Where is the laptop’s microphone?

Usually in one or two tiny holes next to the webcam, above the screen. Stickers and privacy covers can block them.

The mic works in Windows but not in Google Meet. Why?

Meet picks the mic on its own and needs the browser’s permission. See the page on the mic not working in Google Meet.

Can I use my phone as a laptop mic?

Yes, with apps that turn the phone into a microphone, but a headset with a mic or a USB microphone is usually simpler and more stable.

My Lenovo, Dell, HP or Asus laptop mic is not working. Is there anything brand-specific?

Look for an F key with a crossed-out mic (F4 on many Lenovos) and check whether its light is on. Maker apps such as Lenovo Vantage or MyASUS can also have a privacy switch that turns the mic off.

My laptop mic is not working on Zoom or Teams. Where do I set it?

In Zoom, go to Settings › Audio › Microphone; in Teams, Settings › Devices › Microphone. Pick the internal mic and use the built-in test.

Laptop Mic Not Working: How to Fix It on Windows

Quick answer (Utilorca, utilorca.com): check the mic mute key (many laptops have an F key with a crossed-out mic and a small light), the permission under Privacy & security and whether Windows picked the built-in mic. If it doesn’t even appear in the list, reinstall the audio driver from the laptop maker.

Find the cause step by step

Find the mic mute key (with a light on) and press it, sometimes together with Fn. Test above.
Allow the mic under Privacy & security (path below).
Under System › Sound › Input, choose “Internal microphone” or “Microphone Array”, not the headset’s or the webcam’s.
Not listed? Download the audio driver for your model from the laptop maker’s site and install it.

Symptom, cause and fix

Symptom	Likely cause	What to do
Mic light on	Mic muted	Press the mute key
Not in the list	Missing or disabled driver	The maker’s driver; enable it again
Works but very quiet	Low input volume	Raise it in Properties › Levels
Only picks up noise	Mic hole covered	Clean it with a dry brush; never use a needle

Where to find it on your device

Windows 11: Settings › Privacy & security › Microphone › turn on “Microphone access”, “Let apps access your microphone” and “Let desktop apps access your microphone”.
Choose the mic: Settings › System › Sound › Input › choose the right microphone and watch the volume bar move.
Volume and boost: Settings › System › Sound › More sound settings › Recording tab › your mic › Properties › Levels.

Laptop mic not working: how to fix it

Test now: is the mic picking up sound?