How to Fix CS:GO Mic Not Working Error

Comms, anyone?!

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In a competitive team-based game like CS:GO, communication is vital, and being able to talk to your teammates via voice chat quickly is the easiest way to do so. With the advent of voice chat software like Discord, it’s become much easier to communicate with your friends in any given game – but what if you queue into a CS:GO game without them? Luckily, CS:GO has its own in-game VOIP system, allowing you to speak with the other members on your team. If you’re having trouble getting it working, continue reading to learn how to fix CS:GO mic not working error.

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How to Fix CS:GO Mic Not Working Error

Several factors could be causing your microphone to not work in CS:GO. Below, we’ll list several methods you can try that should resolve the issue and get you making those vital calls to your teammates.

Set Your Default Microphone in Windows

Navigate to your Windows Sound settings menu by right-clicking the little speaker icon on the bottom right of your taskbar and clicking Open Sound Settings. In the menu, scroll down until you see the ‘Input’ section, and use the drop-down menu to select the appropriate input device. If you’re using a headset, you should see it there in the list.

Set Your Default Audio Device in CS:GO

Open up CS:GO and head to the Game Settings menu by clicking on the gear icon on the left side of the screen. Under the Audio tab, find the Audio Output Configuration and Audio Device options and make sure they’re both set up correctly. If you’re using headphones, you’ll want them to be selected as your Audio Device.

Verify Integrity of Game Files

Your CS:GO files may potentially be missing and/or corrupted, which will likely cause problems with the game’s performance. To ensure that all the files are safe and sound, right click on CS:GO in your Steam Library and click Properties. Next, click the Local Files tab and then select Verify integrity of game files. This process may take a few minutes, but is always worth trying when something goes wrong.

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Update Your Audio Drivers

Sometimes your headphones or microphone device may need new drivers. Click on the Windows search bar and type Device Manager into the field. In Device Manager, drop down the Audio inputs and outputs menu to see a list of audio devices your computer is using. Find the device you use as a microphone, right-click it, and then click update driver. Windows will automatically search for a newer driver and install it for you.

If this method doesn’t work, you may need to search on your device manufacturer’s website for driver software to download.

Configure Windows Game Mode Settings

The Xbox Game Bar is able to capture screenshots and videos for you while you play games, but can sometimes take control of your audio devices. Back in the Windows search bar, type Game Mode settings and select it. In the next window, click the Captures tab. Uncheck ‘Turn mic on by default when I record’ and check the ‘Record game audio only’ option. This way, it shouldn’t take control of your microphone in CS:GO.

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Hopefully these methods fix your microphone issues in-game, so show your appreciation by calling out when they’re planting at B. For more information on CS:GO, check out our other guides here at Prima Games.

About the Author

Matt Vatankhah

Matt's writing career began when he joined Prima Games in 2022. As Managing Editor, he tries to make sure everything you read looks as pretty as possible. He's had a passion for video games all of his life and really loves Final Fantasy, retro FPS, roguelikes, and metroidvanias. He will absolutely stomp you in Tetris.