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Fix Zoom Audio and Microphone Not Working

Troubleshoot common issues preventing audio input or output during Zoom meetings.

zoomaudiomicrophonevideo-conferencing

Confirmed working on: Windows 10 · Windows 11 · macOS 14

Before you begin

Match the environmentUse this guide only for Windows 10, Windows 11, macOS 14 or a clearly compatible setup.
Protect recoveryBack up important data and save encryption or account recovery keys before changing system state.
Know when to stopMake one change at a time and stop if the result differs from what the guide describes.

Problem overview

You cannot hear other participants in a Zoom meeting, or they cannot hear you. The microphone or speakers appear to be active but produce no sound.

Common causes

  • Incorrect audio device selected within Zoom settings
  • Operating system blocking microphone permissions for Zoom
  • Exclusive mode enabled in Windows sound properties
  • Outdated Zoom application version

Solution 1: Select the correct audio device in Zoom

  1. Open the Zoom application and click the gear icon to access Settings.
  2. Select the Audio tab on the left sidebar.
  3. Under the Speaker section, use the dropdown menu to select your correct output device. Click Test Speaker to verify.
  4. Under the Microphone section, use the dropdown menu to select your actual microphone. Click Test Mic and speak to check the input level.
Expert Tip

If you are in an active meeting, you can click the arrow next to the mute button to quickly switch your audio devices.

Solution 2: Check Windows sound permissions

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
  2. Navigate to Privacy & security > Microphone.
  3. Ensure that Microphone access is turned on.
  4. Scroll down and verify that Let desktop apps access your microphone is toggled on and that Zoom is listed.

Solution 3: Test and configure microphone in Windows

  1. Right-click the speaker icon in the Windows taskbar and select Sound settings.
  2. Scroll to the Input section and ensure your preferred microphone is selected.
  3. Speak into the microphone and check if the volume meter moves.
  4. If it does not move, click the device to access its properties and verify it is not muted at the system level.

Solution 4: Disable exclusive mode in speaker properties

  1. Press Win + R, type mmsys.cpl, and press Enter to open the Sound Control Panel.
  2. In the Playback tab, right-click your active speaker and select Properties.
  3. Go to the Advanced tab.
  4. Uncheck the box for Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device.
  5. Click Apply and then OK. Repeat this process for your microphone under the Recording tab.

Solution 5: Update the Zoom client

  1. Open the Zoom desktop client.
  2. Click on your profile picture in the top right corner.
  3. Select Check for Updates from the dropdown menu.
  4. Follow the prompts to install any available updates and restart Zoom.
Caution

If you are using an external audio interface, you may need to update its specific hardware drivers or roll them back if a recent update broke compatibility.

Confirm the result

  1. Repeat the exact action that originally triggered the problem.
  2. Confirm the original error or symptom is gone and no new warning has appeared.
  3. If the guide changed a driver, service, package, or system setting, restart once and test again.
  4. If the result is worse or unexpected, stop. Reverse only the last change using its documented restore option; if none is documented, use your backup or qualified support.

Questions about this fix

Why can others hear me but I cannot hear them on Zoom?

Your speaker output might be routed to the wrong device, such as a disconnected Bluetooth headset.

Does Zoom override Windows sound settings?

Zoom has its own independent audio device selection, which can sometimes conflict with system defaults.

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