Zoom Microphone or Camera Not Working — Step-by-Step Fix

Before assuming Zoom itself is broken, it helps to know whether the problem is with Windows permissions, the wrong device being selected, or Zoom's own settings. Here is how to check each one.

Check Windows privacy permissions

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Privacy and security, then Microphone (or Camera).
3. Make sure 'Microphone access' (or 'Camera access') is turned On, and that Zoom appears in the list of allowed apps with its toggle enabled.

Select the correct device in Zoom

1. Open Zoom and click the gear icon (Settings).
2. Choose Audio from the left panel. Under Microphone, use the drop-down to select your actual microphone. Click 'Test Mic' to confirm it is picking up sound.
3. Choose Video from the left panel. Use the drop-down to select your camera and check the preview.

Unmute yourself in the meeting

It sounds obvious, but the most common reason people cannot hear you is that you are muted. Check the microphone icon in the bottom-left of the Zoom window — if it has a red line through it, click it to unmute.

Update or reinstall the device driver

An outdated audio or webcam driver can cause Zoom to fail silently. Right-click the Start button, choose 'Device Manager', expand Audio inputs and outputs or Cameras, right-click your device, and choose 'Update driver'.

Check if another app is using the camera or mic

Windows allows only one app at a time to use the camera in many configurations. Close Teams, Skype, or any other video-calling app, then try Zoom again.

If you still have trouble after all this, ask us and let us know your Windows version and the make of your microphone or webcam.