Internal microphone barely picking up sound.

Question

Hello! I'm trying to figure out why my internal microphone is barely picking up my voice. Plus, when I look at the input devices, I only have one listing named "Headset Microphone Realtek(R) Audio." I don't have a microphone plugged in. This laptop has microphones at the top of the screen and a headphone jack on the right side of the computer.

My expectation is that I would see the internal mic listed as the only input device if I don't have any other headset connected to the computer.

Thoughts?

DELL-Chris M · Answer

To receive assistance from Dell chat support, they need to first verify the warranty status and ownership. Then you must troubleshoot with them. Click the "Get Help Now" icon on the right to start a live chat session. Provide to them the private Dell computer Service Tag and all of your troubleshooting.

If you want assistance from our users, you need to reply with your specific Laptop model and installed operating system.

AdrianG001 · Answer

If the internal microphone is barely picking up sound, it could be due to a variety of factors. Here's a list of steps you can take to troubleshoot and address the issue:

Check Microphone Hole and Placement:
- Ensure that the microphone hole is not blocked or obstructed by dust, debris, or anything else that might be affecting its performance.
- Make sure your laptop lid is open fully, as the microphone might be placed near the keyboard area.
Microphone Privacy Settings:
- Go to "Settings" > "Privacy" > "Microphone."
- Confirm that the "Allow apps to access your microphone" toggle is turned on.
- Scroll down and ensure that specific apps you're using are allowed to access the microphone.
Microphone Sensitivity and Boost:
- Right-click on the speaker icon in the taskbar and select "Sounds."
- Go to the "Recording" tab, right-click on your microphone, and select "Properties."
- In the "Levels" tab, increase the microphone volume level and experiment with the microphone boost option.
Check Microphone Properties:
- In the "Properties" window of the microphone (as mentioned in the previous step), check the "Enhancements" tab and make sure no enhancements are enabled. These enhancements might be affecting the microphone's sensitivity.
Noise Suppression and Acoustic Echo Cancellation:
- Some laptops have noise suppression and acoustic echo cancellation features that might reduce background noise. While these can be helpful, they can sometimes cause issues with microphone sensitivity. Try disabling these features to see if it improves the microphone's performance.
Update Audio Drivers:
- Outdated or incompatible audio drivers can lead to microphone problems. Visit Dell's official website and download the latest audio drivers for your XPS 15 9500.
BIOS Update:
- Check for a BIOS update on Dell's website. BIOS updates can sometimes resolve hardware-related audio issues.
Windows Update:
- Ensure your Windows operating system is up to date. Updates can include fixes for audio-related problems.
Test in Different Applications:
- Test the microphone in different applications (voice recorder, video conferencing apps, etc.) to ensure that the issue isn't specific to one application.
External Microphone Test:
- If possible, try connecting an external microphone to your laptop and see if it performs better. This can help determine if the issue is with the internal microphone itself.
Contact Dell Support:
- If none of the above steps resolves the issue, it's recommended to contact Dell support for further assistance. They might have specific solutions or be able to guide you through advanced troubleshooting steps.

Remember that making changes to your laptop's settings should be done carefully, and if you're uncomfortable with any step, it's best to seek professional assistance.

XPS

Internal microphone barely picking up sound.

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