Is your ASUS VIVOBOOK microphone not working? Explore practical solutions and troubleshooting tips to get your microphone functioning properly again!
If you’re facing issues with your ASUS VivoBook HDMI microphone not working, you’re not alone. Many users encounter this problem, especially when connecting their laptop to an external display via HDMI. This guide will walk you through several solutions that can help you get your microphone back to working order.
1. Check the HDMI Connection
Before diving into more complex troubleshooting, let’s start with the basics. Ensure that the HDMI cable is properly connected to both your ASUS VivoBook and the external device. A loose connection can cause various issues, including the microphone not working.
2. Verify the Default Audio Input Device
When you connect an external monitor or TV via HDMI, your VivoBook might automatically switch the audio input device, which can disable the microphone. Here’s how to set the correct audio input device:
- Right-click on the sound icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner of your screen).
- Select Sounds from the context menu.
- In the Recording tab, find your microphone. It might be labeled as Internal Microphone or Microphone Array.
- Right-click on it and select Set as Default Device.
- Click OK to save the changes.
3. Update Audio Drivers
Outdated or corrupted audio drivers are a common cause of microphone issues. Updating your drivers can often resolve the problem:
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Sound, video and game controllers section.
- Right-click on your audio device and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
If Windows doesn’t find any updates, you can visit the ASUS website and download the latest drivers manually.
4. Check Privacy Settings
Windows 10 and 11 have privacy settings that control access to your microphone. If these settings are not properly configured, your microphone may not work. Here’s how to check and adjust them:
- Press Windows + I to open the Settings menu.
- Go to Privacy > Microphone.
- Make sure that Allow apps to access your microphone is turned on.
- Scroll down and check that the specific apps you’re using have microphone access enabled.
5. Disable Exclusive Mode
Some audio applications take exclusive control of the microphone, which can cause it to stop working in other apps. Disabling exclusive mode might fix the issue:
- Right-click on the sound icon in the system tray and select Sounds.
- Go to the Recording tab, right-click on your microphone, and select Properties.
- In the Advanced tab, uncheck the option that says Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device.
- Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.
6. Run the Audio Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix issues with your microphone:
- Press Windows + I to open the Settings menu.
- Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
- Select Additional troubleshooters and click on Recording Audio.
- Click Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.
This tool can fix common issues or at least give you more information about what’s wrong.
7. Check the Microphone on Another Device
If none of the above solutions work, it’s worth testing the microphone on another device. This will help you determine if the issue is with the microphone itself or your VivoBook:
- Disconnect the microphone from your ASUS VivoBook.
- Connect it to another laptop or device.
- If it works on the other device, the problem likely lies with your VivoBook settings or hardware.
8. Reinstall the Audio Drivers
If updating the drivers didn’t work, you might need to reinstall them completely:
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Sound, video and game controllers section.
- Right-click on your audio device and select Uninstall device.
- Restart your VivoBook. Windows will automatically reinstall the drivers.
This fresh installation can fix issues caused by corrupted driver files.
9. Update Your BIOS
In some cases, an outdated BIOS can cause hardware compatibility issues. Updating your BIOS might resolve the microphone problem:
- Visit the ASUS support website.
- Search for your VivoBook model.
- Download the latest BIOS update file.
- Follow the instructions provided by ASUS to update your BIOS.
Be very careful during this process, as an incorrect BIOS update can cause serious issues.
10. Perform a System Restore
If the microphone was working fine before and suddenly stopped, you can try performing a system restore to revert your VivoBook to an earlier state:
- Press Windows + S and type Restore.
- Select Create a restore point from the search results.
- In the System Protection tab, click System Restore.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point and revert your system.
This can fix issues caused by recent software changes that affected your microphone.
11. Reset Windows
As a last resort, you can reset your ASUS VivoBook to its factory settings. This will remove all software-related issues that might be affecting your microphone:
- Press Windows + I to open the Settings menu.
- Go to Update & Security > Recovery.
- Under Reset this PC, click Get started.
- Choose whether you want to keep your files or remove everything.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.
Remember to back up your important files before doing this, as it will remove all your installed apps and settings.
Conclusion
Dealing with an ASUS VivoBook HDMI microphone not working can be frustrating, but by following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue. Start with the simple solutions like checking connections and settings, and gradually move to more advanced fixes like updating drivers and resetting the system. If none of these methods work, it might be time to consult a professional or contact ASUS support for further assistance.
