Problem

When using apps like Microsoft Teams or Zoom the other participants are unable to hear you.

Resolution

There are two potential causes of this condition that are readily fixed.
• Windows microphone privacy settings need attention.
• The app you are using is not set up for the microphone device.

Example apps

The following are examples of apps you may wish to look for and enable their microphone access:

• Microsoft Teams
• Skype
• Webex
• Zoom

Checking Microphone access for any app

1. Open Start menu and type Microphone privacy into the search box and open the item microphone privacy settings.
2. In the section at the top Allow access to the microphone on this device click the Change button.
3. If the toggle in the pop up is showing Off click to change it to On position.
4. Then for any desktop app that needs access to the microphone scroll down to the section Allow desktop apps to access the microphone and make sure the toggle switch is to to On position also.
   

Application specific steps

The following are application specific and may be given to customers to carry out themselves.

Microsoft Teams

1. In the Teams main window click the three dot menu button and choose Settings.
2. In the Settings dialogue click Devices in the list.
3. Under the section Audio devices make sure that Microphone drop down is selected for the correct device.  Click to change the option if necessary.
4. Optional: click the button Make a test call button then speak after the beep to leave yourself a test message.  The resulting recording should then play.  If you do not hear yourself then there may still be a problem with microphone privacy or the microphone/headset.

Zoom meetings app

1. In the Zoom app click on your “profile” image and select “Settings” in the menu.
2. In the “Settings” dialogue click “Audio” from the left hand list.
3. Then under “Microphone” select the device to use for the microphone. If you are unsure what to select contact technical support.
4. When you have selected the microphone device click “Test mic” and then speak so it has something to record. Then click the button now showing “Recording” to stop recording and hear the playback. If you heard your voice then you have everything set up.