Microsoft Windows uses device drivers to communicate with hardware devices in the computer. One of the important devices in a computer is the PCI simple communications controller. If the PCI simple communications controller driver is not installed, the device will show an error. In addition, it can result in other devices depending on this device failing or not being recognized by Windows.
What is a PCI Simple Communications Controller?
PCI is short for Peripheral Component Interconnect and it is a hardware bus that is used to connect hardware devices to a computer. The bus is inside the computer, on the motherboard, so you will not see it, like a printer or mouse. But it is a critical component to enable communication between the CPU and hardware devices. The PCI simple communications controller is a controller chip that is part of the motherboard chipset. The device manufacturer is Intel.
If the right driver for the PCI simple communications controller is not installed, this will be visible in the Device Manager in Windows. The device will show an error or warning.
The device will be shown in the Other devices category instead of the System devices category. When you right-click the device and check the Properties, the error will often show “The drivers for this device are not installed. (Code 28)”.
Apart from this, other devices might not be recognized and show up as Unknown devices in the Other devices category as well.
Once the right driver for the PCI simple communications controller is installed, the other devices can be recognized by Windows as well and drivers for them can also be installed.
Solving the problem with the PCI simple communications controller is a matter of installing the right driver. The driver needed is the Intel Management Engine driver, which is a chipset driver.
To download the driver from the Intel support website, make sure you have a working Internet connection and visit the Intel download page.
In the search box, type “management engine driver” and then click the appropriate entry for your Windows version in the result list.
In the next page, select the driver that is right for your Windows version and click the link.
This will bring up the download page. Click the Download button to download the ZIP file to your computer. After agreeing to the Intel Software License Agreement, the download will start.
Unzip the downloaded file to extract the driver files. Navigate into the extracted folder (ME_SW_2216.16.0.2805 in this example) and then into the subfolder named ME_SE_DCH.
Install the drivers by executing the SetupME.exe file.
Once installed, restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Any devices depending on the PCI Simple Communications Controller should now also be recognized and their drivers installed.
Update the Driver from the Device Manager
Instead of manually downloading and installing the drivers for devices like the PCS Simple Communications Controller, you can also use the Device Manager to update the driver. Especially in later Windows versions, many drivers are automatically installed.
Open the Device Manager from the Start menu, or type devmgmt.msc in the Run box after pressing the Windows + R keys.
In the Device Manager, open the Other devices category.
Right-click the PCI Simple Communications Controller, and in the popup menu click Update driver (or Update Driver Software depending on your Windows version).
Choose the option to let Windows Search automatically for drivers (or Search automatically for updated driver software, again, depending on the Windows version).
Wait for the driver to be installed and then click Close to finish the driver update.
After this, reboot your PC to have the changes take effect and let Windows find any other hardware devices that may now be detected.
If the automatic update fails, make sure you have an active Internet connection. If that is the case, the other option is to choose the option Browse my computer for drivers in step 4 and select the path where you manually downloaded the latest driver for the device.
For finding the right drivers for your computer system, we recommend you use the DriverFinder utility. It scans your hardware devices and allows you to download the latest drivers for all devices.
Fix #1 – Check That Your Mic is Correctly Plugged to Your PC
This fix assumes that you have an external device you’re using as your microphone for your Zoom meetings. If that’s not the case, feel free to move on to the next recommended fix.
Unplug your microphone and plug it back in to ensure that it’s not just loosely connected.
If you’re using a USB audio device, then try plugging it into a different usb port. Note: If you’re using a USB hub or USB extension cable, try plugging the device directly into your computer’s USB port.
For Bluetooth headsets, or microphones, make sure to PAIR the device with your Windows computer.
Fix #2 – Check that your Microphone Device is Not Muted
On the Windows Taskbar, right-click the speaker icon and then click Open Sound Settings.
Under Input, click the Choose your input device down arrow and select the microphone device you want to use.
If you’re using an audio headset, check that its Mute switch – if it has one – is not turned on.
This is my Jabra headset and where the Mute button is on my device.
Fix #3 – Check that Zoom is Allowed to Use Your Microphone
Use the Windows search box, type microphone privacy settings and select this option when it appears.
Under Microphone, switch the Allow apps to access your microphone toggle to On.
Scroll down further till you find Allow desktop apps to access your microphone, and then toggle that to On too.
Note: Ensure that Zoom Meetings is one of the desktop apps listed as allowed to use the microphone.
