Windows 7: internal laptop microphone is not recognized - what to do?

If the internal laptop microphone does not work under Windows 7 or another version of Windows, this can have several reasons. We'll show you how to solve the problem.

Windows 7: Internal laptop microphone is not recognized

Windows may have simply hidden the device. If you show the device, the microphone can also be reactivated.

1. At the bottom right of the taskbar you will see the loudspeaker symbol. Right click on it.
2. Select the item "Recording devices" in the context menu, then a small window opens.
3. Right-click again on an empty space and select the option "Show deactivated devices".
4. The microphone should now appear in the list at the latest. You can activate it by right-clicking on the microphone.
5. If the hardware still doesn't work, follow the steps in the next paragraph.

Install the built-in microphone in Windows

The hardware can also be reactivated via the device manager and, if necessary, a new driver installed.

1. Press the "Windows" and "R" keys simultaneously so that the "Execute" command opens.
2. Enter "devmgmt.msc" there and confirm with "OK". Then the Device Manager opens.
3. Click on "View" at the top of the menu bar and select the "Show hidden objects" option.
4. You should now see the microphone under the "Audio Inputs and Outputs" category. Right-clicking gives you two useful functions.
5. Select "Activate" to connect the hardware to Windows. If this has already been done, select "Uninstall" and then "Install" again.
6. The "Update driver software" option can also lead to the desired success.

If you have audio problems with Skype, this practical tip could help you.