
  2. In Dell Command Update, click the blue Check button to check for updates.
  3. If any are updates needed, they will display on the next screen. Select the updates and then click the blue Install button.
  4. Monitor the update progress. If a reboot is needed, it is recommended to complete the reboot as soon as possible.

For more information, please see Dell Command Update - How to Update Drivers, BIOS, and Dell Applications.

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