Tip: Is the Zoom app not listed under Microphone Privacy Settings?
Uninstall Zoom.
Restart your PC.
Re-install Zoom.
Fix #4 – Ensure that Zoom is Using the Default Microphone
Log into your Zoom desktop app.
On the right side of the Zoom pane, under your profile icon, click the Settings icon .
On the left pane, click Audio.
Under Microphone, ensure that audio device selected is the same device you chose under Fix #2 above. If not, click the down arrow and then select Same as System.
While you’re in there, perform a mic test.
Under Microphone, click Test Mic.
Say something into your microphone.
Whatever you say should be played back to you.
While you’re in there, check that the microphone is not automatically set to mute when you join a meeting.
Ensure that the setting Mute my microphone when joining meeting is off.
Note: By the way, the Meeting Host can mute meeting participants so be sure this is not the case.
Fix #5 – Update Your Audio Drivers
If you’re microphone is still not working with Zoom even after going through the Windows and Zoom solutions above, then you may need to update your device drivers.
Audio drivers ensure that Windows can recognize and operate your audio devices, including your microphone. In the same way, USB ports and Bluetooth also need device drivers to function.
Hardware manufactures release new device drivers all the time. This is their way of releasing new product features or new functionality for their devices, as well as fixing any bugs that may have been detected by consumers over use.
How to Update Drivers Manually
Normally, for sound problems you should go your PC manufacturer’s website and install the latest Windows 10 sound drivers available for your laptop or desktop PC. However, if you have a custom PC, or if you built your PC yourself (impressive!), you should probably head to your motherboard manufacturer’s website and download audio drivers from them.
If, like me, you’re using a USB microphone, try to download and install the recent release of USB controller drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
How to Update Drivers Automatically
If you don’t have time or the know-how to properly select, download and install the drivers you need, you can do this process automatically with DriverFinder. (Shameless plug!)
DriverFinder does exactly what its name suggests… instantly find the RIGHT device drivers you need. Once you install DriverFinder, it will automatically recognize your system info and details, as well as all the devices installed or connected to your PC.
It will then compare the drivers installed on your system against our DAILY UPDATED and ever-growing driver database. From here, just download and install the latest audio driver found for your device.
Click Activate to register your copy of DriverFinder.
Click Start Scan to check for new drivers.
Download and install the latest device drivers recommended for your audio/microphone device.
Fix # 6 – Quit Other Chat & Teleconferencing Software
You may not realize this but perhaps other apps are on/open and are ‘locking’ the use of your microphone. So if you have Skype,GoToMeeting, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, etc. installed on your PC, ensure that all of them are completely closed.
Click the up arrow ^ on the Taskbar notification of Windows to see hidden icons.
If you see any chat or teleconferencing app there, right-click it and then click Quit or Sign Out.
Tip: If you want, you can also uninstall all other chat and teleconferencing apps you have installed on your PC to be sure, apart from Zoom of course. Reboot your PC and then perform a mic test again in Zoom.
Fix # 7 – Disable ‘Audio Enhancement’ Settings
Disable ‘Audio Enhancement’ settings for your output.
On the Windows Taskbar, right-click the speaker icon and then click Open Sound Settings.
Under Output, click Device Properties.
In the DeviceProperties window, click Additional device properties.
Click the Advanced tab.
Uncheck Allow hardware acceleration of audio with this device and Enable audio enhancements.
Click OK.
Note: If you don’t see the above settings, look at the options under Exclusive Mode and uncheck those options.
Disable ‘Audio Enhancement’ settings for your input.
On the Windows Taskbar, right-click the speaker icon and then click Open Sound Settings.
Under Input, click Device Properties.
In the DeviceProperties window, click Additional device properties.
Click the Advanced tab.
Uncheck Enable audio enhancements.
Click OK.
Note: If you don’t see the above settings, look at the options under Exclusive Mode and uncheck those options.
Fix # 8 – Use Your Phone as Your Microphone
If you’re already in a meeting, we understand you’re in a pinch and just want to use any mic ASAP. In this case, you may want to use your phone as your microphone.
Download the Zoom app on your Android or iPhone.
On your phone, login into your Zoom account.
Go back to the Zoom desktop app.
Click on the arrow next to Mute, and then click Switch to Phone audio.
You will be given a meeting ID and password. Use it to join the meeting on your phone.
