Windows 10: Can't Select My Xbox Controller as an Audio Device For Sound and Microphone

Im connecting my xbox controller to my Windows 11 pc with my Xbox Dongle and it does not show up as an option for sound devices. I have updated the controller firmware to the latest and tested that the controller is properly connected with the Xbox Accessories application and all buttons and input shows up. However, I cannot get the sound working. I have checked in the device manager for updates and the driver says it's up to date.In windows 10 I used to just connect, and it worked every time.

:)

 

XBOX controller headset/microphone/headphones audio devices on windows 10 PC

hi, i'm having issues, with my headset and its microphone when paired to PC. first i noticed when i try to plug my headset directly into the PC, i can only hear sound in my left ear, so i have paired my xbox controller to my PC, the controls work fine but my headset for the xbox controller its and microphone, aren't making or receiving any noise when paired with my PC. it does work when its paired with xbox but not with my pc. the xbox controller appears on the bluetooth devices list, but its not showing up in the audio output or input devices, so neither the headset or its microphone show up in a list of audio inputs or outputs, headphones or microphones. i have 3 of them, they all work fine with xbox, just not on pc. so i'm pretty sure its not a hardware issue. the drivers are all updated. i think the issue stems from the xbox controllers headset and microphone is not registering as an audio device. any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you for your time, sidenote, should this be under windows or xbox and gaming? because its kind of both. the issue is when i try xbox games on PC. but, again i think the issue stems from audio devices not registering on windows.

 

Xbox gamebar does not record audio from all apps

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

Experiencing audio recording issues with Xbox Game Bar's "instant replay" feature can be frustrating, especially when trying to capture conversations from different apps like Discord. You've tried several troubleshooting steps already, but let's explore a few more potential solutions:

1. Audio Output and Input Settings:
   
   • Double-check your audio input and output settings. Make sure the correct microphone and audio output (speakers or headphones) are selected in both Discord and your Windows audio settings.
     
   • In Discord, navigate to User Settings > Voice & Video and verify that the correct input and output devices are selected.
     
2. Exclusive Mode:
   
   • Windows has an "exclusive mode" setting that allows applications to take full control of your audio device. This can sometimes cause conflicts.
     
   • Right-click on the speaker icon in your system tray and select "Open Sound settings."
     
   • Scroll down and click on "Sound control panel" on the right side.
     
   • Go to the "Playback" tab, right-click your default playback device, and select "Properties."
     
   • Navigate to the "Advanced" tab and uncheck "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device" under the Exclusive Mode section.
     
3. Xbox Game Bar Permissions:
   
   • Ensure that the Xbox Game Bar has the necessary permissions to access your microphone and apps.
     
   • Go to "Settings" > "Privacy" > "Microphone" and make sure "Xbox Game Bar" is allowed to access your microphone.
     
4. Reinstall Xbox Game Bar:
   
   • Try completely uninstalling and then reinstalling the Xbox Game Bar. Sometimes, this can resolve issues caused by corrupted installation files.
     
   • To uninstall, right-click the Start button, select "Apps and Features," find "Xbox Game Bar," and click "Uninstall."
     
   • Reinstall the Xbox Game Bar from the Microsoft Store.
     
5. Check App Specific Settings:
   
   • In Discord, make sure your input and output devices are set correctly. Also, check that the voice activity settings are configured appropriately.
     
6. Windows Sound Settings:
   
   • Open the Windows Sound settings (right-click on the speaker icon in the system tray and select "Open Sound settings").
     
   • Under "Advanced sound options," make sure the correct output device is selected for "App volume and device preferences."
     

Please feel free to let me know if you have any further updates, thanks.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

Microphone Sound Quality

Hi I'm Peter an independent advisor, you could try the following:

Step 1 - Run the troubleshooter

a) Press Windows and X key together and select Control Panel.

b) Click on Troubleshooting.

c) Click onView all option on the left side of the Windows.

d) Click on Playing Audio option.

e) Click on Next and follow the onscreen instructions to troubleshoot the issue.

Step 2 - Check your microphone’s drivers

1. Type in “Device Manager” in the Search box and select it from the list.

2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers

3. Right-click (or tap and hold) your microphone device and select Update Driver Software.

4. Select Search automatically for updated driver software. This option will scan the Internet for the correct version of the driver or determine if you already have the most recent driver installed. You may be prompted to restart your computer to install the
driver.

Step 3 - Manually turn up the mic gain

1. Type in “Sound” in the Search box and select Sound (Control Panel) from the list.

2. Select the Recording tab.

3. Right-click (or tap and hold) on the active microphone input device and select Properties.

4. Select the Levels tab.

Manually drag the Microphone gain to a higher level and click Apply.