Have you ever tried joining a Zoom call, recording audio, or using Google Meet on Chrome—only to find that no one can hear you? The problem often isn’t your mic—it’s that Chrome doesn’t have permission to use it.
If you’re on Windows 11, microphone permissions are managed at both the system level and within Chrome settings. Unless you allow Chrome to access your microphone, web apps can’t use it.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything step by step: from enabling mic access in Windows 11 Settings to configuring permissions inside Google Chrome.
Key Takeaways (Quick Summary)
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✅ You must enable microphone access at both Windows 11 system level and Chrome browser level.
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✅ Chrome will ask for permission the first time a site requests mic access.
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✅ You can allow, block, or change permissions for individual websites.
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✅ If your mic still doesn’t work, updating drivers or choosing the right input device often fixes it.
Why Do You Need to Allow Microphone Access in Chrome?
Chrome blocks microphone access by default for privacy reasons. You need to grant permission when:
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🎤 Joining a video call (Google Meet, Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
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🎙️ Recording audio with online tools.
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🗣️ Using voice search or dictation features.
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📹 Streaming with OBS or other web-based apps.
Without permissions, Chrome will either show a blocked mic icon or the other person won’t hear you at all.
How to Allow Microphone Access on Chrome Windows 11 (Step-by-Step)
Let’s go through the complete process.
Step 1: Enable Microphone in Windows 11 Settings
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Press Win + I to open Settings.
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Go to: Privacy & security → Microphone.
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Make sure Microphone access is turned ON.
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Scroll down and check that Let apps access your microphone is enabled.
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Ensure Google Chrome is listed and turned ON under app permissions.
👉 If Chrome doesn’t appear, it will request access the next time you use it.
Step 2: Check Default Microphone Device
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In Settings, go to System → Sound.
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Under Input, select the correct microphone from the list.
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Example: Internal Microphone (Realtek Audio) or USB Microphone.
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Test your microphone by speaking and watching the input level bar move.
Step 3: Allow Microphone Access in Chrome
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Open Google Chrome.
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Click the three dots (⋮) menu in the top-right corner.
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Select Settings.
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In the left panel, go to Privacy and security → Site settings.
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Under Permissions, click Microphone.
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Choose your default microphone from the dropdown menu.
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Set the default behavior to Sites can ask to use your microphone.
Step 4: Manage Microphone Permissions for Websites
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The first time you visit a site (like Google Meet), Chrome will prompt:
“Allow [site] to use your microphone?” -
Click Allow to grant access.
👉 If you accidentally clicked Block, you can change it:
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Go back to Settings → Privacy and security → Site settings → Microphone.
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Scroll to Blocked sites.
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Remove the site from the block list, then revisit and click Allow.
Troubleshooting: Microphone Still Not Working in Chrome?
If your microphone isn’t working even after giving permissions, try these fixes:
1. Check Chrome Site Icon
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When on a site, look for the padlock icon in the address bar.
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Click it → Make sure Microphone is set to Allow.
2. Restart Chrome
Sometimes Chrome needs a restart for new permissions to take effect.
3. Update Audio Drivers
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Press Win + X → Device Manager.
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Expand Audio inputs and outputs.
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Right-click your microphone → Update driver.
4. Disable Exclusive Control
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Right-click the sound icon in the taskbar → Sound settings.
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Under Input → Select your mic → Device properties → Additional device properties.
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Go to the Advanced tab.
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Uncheck Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device.
5. Try Incognito Mode
Some Chrome extensions can block mic access. Test in Incognito Mode (Ctrl + Shift + N).
Difference Between Windows 11 Mic Settings and Chrome Permissions
| Feature | Windows 11 Settings | Chrome Permissions |
|---|---|---|
| Controls | Device-level access | Browser-level access |
| Affects | All apps on PC | Only Chrome & websites |
| Needed For | Basic mic functionality | Web apps (Zoom, Meet, etc.) |
Best Practices for Managing Microphone Access
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🔒 Allow mic access only to trusted websites.
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🎧 Use a dedicated external microphone for better quality.
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⚡ Keep drivers updated for smoother performance.
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🛑 Revoke permissions if you suspect a site misuses your mic.
Conclusion
Enabling microphone access in Chrome on Windows 11 is simple once you know where to look. First, ensure your mic is enabled at the Windows system level, then adjust permissions in Chrome’s settings. From there, you can control access per website to keep things secure.
With the right setup, you’ll never have to worry about people saying “We can’t hear you!” on calls again.
FAQs
1. Why is Chrome not detecting my microphone on Windows 11?
Because either Windows 11 or Chrome permissions are blocking it. Enable both in system and browser settings.
2. Can I use multiple microphones in Chrome?
Yes. You can choose the default microphone in Chrome’s Microphone settings.
3. How do I unblock microphone access for a site in Chrome?
Go to Settings → Site Settings → Microphone and remove the site from the Blocked list.
4. Does Chrome automatically save my mic choice?
Yes. Once you allow a site, Chrome remembers your preference until you change it.
5. Is it safe to allow microphone access on all sites?
No. Only allow access on trusted websites to protect your privacy.