Fix # 9 – Run the Windows 10 Audio Troubleshooter
Windows 10 has a built-in troubleshooters that can help fix common issues. Especially for non-tech-savvy users the Windows troubleshooters are a good choice. Since there is a troubleshooter for Recording Audio, this can used used to troubleshoot and fix microphone problems.
To run the Windows 10 audio troubleshooter follow these steps:
In the Taskbar search box, type “troubleshoot setting”.
Click the Troubleshoot Settings icon in the search result.
In the Troubleshoot Settings window, click the Additional troubleshooters option.
Next, scroll down to locate the Recording Audio option and click it.
Finally, click the Run the troubleshooter button that appears.
The troubleshooter will execute and identify any problems with the microphone and related settings. In most cases any available fixes will be applied automatically. Just follow the on-screen instructions in case manual actions are required (like selecting the audio input device to troubleshoot).
Zoom Microphone not working on iOS devices
When using Zoom on an Apple iPhone or iPad, the microphone can also be muted.
The very first step is to allow Zoom to access your microphone. So when you see the message “Zoom” Would Like to Access the Microphone, make sure you click the OK option.
In addition the microphone access, the microphone can be muted within the Zoom app itself.
Follow these steps to make sure the microphone is not muted within the Zoom app on iOS.
Open the Zoom App.
Click the Settings icon in the lower-right corner.
Next, click the Meetings
In the Meeting Settings, make sure the option Mute My Microphone is disabled.
Start your meeting, or join your meeting with the Join with Audio option to make sure the audio (and microphone is enabled).
If you are still facing problems, try closing any other apps that might use the microphone. A last option is to restart the phone or iPad.
I hope this article has helped you with your ‘Zoom mic not working in Windows 10‘ issue. Do let me know below which fix worked for you! If you have any questions, or more suggested fixes please feel free to comment below as well.
We’ve all been there at one point; just when you’re seconds away from a Skype call, you realize that you’re freaking mic is not detected by Skype! This happens often especially if you have various audio devices connected to your PC. Following are three (3) simple things you can do to make Skype recognize your mic.
Three Ways to Make Skype Detect Your Mic
1. Check that the RIGHT audio device (mic) is selected by Skype.
Open Skype.
From the Tools menu, click Options and then select the Audio Settings tab.
Click the Microphone down arrow and then select the device that Skype should use. (As you can see on the screenshot below, since my microphone is connected to my PC via USB, I selected ‘Microphone (USB Audio Device)’.
2. Check that the correct recording device is selected on your PC. (The succeeding steps were done on a Windows 7 PC. The steps will be very similar for Windows 8.1 and Window 10. Minor differences in steps may be needed for Windows XP and Vista.)
From the Windows Start menu, click Control Panel.
Click Sound (if needed click Hardware and Sound first).
Select the Recording tab.
Select the microphone device you indicated in Skype (Step 1 above).
Click the Set Default down arrow and then choose Default Device.
Click OK to close the Sound window.
3. Update your sound card driver. Skype still not detecting your microphone after the above tweaks? Then perhaps you should update the drivers of your sound card.
Here’s the manual way to do this.
Check the brand and model of your sound card. You can do this by literally opening up your machine, taking out the sound card and checking it’s brand and model. Another way is to check your PC brand and model. You then go to the PC manufacturer’s website (e.g., Asus, Dell, Samsung, HP, etc.) and then check what sound card they put on your PC.
Now that you know the sound card brand and model, you can go to the website of the sound card maker (e.g., Realtek, Creative Labs, SoundMAX, etc.) and check if they have new sound card drivers for you to download.
If they do, download the new sound card driver and install it on your PC.
Restart your system.
Here’s the fast and automated way to do this.
You can use DriverFinder to update your sound card drivers. (In this screenshot, you can see that DriverFinder has detected the sound card device on my PC in seconds.)
After registering and activating the program, click the Start Scan button at the top to enable DriverFinder to look for new drivers for your PC. (In the screenshot below, new drivers for my Realtek sound card, as well as for other devices on my PC, have been detected.) You can download and install the recommended drivers for your PC in minutes.
That’s it. Try these tips and here’s to you getting Skype to recognize your mic once again!
Did you know that only those who have been officially certified by Microsoft can use the Windows 7 compatible logo you see on the left?
Sadly, a lot of people online misuse this image. They put it on their sites to try and pass off their software as something that has been tested and certified by Microsoft as perfectly usable for their Windows 7 operating system.
We here at DriverFinder do not believe nor support such tactics. We have submitted our software to the Microsoft Compatibility Center months ago and have been officially using the logo you see above since.
