Official documentation

Turn on app permissions for your microphone in Windows

Microsoft, Microsoft Support, n.d.

Read on October 16, 2026

What it is: Microsoft's article on the Windows microphone privacy settings. It explains the switch that lets apps use the microphone and the separate switch for desktop apps.
How much weight it carries: Official Microsoft documentation for Windows privacy settings, which are rearranged between Windows versions.

Facts taken from this source

On Windows 10, Microsoft says you must turn on the toggle for Microphone access for this device, and also turn on Allow apps to access your microphone.
“Make sure the toggle for Microphone access for this device is turned on ... ensure Allow apps to access your microphone is also turned on” (Windows 10 section)
Microsoft says that on Windows 10, the permissions an app needs to use the microphone are turned on in Privacy settings, not in Privacy & security.
“To use your microphone with apps on Windows 10, you'll need to turn on some permissions in Privacy settings.” (Windows 10 section)
On Windows 11, Microsoft says that after Microphone access is on, you must also go to Microphone settings and turn on Let apps access your microphone.
“In Microphone settings, go to Let apps access your microphone and make sure it's turned On” (Windows 11 section)
Microsoft says desktop apps have their own setting, Let desktop apps access your microphone, which must be turned on.
“For desktop apps, make sure that Let desktop apps access your microphone is turned on.” (Desktop apps)
In Windows 11, apps can use the microphone only when Microphone access is turned on under Privacy & security, App permissions, Microphone.
“you'll need to turn on some permissions in Privacy & security settings ... Then look for Microphone under App permissions and make sure Microphone access is turned on.” (Windows 11)