- Reinstall the microphone drivers from the Device Manager app to fix the issue.
- Open the Services window, right-click Windows Audio, and select Restart.
- Register the Xbox Game Bar again on Windows 11 using Windows PowerShell if the issue persists.
Basic Fixes
- Reconnect the external microphone : Plug out the external connected microphone, wait a few seconds, and reconnect it.
- Update Windows 11 : Press the Windows + I keys to open Settings, select Windows Update in the left sidebar, and install available system updates.
Fix 1: Enable Microphone Permissions for the Xbox Game Bar
The Xbox Game Bar will fail to capture the input audio if it lacks the necessary microphone permission. Head to Windows Settings to enable it.
Step 1: Press the Windows + I keys to open Settings > select Privacy & security in the left sidebar > click Microphone under App permissions.
Step 2: Enable Microphone access for the Game Bar by turning on its toggle.
Fix 2: Check Default Input Device on Windows 11 and Xbox Game Bar
Selecting an incorrect audio input in the system and Xbox Game Bar settings also leads to microphone issues on Windows 11. Check individual settings to correct it.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings > select System in the left sidebar > click Sound .
Step 2: Select the correct Microphone under Input to use it.
Step 3: Next, press the Windows key + G to launch the Xbox Game Bar overlay > select the Voice tab under Audio.
Step 4: Select Default Communications Input and pick your connected microphone.
Fix 3: Reinstall the Microphone Driver
If you’re experiencing poor microphone quality or it isn’t working , reinstalling the microphone driver should resolve the issue.
Step 1: Press the Windows key , search Device Manager , and click to open it.
Step 2: Expand Sound, video and game controllers , right-click your microphone, and select Uninstall device .
Step 3: Restart your PC to let Windows automatically install the new drivers. Alternatively, you can download and install the microphone drivers from the online product page.
Fix 4: Restart the Windows Audio Service
Windows Audio is responsible for managing audio on your computer. When this service malfunctions, you may encounter microphone issues in the Xbox Game Bar. Restart the service to fix it.
Step 1: Press the Windows key , search Services , and click Run as administrator .
Step 2: Locate Windows Audio in the list, right-click it, and select Restart .
Fix 5: Run the Audio Troubleshooter
Windows 11 comes with an in-built troubleshooter to fix all audio-related issues. Launch it from Windows Settings to fix the microphone not working in the Xbox Game Bar.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings > select System in the left sidebar > click Troubleshoot .
Step 2: Select Other troubleshooters .
Step 3: Click Run beside Audio to launch its troubleshooter, and wait a few seconds for Windows to resolve the issue.
Fix 6: Edit the Local Group Policy Editor
If running the audio troubleshooter didn’t work, you can manually edit the Windows Game Recording policy using the Group Policy Editor tool to fix microphone issues in the Xbox Game Bar.
Note: If you’re using a Windows 11 Home Edition, enable the Group Policy Editor manually.
Step 1: Press the Windows + R keys simultaneously to open the Run dialog, type gpedit.msc , and hit Enter .
Step 2: Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components and open the Windows Game Recording and Broadcasting policy.
Step 3: Double-click Enables or disables Windows Game Recording and Broadcasting , set its value to Enabled , and click Apply .
Fix 7: Re-Register the Xbox Game Bar
If the Xbox Game Bar installation files are corrupt, you can’t record the in-game audio. Register the Xbox Game Bar again to fix the error.
Step 1: Press the Windows key , search Windows PowerShell , and click Run as administrator .
Step 2: Copy-paste the below command, hit Enter , and reboot your PC.
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.XboxApp | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}
Fix 8: Repair or Reset the Xbox Game Bar
Lastly, you can utilize the built-in Windows 11 features to repair or reset the Xbox Game Bar, fixing existing microphone issues.
Note: Resetting the Xbox Game Bar will delete all its data.
Step 1: Press the Windows + I keys to open Settings > select Apps in the sidebar > click Installed apps .
Step 2: Scroll to the bottom and select System components .
Step 3: Click three horizontal dots beside the Game Bar and select Advanced options .
Step 4: Click Repair to allow Windows to repair the Xbox Game Bar components. If the issue persists, use Reset to reset the Xbox Game Bar.
