8 Fixes for Microphone Not Working in Xbox Game Bar on Windows 11

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Basic Fixes

Fix 1: Enable Microphone Permissions for the Xbox Game Bar

The Xbox Game Bar will fail tocapture the input audioif it lacks the necessary microphone permission. Head to Windows Settings to enable it.

Step 1:Press theWindows + I keysto open Settings > selectPrivacy & securityin the left sidebar > clickMicrophoneunder App permissions.

Step 2:EnableMicrophoneaccess for the Game Bar by turning on its toggle.

Fix 2: Check Default Input Device on Windows 11 and Xbox Game Bar

Selecting an incorrect audio input in the system and Xbox Game Bar settings also leads to microphone issues on Windows 11. Check individual settings to correct it.

Step 1:Open WindowsSettings> selectSystemin the left sidebar > clickSound.

Step 2:Select the correctMicrophoneunder Input to use it.

Step 3:Next, press theWindows key + Gto launch the Xbox Game Bar overlay > select theVoicetab under Audio.

Step 4:SelectDefault Communications Inputand pick your connected microphone.

Fix 3: Reinstall the Microphone Driver

If you’re experiencing poor microphone quality or itisn’t working, reinstalling the microphone driver should resolve the issue.

Step 1:Press theWindows key, searchDevice Manager, and click to open it.

Step 2:ExpandSound, video and game controllers, right-click your microphone, and selectUninstall device.

Step 3:Restart your PC to let Windows automatically install the new drivers. Alternatively, you can download and install the microphone drivers from the online product page.

Fix 4: Restart the Windows Audio Service

Windows Audio is responsible formanaging audioon your computer. When this service malfunctions, you may encounter microphone issues in the Xbox Game Bar. Restart the service to fix it.

Step 1:Press theWindows key, searchServices, and clickRun as administrator.

Step 2:LocateWindows Audioin the list, right-click it, and selectRestart.

Fix 5: Run the Audio Troubleshooter

Windows 11 comes with an in-built troubleshooter to fix all audio-related issues. Launch it from Windows Settings to fix the microphone not working in the Xbox Game Bar.

Step 1:Open WindowsSettings> selectSystemin the left sidebar > clickTroubleshoot.

Step 2:SelectOther troubleshooters.

Step 3:ClickRunbeside Audio to launch its troubleshooter, and wait a few seconds for Windows to resolve the issue.

Fix 6: Edit the Local Group Policy Editor

If running the audio troubleshooter didn’t work, you can manually edit the Windows Game Recording policy using the Group Policy Editor tool to fix microphone issues in the Xbox Game Bar.

Note:If you’re using a Windows 11 Home Edition,enable the Group Policy Editormanually.

Step 1:Press theWindows + R keyssimultaneously to open theRundialog, typegpedit.msc, and hitEnter.

Step 2:Navigate toComputer Configuration>Administrative Templates>Windows Componentsand open theWindows Game Recording and Broadcastingpolicy.

Step 3:Double-clickEnables or disables Windows Game Recording and Broadcasting, set its value toEnabled, and clickApply.

Fix 7: Re-Register the Xbox Game Bar

If the Xbox Game Bar installation files are corrupt, you can’t record the in-game audio. Register the Xbox Game Bar again to fix the error.

Step 1:Press theWindows key, searchWindows PowerShell, and clickRun as administrator.

Step 2:Copy-paste the below command, hitEnter, and reboot your PC.

Fix 8: Repair or Reset the Xbox Game Bar

Lastly, you can utilize the built-in Windows 11 features to repair or reset the Xbox Game Bar, fixing existing microphone issues.

Note:Resetting the Xbox Game Bar will delete all its data.

Step 1:Press theWindows + I keysto open Settings > selectAppsin the sidebar > clickInstalled apps.

Step 2:Scroll to the bottom and selectSystem components.

Step 3:Clickthree horizontal dotsbeside the Game Bar and selectAdvanced options.

Step 4:ClickRepairto allow Windows to repair the Xbox Game Bar components. If the issue persists, useResetto reset the Xbox Game Bar.

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Last updated on 22 May, 2024

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