Please go ahead and click here to visit Microsoft’s Compatibility Center and see DriverFinder featured there as being 100% Windows 7 compatible for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. This is just one of the ways we ensure that our product works best for you. Please do check our Integrity Statement as well to see the many ways we ensure your safe and secure use of DriverFinder.
When the word driver is mentioned, the first thing you probably think of is the driver of a vehicle, or maybe a golf club if you are a golfer. But this article is really about device drivers, which are small computer programs.
Device drivers are software programs that take care of the communication between an operating system and computer hardware. They translate the generic instructions that the operating system will issue to hardware devices into specific instructions for a specific piece of hardware from a hardware manufacturer.
In Windows you can use the Device Manager to see which devices are present in the computer and what drivers they use.
Who makes device drivers?
A lot of device drivers are included with the operating system itself. If we look at Windows device drivers, then Microsoft makes a lot of device drivers, either by itself or in cooperation with various hardware manufacturers. This will generally ensure that the device driver is best suited for the appropriate Windows version and the hardware devices of those manufacturers.
But there are also a lot of manufacturers that make device drivers themselves, without the help of Microsoft. They will simply use the specifications for a driver from Microsoft for the Windows operating systems, and have their programmers write the device driver. This type of driver is often not included with the operating system, but is available only from the hardware manufacturer directly.
Why is a driver important?
Device drivers ensure that the computer hardware will work as intended. Without the driver, the operating system (Windows) will not be able to recognize the device when inserted or connected to the computer.
Using the correct driver will also ensure the hardware device will be fully supported. The wrong driver might offer only partial functionality. For example, a printer scanner device can be used for printing but not for scanning, or a video card will only offer limited screen resolutions, even when capable of higher resolutions.
If the wrong driver is used, there is also the risk of system instability. Hardware resources that are accessed by the driver software might be the wrong ones, and can cause the operating system to crash or hang. In Windows a blue screen error can be the result. The reason for this is that device drivers have a lot of high level access in the operating system to allow them to interact with the hardware devices, so if something goes wrong, it is immediately serious.
What is a signed and unsigned driver?
Signing refers to digital signing, which is a way to certify that a driver, or driver file, is authentic. In the same way that your signature under a document will show that you signed the papers, a digital signature is used to show that a driver was created by a certain software maker or hardware manufacturer. It also tells you that the driver was not modified after it was signed.
An unsigned driver therefore is simply a driver that has not been digitally signed, so there is no way to know for certain where the driver originated from or if it has been modified. That does not mean however that the driver is not valid, as some hardware manufacturers chose not to sign their drivers. Typically that only happens for older drivers, but many of those can still be used.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 will not allow unsigned drivers to be installed by default, as a way to ensure the integrity of the operating system.
What are driver files?
If we specifically look at Microsoft Windows, then there are a few file types, or extensions, that are driver files. Older versions of Windows used the .VXD extension for driver files. But Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10 all use the .SYS file extension for drivers. This is the main driver, but there are other files associated with a driver, either for installation (like: .INF, .CAT, .CAB, .MSI), or for operation (like: .EXE, .DLL, .CPL).
Depending on the hardware device, the size of a driver can vary significantly. Some drivers require only minimal installation, and only have a .SYS, .INF, and .CAT file, while others have a lot of support files for functional reasons and control panels, which allow the user to configure the hardware device. Typically printer drivers and video drivers tend to have large driver installation packages. And lately audio driver files have also increased in size.
Why should you update device drivers?
Like any software, drivers are created by humans and as a result they can contain errors, or bugs. These software defects will come up when the driver is used, so a driver update is created to fix those bugs.
Apart from fixing bugs, driver updates can also contain improvements to the driver software itself. This can result in better performance of the hardware supported by the driver, or new functionality becoming available to the operating system.
A third reason to update drivers is to make sure that maximum compatibility between the hardware and the operating system is guaranteed. For new versions of Windows, like Windows 10, and Windows 11, it is often the case that older device drivers are initially used. This allows manufacturers to specify that their hardware is compatible with new Windows version. Even if the driver is not the best possible version for that new Windows version yet. So driver updates are released later on to improve on the compatibility.
In the same way, new versions of the hardware are supported by existing drivers, while new versions of the drivers are created to improve the support for the new hardware version.
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Did you know that only those who have been officially certified by Microsoft can use the Windows 7 compatible logo you see on the left?
