My microphone is broken, only since i updated windows 10.

Hi Niall,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

I understand your concern however I would suggest you to follow the below methods and check if it helps.

Method 1: Boost Microphone

• Right click on the sound icon in the taskbar and select the Recording Devices menu.

• In the Recording tab of Sounds window, you will notice the microphone which is active, i.e. the one with a green tick mark. Right click on the active microphone and select its Properties.

• Select the Levels Tab. This tab exhibits you two sections: Microphone and Microphone Boost.

• Use the sliders to modify your volume settings. You can take the Microphone Boost slider up to +40 dB. To save the changes click on Ok.

If you do the modification while the conversation goes on then you will get the immediate feedback of the output sound from the end user and so you can adjust the volume using the sliders as per requirement

Method 2: Run the windows in built troubleshooter:

• Write Troubleshooting in the search box and hit enter.

• Click on Troubleshooting tab.

• Click on view all option on the upper left corner.

• Select the Recording Audio options from the list.

• Click Next to run the Troubleshooter.

Hope the above information was helpful. If you need further assistance, please do let us know and we would be happy to help you further.

Thank You.

thanks for the advice David, but I don't think its the jacks. I tried doing what you said and it made no difference.

Thanks anyway though.

Hi Niall,

Did it work anytime on W10? If so, you might try uninstalling the soundcard driver. W10 should on the next check simply re-install it. Only 99% sure on this and it's certainly not guaranteed to help anyway, but thought I'd mention it. You will probably have to configure your speakers, etc. after this.

PS (Right-click 'My Computer'->Manage->)Device Manager->... pick and uninstall ...->(top)Right-click->Scan for hardware changes

PPS Your driver may have it's own Settings/Option app, have you checked there?

Well, that gives hope that it should be solvable. With one caveat, alas, there may be a driver available now that wasn't earlier. I have a like, but luckily much less severe, issue with my Realtek sound card. Worked 100% fine, until W10 started pushing a 'Realtek' driver for it. The new 'better' driver works, but simply refuses to use the Sub-woofer. Minor like I said.

Tried my other suggestions? I can't help you any further than this, but if you post your sound card details, other might be able to help you further.

Good luck, and there is always the possibility of a new driver. Did you post on feedback?

Hi Niall,

Caveat: 'with this exception'

Alas: 'unfortunately' an interjection used to express regret, sorrow, or grief

Sub-Woofer: The speaker used for bass (low) tones (usually present in

As for checking the Realtek website for new drivers: Given my history with Realtek, I wouldn't count on finding a solution there, it's more likely to be a setting issue anyway.

The pic is MB specific (mine: Asus) but I guess you have something similar:

Alright, thanks for the fast reply. Highly appreciated. Also I don't have subwoofer but do you think using bass mode in the mic settings could be a reason why?

Very welcome!

As to your question: I doubt it but nothing can be ruled out at this time. You'll just have to try this and that.

I suggest you begin with Speaker Configuration 7.1, disabling speakers you don't have. I've had past trouble with 5.1 config, i.e. it did not work at all.

PS As an aside, I do have a subwoofer but the darn driver just refuses to use it.

PPS I assume you did try my 'Uninstall Driver' suggestion as this is still your best bet.