Microphone not working - Seemingly on apps that use internet / network...I am at my wits end and it is driving me insane

My microphone works in settings -> devices when testing, it works in sound recorder, it works locally - it just doens't work in any web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox) for Google Meet, Zoom, or any web based program, it doesnt work with the WhatsApp app for audio or video calls, it doesnt work with my video games like battlefield - as far as I can tell, if it uses internet or network connectivity, the mic doesn't work.

Whats strange is that all permissions allow the mic to be used, the mic is detected and seems to be working in all the applications - I can see it, it looks like it is working, but its like the mic is muted - I talk, but my voice isnt recognized, I can't record my voice nor can the other person hear my voice.

I have completely uninstalled all audio drivers, manually and using Display Driver Uninstaller, I have used Bluetooth mic, I have used corded mics (USB and 3.5mm jack)...none of them work. I have uninstalled all of my antivirus programs, and disabled the windows defender...I have disabled all the other sound drivers in device manager - nothing works... I have absolutely no idea what I should do now, apart from re-install my windows...any help would be appreciated...I am at my wits end and going crazy.

Strange behaviour I noticed:
In the past, when testing the mic on Mic Test at the beginning of the test, after the playback, for like a split second, I would hear my voice, but then its like the mic was disconnected, my voice disappears and the test recording goes back to silence. This doesnt happen anymore, now I just get this message: "Testing failed because your microphone could not capture any sounds. Please make sure your microphone is not muted and try again."

Please help.

Windows 11 Home
10.0.26100 Build 26100
ASUS Mobo Pro WS X570 Ace
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
16GB RAM
Realtek Audio Driver V6.0.9244.1 For Windows 10/11 64-bit

Hi sithlord

Don't know about Edge or Chrome but with firefox you have to be site specific.
Open settings > Privacy & Security. Scroll down to Microphone and select it.
Choose your sites and uncheck " Block new requests" Have you done this yet?
I'm going to assume Edge & Chrome have similar settings

fishingfool said:

Hi sithlord

Don't know about Edge or Chrome but with firefox you have to be site specific.
Open settings > Privacy & Security. Scroll down to Microphone and select it.
Choose your sites and uncheck " Block new requests" Have you done this yet?
I'm going to assume Edge & Chrome have similar settings

View attachment 129158

Click to expand...

Thanks for following up and yup, I have all of this already configured - see screenshot below. I even re-installed windows 11 (kept personal settinsg and apps though) and it still didnt work. I am a 90s kid that grew up in the Limewire days with my fair share of troubleshooting BSOD, PC bugs, errors and viruses -but this time, I have no idea what is wrong and I have never been so stumped in my life.