Fix: The Wizard Could not Start Microphone on Windows 10

Get the microphone functional again

Fix » Windows 10 » Errors

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by Matthew Adams 

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Key notes

  • Windows 10 is highly optimized to support all peripherals and built-in devices, including the microphone.
  • If you have issues with your microphone, check to see if it is off, muted, or if your drivers are outdated. 

Some users have discussed the wizard could not start the microphone on Windows 10 error on Microsoft’s support forum.

This error often happens when a user tries to set up a Microphone on their device. Consequently, users can’t utilize the Microphone Setup Wizard when that issue arises.

Let us go through some common causes; then we will show you the best solutions.

Why is my microphone setup wizard not detecting my mic in Windows 10?

From our findings, there could be a few reasons for this error. The following are the most common triggers:

  • Connection issues – In the case of wired microphones, you may be dealing with a loose connection.
  • Microphone muted or off – Many users will get this error message if the microphone they need to connect to is not switched on.
  • Driver issues – Most users may be battling incorrect or outdated computer drivers.
  • Poor settings – A few settings on the computer are known to trigger this problem. One example is when the microphone is not set as the default recording device.
  • Bad hardware – There is also the chance that your microphone has been damaged; in this case, you may consider looking for a compatible mic replacement. So, if the wizard could not start, ensure your audio hardware is working properly.

Now let us show you what to do if the Microphone wizard could not launch on Windows 10.

What can I do if the wizard could not start the microphone on Windows 10?

1. Reinstall the microphone driver

  1. Launch Run with the Windows key + R hotkey.
  2. Type devmgmt.msc in the open box and click OK to open Device Manager.
    the wizard could not start microphone windows 10
  3. Expand Audio inputs and outputs, right-click your microphone, and select Uninstall device.
  4. Restart Windows after uninstalling the driver for the microphone. After restarting, Windows will initiate an installation service to reinstall a microphone driver.

Alternatively, you could use a dedicated driver solution, as this method is much faster, more reliable, and requires less input.

Simply download and install it, let it run, and it will scan your hardware for old, broken, or missing drivers.

Often, your computer system might not be able to update the generic drivers for your hardware and peripherals correctly. There are vital differences between a generic driver and a manufacturer’s driver. Finding the correct driver versions for every hardware component can become tiresome.That’s why a dependable updater can help you find and update your drivers automatically. We strongly suggest the Outbyte Driver Updater, and here’s how to do it:
  1. Download and install the Outbyte Driver Updater app.
  2. Launch the software and wait for the app to detect all incompatible drivers.
  3. Now, it will show you a list of all outdated drivers to select the ones to Update or Ignore.
    OutByte Driver Updater Scan
  4. Click on Update & Apply Selected to download and install the latest versions.
  5. Restart your PC to ensure the applied changes.
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2. Run the Recording Audio troubleshooter

  1. Press Start, type troubleshooting, and select Troubleshoot settings.
    the wizard could not start microphone windows 10
  2. Select the Recording Audio in Settings, and click the Run the troubleshooter button.
    the wizard could not start microphone windows 10
  3. Then select the Microphone option and click Next.
    the wizard could not start microphone windows 10
  4. Finally, click Apply Fix if the troubleshooter provides a resolution.

3. Turn on Allow apps to access your microphone

  1. In the Start menu, type microphone and click Microphone privacy settings.
  2. Toggle on the Allow apps to access your microphone option if it’s off.
    the wizard could not start microphone windows 10
  3. Lastly, restart Windows.

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

4. Check if the microphone is enabled

  1. Right-click the Speaker’s Taskbar icon and select Open sound settings.
    the wizard could not start microphone windows 10
  2. Scroll to Related Settings and click Sound Control Panel.
    the wizard could not start microphone windows 10
  3. Select the Recording tab, right-click the microphone you need to be enabled, and select Enable.
    the wizard could not start microphone windows 10
  4. Make sure it is Set as default.
  5. Click the Apply option.
  6. Finally, click OK to exit the Sound window.

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

Let us know in the comments section below what worked for you.

More about the topics: Microphone issues

Matthew Adams

Matthew Adams Shield

Windows Hardware 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 surrounding it. He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes. In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.