Fix: The Wizard could not start microphone in Windows 10/11

by Matthew Adams
Matthew Adams
Matthew Adams
Windows & Software Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things... read more
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Affiliate Disclosure
  • Windows 10 is highly optimized to support all peripherals and built-in devices, including the microphone.
  • If you have issues with your microphone, follow the troubleshooting steps written below.
  • More guides like this one can also be found in our dedicated Microphone Issues Hub.
  • Even more fix guides are available on our Windows 10 Fix page.
fix microphone windows 10

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Some users have discussed a Wizard could not start a microphone error on Microsoft’s support forum. When some users click Set up microphone in Windows, a The Wizard could not start microphone error message pops up.

Consequently, users can’t utilize the Microphone Setup Wizard when that issue arises.

How can I fix the Wizard could not start microphone error?

1. Reinstall the microphone driver

Alternatively, you could try reinstalling the microphone driver.

  1. To do so, launch Run with the Windows key + R hotkey.
  2. Type devmgmt.msc in the Open box and click OK to open Device Manager.
    Device Manager window the wizard could not start microphone windows 10
  3. Double-click Audio inputs and outputs to expand devices for that category.
  4. Right-click the microphone listed there and select Uninstall device.
  5. Restart Windows after uninstalling the driver for the microphone.
    • After restarting, Windows will initiate an installation service to reinstall a microphone driver.

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2. Run the Recording Audio troubleshooter

  1. Press Start
  2. Type troubleshoot in the Type here to search box.
  3. Click Troubleshoot settings in the search utility to open Settings as in the snapshot directly below.
    Troubleshoot tab the wizard could not start microphone windows 10
  4. Select the Recording Audio troubleshooter in Settings, and click the Run the troubleshooter button.
  5. Then select the Microphone option.
    Recording Audio troubleshooter the wizard could not start microphone windows 10
  6. Click the Next button.
  7. Click Apply Fix if the troubleshooter provides resolution.

3. Turn on Allow apps to access your microphone

  1. To do that, open Windows’ search box.
  2. Type in microphone as the search keyword.
  3. Click Microphone privacy settings to open the window in the snapshot directly below.
    Allow apps to access your microphone setting the wizard could not start microphone windows 10
  4. Toggle the Allow apps to access your microphone option on if it’s off.
  5. Thereafter, restart Windows.

Turning on the Allow apps to access your microphone setting is among the most widely confirmed fixes for the Wizard could not start microphone error.

4. Check if the microphone is enabled

  1. To do that, right-click the Speakers icon and select Open sound settings.
  2. Scroll down to Related Settings.
  3. Click Sound Control Panel to open the Sound window.
  4. Select the Recording tab shown directly below.
    Recording tab the wizard could not start microphone windows 10
  5. Right-click the microphone you need enabled and select Enable.
  6. Press the Set as default button to change the selected microphone to be the default one.
  7. Click the Apply option.
  8. Click OK to exit the Sound window.

A lot of users have confirmed those resolutions to fix the Wizard could not start microphone error. With the error fixed, you can configure your microphone with Microphone Setup Wizard.

  • Does my PC have a built-in microphone?

If your computer has an external or internal microphone, it is listed in the Recording tab of your Control Panel.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, as long as your device has a microphone, then Windows 10 will also have the necessary driver for it. However, a built-in microphone can’t be compared to professional microphones in terms of quality.

  • If your computer has an external or internal microphone, it is listed in the Recording tab of your Control Panel.

  • Yes, many VoIP apps that have web clients will only work if you allow your browser to access your microphone.

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