Why it happens
Windows 11 microphone privacy setting disabled for apps like Teams, Zoom, or Chrome
Outdated or missing Realtek audio driver after a Windows Update or clean installation
Built-in microphone not set as the default recording device in Windows Sound settings
Microphone volume set to zero or muted at the system level via the Sound settings
How to fix
Enable microphone access in Privacy settings — Go to Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone. Toggle Microphone access on and confirm that the specific app (Teams, Chrome, Zoom) is also listed and allowed. This is the most common cause on Windows 11.
Set the built-in mic as default recording device — Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and choose Sound settings → More sound settings. On the Recording tab, right-click the built-in microphone and select Set as Default Device.
Update the Realtek audio driver — Go to Dell Support, find the Inspiron 14 5445, and download the latest Realtek Audio driver. Install and restart. A Windows Update may have replaced the OEM Realtek driver with a generic one that does not configure the built-in microphone correctly.
Check microphone volume level — In Sound settings, right-click the microphone device, choose Properties → Levels, and set the volume to at least 80. A volume of zero or near zero causes apps to receive silent audio input even though the microphone is enabled and selected.
Run the Speech troubleshooter — Go to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters and run Speech or Recording Audio. The troubleshooter can reset microphone configuration and apply missing registry entries that affect microphone detection.
Ainul, Kota Bharu: “My microphone stopped working in Teams on my Inspiron 5445. Enabling microphone access in Privacy settings and setting the built-in mic as default fixed it immediately without needing any driver changes.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the microphone work in some apps but not others on the Dell Inspiron 5445?
Individual apps can have microphone access denied in Windows privacy settings even when the microphone works system-wide. Go to Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone and toggle each app individually to allow access.
What audio driver does the Dell Inspiron 14 5445 use?
The Inspiron 14 5445 uses a Realtek High Definition Audio controller. The driver is available from Dell Support under the Audio category for this specific model and should always be installed from Dell rather than from the Realtek website to ensure compatibility.
Can Windows noise suppression cause a microphone to appear silent?
Yes. In some cases, Windows automatic noise suppression or voice clarity features in the Realtek Audio Console can over-suppress the microphone input to the point where it sounds completely silent. Open Realtek Audio Console from the Start menu and disable AI Noise Cancellation if it is active.
Does the Dell Inspiron 14 5445 have a microphone mute key?
Yes. The Inspiron 14 5445 includes a dedicated microphone mute key in the function row (typically F4 with a microphone icon). Check that this key is not activated — a lit LED on the key indicates the microphone is muted at the hardware level.
Ryan holds a Computer Science degree and has over 20 years of hands-on experience with PC hardware, software, and driver troubleshooting. He is the author behind softwaredriverdownload.com, where he helps everyday users fix driver issues quickly and accurately. Ryan has personally tested most of the fixes on this site across a range of Windows 10 and Windows 11 machines.
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