Microphone keeps resetting to 0 volume [BEST SOLUTIONS]

by Ivan Jenic

Troubleshooting Expert

March 18, 2018

4 Comments

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A lot of audio recording problems could occur in Windows, and they are very annoying. One of these annoying issues is when your microphone constantly resets to 0. But there are a couple workarounds that could help you to solve this issue.

An outdated or corrupted driver could always cause a lot of problems in Windows. So, before you do anything else, I recommend you to check if your driver is updated.

We recommend you to use this third-party tool to automatically download all the outdated drivers on your PC. If your driver is not an issue, you can try some of the following solutions.

What can I do if my microphone keeps resetting to 0 volume?

Most users have a microphone on their PC, but sometimes issues with a microphone can appear. Speaking of microphone issues, users reported the following problems:

• Microphone level keeps going to 0 Windows 10 – According to users, their microphone level keeps going to 0. This is an annoying problem that might be caused by malware.
• Microphone level resets to zero – This is a similar problem that can appear on your PC. To fix it, be sure to check your microphone settings.
• How to lock microphone volume – By default, Windows 10 automatically adjusts your microphone volume in order to keep it in the optimal range. However, you can lock your volume level simply by changing few settings.
• Microphone level keeps muting – This is another variation of this problem, but you should be able to fix it by using one of our solutions.
• Microphone volume won’t stay up – Several users reported that their microphone volume won’t stay up. This can be an annoying problem, but you can fix it by checking your microphone settings.
• Microphone volume reduces automatically – This problem can occur due to your audio control software. To fix the issue, simply find and remove the audio control software from your PC.

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Solution 1 – Audio Troubleshooter

You can try Window’s very own problem troubleshooter. Microsoft integrated a troubleshooter for various system-related problems in Windows, and troubleshooter for audio and recording issues is one of them.

Here’s what you need to do to run Windows Audio Troubleshooter:

1. Go to Search, type troubleshoot and open Troubleshoot.
   
2. In Troubleshooting window, go to Hardware and Devices in the left pane and click on Run the troubleshooter.
   
3. Follow on-screen instructions and let the wizard analyze your computer.

If the Audio Troubleshooter finds the problem, it will offer you an available solution, and it will fix the microphone problem.

For those using Windows 7 or Windows 8, you can also download Audio Troubleshooter from this link, so you don’t have to run it manually. If the problem still persists, you can try running Recording audio or any other microphone-related troubleshooter.

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If the Troubleshooter stops before completing the process, fix it with the help of this complete guide.

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Solution 2 – Forbid apps to control the microphone

Sometimes third-party apps could make your microphone go berserk, so to prevent it, you’ll have to prevent them from controlling the microphone, which is enabled by default. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Go to Search, type control panel and open Control Panel.
   
2. When Control Panel opens, select Sound.
   
3. Go to Recording tab and double click your microphone.
   
4. Under Advanced tab uncheck Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device. Click Apply and OK to save changes.
   

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You can’t open Control Panel? Take a look at this step-by-step guide to find a solution.

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Solution 3 – Check your PC for malware

If your microphone resets to 0 volume, the problem might be a malware on your PC. Sometimes certain malware can interfere with your microphone and reduce the volume levels on your PC.

However, you should be able to fix this issue by performing a malware scan.

There are many great antivirus applications, but if your antivirus can’t fix this problem, you might want to consider switching to BullGuard, Bitdefender or Panda Antivirus.

All these tools offer great features, so feel free to try them out. If you need more options, we’ve prepared a list with the best antivirus solutions available right now.

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Perform a full system scan directly from Windows Defender. Find out how it’s done right here!

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Solution 4 – Set your microphone as the default recording device

Many webcams come with a built-in microphone, but sometimes the microphone on your webcam can be the problem. If you have both your webcam and external microphone connected, you might encounter this issue.

However, you can fix this problem simply by setting your microphone as the default recording device. To do that, follow these steps:

1. Right click the volume control icon in the bottom right corner and choose Recording devices from the menu.
   
2. You should see all recording devices available on the list. Locate your webcam, right click it and choose Disable from the menu.
   
3. Now locate your external microphone, make sure that it’s enabled, right click it and choose Set as Default Device from the menu. Now click on Apply and OK to save changes.

After doing that check if your microphone is working properly.

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Your volume control icon is missing? Get it back by following this simple guide.

