My microphone isn't working! (to do)
If these errors show in the playerlog:
Failed to get recording driver capabilities: "Error initializing output device. "
Microphone '' failed to start recording.
The solution to this issue is to:
Solution
Steps to Uninstall Microphone & Headset Audio Devices
Open Device Manager
Press Win + X and select Device Manager from the menu.
Alternatively, press Win + R, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
Locate Audio Devices
Expand "Audio inputs and outputs".
Expand "Sound, video and game controllers".
Uninstall Relevant Devices for Microphone/Headset:
Right-click each entry related to the headset or microphone (e.g., "Headset Microphone," "Headphones (USB Audio Device)").
Select Uninstall device.
If prompted, check "Attempt to remove the driver for this device" and click Uninstall.
Ignore:
System audio devices (e.g., "Speakers (Realtek Audio)") unless they are confirmed to be part of the issue.
Restart the PC
Restart the computer to allow Windows to reinstall the drivers automatically.
After reboot
Set Default Audio Devices
Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select Open Sound settings.
Under Output and Input, select the correct headset/microphone as the default device.
Disable Exclusive Control
In Sound settings, click More sound settings (right pane).
Go to the Recording tab, select the microphone, and click Properties.
Navigate to the Advanced tab and uncheck:
"Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device"
Configure Steam Audio Settings
Open Steam > Settings > Voice.
Under Voice input device, select the correct microphone.
Under Voice output device, select the correct headset/speakers.
Set Voice Transmission type to Open Microphone
Set Voice Transmission Threshold to Off
Disable Automatic volume/gain control under advanced settings
