The Wizard could not start microphone in Windows 10/11

Windows 10 is highly optimized to support all peripherals and built-in devices, including the microphone.
If you have issues with your microphone, follow the troubleshooting steps written below.
More guides like this one can also be found in our dedicated Microphone Issues Hub.
Even more fix guides are available on our Windows 10 Fix page.

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Some users have discussed a Wizard could not start a microphone error on Microsoft’s support forum. When some users click Set up microphone in Windows, a The Wizard could not start microphone error message pops up.

Consequently, users can’t utilize the Microphone Setup Wizard when that issue arises.

How can I fix the Wizard could not start microphone error?

1. Reinstall the microphone driver

Alternatively, you could try reinstalling the microphone driver.

To do so, launch Run with the Windows key + R hotkey.

Type devmgmt.msc in the Open box and click OK to open Device Manager.

Device Manager window the wizard could not start microphone windows 10

Double-click Audio inputs and outputs to expand devices for that category.

Right-click the microphone listed there and select Uninstall device.

Restart Windows after uninstalling the driver for the microphone.

After restarting, Windows will initiate an installation service to reinstall a microphone driver.

Alternatively, you could use a dedicated driver updater and fixer like DriverFix, as this method is much faster, much more reliable, and requires less input on your behalf.

SImple download and install it, let it run, and it will scan your hardware for old, broken, or missing drivers all by itself.

It will then install them for you, and all you need to do is finish up by restarting the PC.

DriverFix

Old, broken or missing microphone drivers are the root of most device-related issues. Fix them today with DriverFix!

2. Run the Recording Audio troubleshooter

Press Start

Type troubleshoot in the Type here to search box.

Click Troubleshoot settings in the search utility to open Settings as in the snapshot directly below.

Troubleshoot tab the wizard could not start microphone windows 10

Select the Recording Audio troubleshooter in Settings, and click the Run the troubleshooter button.

Then select the Microphone option.

Recording Audio troubleshooter the wizard could not start microphone windows 10

Click the Next button.

Click Apply Fix if the troubleshooter provides resolution.

3. Turn on Allow apps to access your microphone

To do that, open Windows’ search box.

Type in microphone as the search keyword.

Click Microphone privacy settings to open the window in the snapshot directly below.

Allow apps to access your microphone setting the wizard could not start microphone windows 10

Toggle the Allow apps to access your microphone option on if it’s off.

Thereafter, restart Windows.

Turning on the Allow apps to access your microphone setting is among the most widely confirmed fixes for the Wizard could not start microphone error.

4. Check if the microphone is enabled

To do that, right-click the Speakers icon and select Open sound settings.

Scroll down to Related Settings.

Click Sound Control Panel to open the Sound window.

Select the Recording tab shown directly below.

Recording tab the wizard could not start microphone windows 10

Right-click the microphone you need enabled and select Enable.

Press the Set as default button to change the selected microphone to be the default one.

Click the Apply option.

Click OK to exit the Sound window.

A lot of users have confirmed those resolutions to fix the Wizard could not start microphone error. With the error fixed, you can configure your microphone with Microphone Setup Wizard.

Does my PC have a built-in microphone?

If your computer has an external or internal microphone, it is listed in the Recording tab of your Control Panel.

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