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Solution 5 – Reinstall your microphone driver

If you’re using a USB microphone or USB sound card, you might be able to fix this problem simply by reinstalling your microphone/sound card driver. To do that, just follow these steps:

1. Press Windows Key + X to open Win + X menu. Now select Device Manager from the list.
2. When Device Manager opens, locate the problematic device, right click it and choose Uninstall device.
   
3. When the confirmation menu appears, click Uninstall.
   
4. Once the driver is removed, click on Scan for hardware changes icon.
   

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Windows can’t automatically find and download new drivers? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

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Windows will now install the default driver and the issue should be resolved. If the problem persists with the default driver, you should try updating your driver and check if that helps.

To keep your system working properly you need to have all drivers updated. We recommend this third-party tool (100% safe and tested by us) to automatically update your drivers.

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Did you know that the majority of Windows 10 users have outdated drivers? Be a step ahead using this guide.

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Solution 6 – Perform a System Restore

Several users reported that they fixed the problem with microphone volume simply by performing a System Restore.

System Restore is a built-in tool that allows you to easily restore your Windows Installation to the previous version. This is rather simple and you can do it by following these steps:

1. Press Windows Key + S and enter system restore. Choose Create a restore point from the menu.
   
2. System Properties window will now appear. Click the System Restore button to proceed.
   
3. System Restore window will now appear. Click Next to continue.
   
4. If available, check Show more restore points option. Now select the desired restore point and click Next.
   
5. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the restoration process.

Once System Restore is finished, your system should start work normally and you won’t have any problems with your microphone.

If you’re interested in more info on how to create a restore point and how would that help you, take a look at this simple article to find out everything you need to know.

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If System Restore isn’t working, don’t panic. Check this useful guide and set things right once again.

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Solution 7 – Connect your microphone to a different port

If your microphone volume keeps resetting to 0, the problem might be your port. Many users reported similar problems with their USB microphone, and according to them, the issue was their port.

To fix the problem, you need to disconnect your microphone and connect it to a different port.

Several users reported issues while using their microphone with a USB 3.0 port, but after connecting the microphone to a USB 2.0 port, the issue was permanently resolved.

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Your USB 3.0 port isn’t recognised on Windows 10? Fix the issue in no time by following this useful guide.

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Solution 8 – Uninstall audio control software

Sometimes you might have an audio control software that automatically adjusts the microphone volume on your PC. Although this software is useful, sometimes it can cause issues to appear.

However, to fix the problem, you just need to find and uninstall that application from your PC.

Users reported that Dolby software was responsible for this error, but after removing it, the issue was completely resolved. Keep in mind that other audio control applications can cause this problem to appear, so be sure to remove them.

Many applications tend to leave leftover files and registry entries on the PC even after you remove them. These files can cause the same problem to reappear, so it’s always a good idea to use an uninstaller application.

Speaking of uninstallers, tools such as Revo Uninstaller, IOBit Uninstaller (free) or Ashampoo Uninstaller, can easily remove any application from your PC, along with all of its files.

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Learn how to remove software leftovers with ease from this amazing article!

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Solution 9 – Try using Safe Mode

Safe mode is a special segment of Windows that runs with default drivers and software. If you’re having an issue with your microphone volume, try using the microphone in Safe Mode and check if the issue reappears.

To enter Safe Mode, do the following:

1. Open the Start Menu and click the Power button. Now press and hold the Shift key and choose Restart from the menu.
   
2. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings. Now click the Restart button.
3. Once your PC restarts, you’ll be presented with a list of options. Choose any version of Safe Mode by pressing the corresponding key on the keyboard.

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Safe mode is not working? Don’t panic, this guide will help you get past the booting problems.

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Once the Safe Mode starts, check if the problem appears. If not, it might be that your user profile is corrupted. If that’s the case, you need to create a new user profile and check if the problem still appears.

Windows won’t let you add a new user account? Follow some easy steps and create or add how many accounts you want!

This should prevent your microphone from constantly resetting.

If you have any comments or suggestions, write them down in the comments section below and we’ll surely check them out.

READ ALSO:

• The 5 best 360° USB microphones for exceptional sound
• Fix: Microphone Not Working in Windows 10
• Fix: Built-in Microphone Has Disappeared From Device List
• Fix: USB Microphone not Working in Windows 8.1, 10
• Fix: ‘Application was unable to start correctly 0xc0000005’ error

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in July 2015 and has been since completely revamped and updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.