How to Fix Overwatch Voice Chat Not Working in Windows 11/10

If you're into the Overwatch franchise, you're well aware of the issues that can disrupt your gaming experience. When delving deep into the game on Windows 11/10, you want to be on top of your game, with your microphone supporting you to communicate with your teammates.

But sometimes, your mic can be in a different state that causes persistent issues. It might be muted, or there could be problems with your audio settings. Whatever the reason, you can fix Overwatch voice chat not working with the solutions we recommend.

You can also read these posts for more game details:

What does the "Overwatch 2 Voice Chat Not Working" error mean?

The "Overwatch 2 Voice Chat Not Working" error might be an issue you've recently encountered. Depending on whether you're accessing the game through an application or a web browser, different problems can arise. Sometimes, hardware issues can prevent your headset or microphone from functioning correctly, or there might be configuration issues within the game settings. Alternatively, you could have inadvertently disabled the team voice chat or group voice chat feature.

Treasured Solutions to Fix Overwatch Voice Chat Not Working

Here are 7 solutions to fix the Overwatch voice chat not working problem. Read on, and you will find the right one for you.

1. Solution 1: Check your headset or microphone
2. Solution 2: Review in-game audio settings for Overwatch
3. Solution 3: Set default devices on your computer
4. Solution 4: Disable exclusive mode for audio devices
5. Solution 5: Grant permission for apps to access your microphone
6. Solution 6: Check for Windows updates
7. Solution 7: Install the latest game patch

Solution 1: Check your headphones or microphone

First, check if there are issues with your microphone or headphones – this could be key to resolving Overwatch voice chat problems.

Steps to follow:

Step 1: Make sure that your microphone or headphones are not loose.

Step 2: Make sure that the Mute button on your microphone or headset isn't turned on.

Then check whether the problem is fixed.

Solution 2: Check your audio settings in Overwatch

Sometimes changing these settings can resolve issues with Overwatch voice chat and get you back to talking immediately.

Steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch Overwatch, and then click Options > Audio.

Step 2: Check audibility by turning up the volume on your speakers or headphones.

Step 3: Turn on “Auto-join” for group and team voice chats.

Step 4: Choose the correct voice chat device.

Step 5: From the controls, change the "Hold to Talk" option for males. Join the chat and test if the issue is resolved.

Solution 3: Set the default device for your computer

If checking your audio settings in Overwatch doesn't fix the voice chat, check your computer's settings. You may notice that your computer automatically detects any audio devices you plug in. While it might not set the playback device as the default, you may need to do this manually.

Steps to follow:

Step 1: Exit Overwatch.

Step 2: Press the "Windows key" and "R" on your keyboard. Type "mmsys.cpl" in the pop-up window, then tap Enter.

Step 3: In the pop-up window, go to the "Playback" tab and locate your headphones or speakers. Right-click on it and select "Set as Default Device."

Step 4: Right-click on each one and select “Disable,” but not on the Default Device.

5. Click on the "Recording" tab, right-click on the headphones or speakers you want to use, and set them as the default device. Finally, click "OK".

Solution 4: Disable exclusive mode for audio devices on your computer

If you haven't gotten help from the default audio device settings, you might have a third-party application that's limiting Overwatch's access to your audio devices. To fix issues with Overwatch voice chat not working, you need to disable exclusive mode for your speakers, microphone, or headset.

Steps to take:

Step 1: Press the "Windows key" and the "R key" simultaneously. In the Privacy and Security screen that pops up, select the tab that appears, and type "mmsys.cpl" then hit Enter to proceed.

Step 2: Next, go to the "Playback" tab and find the device that is set as the default. Right-click on it and select "Properties."

Step 3: Click on the “Advanced” tab in the Properties window. Find and uncheck the “Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device” option.

Step 4: Click “Apply” and then “OK.” Check to see if the problem is resolved.

Solution 5: Allow the app to use the microphone

Sometimes, you might have limited access to your microphone, which can prevent certain apps from working. For example, it can cause issues with voice chatting. If you want to fix an issue where Overwatch voice chat isn't working, for instance, you'll need to grant the app permission to use your microphone.

Allow the app to access the microphone

Steps to follow:

Step 1: For Windows 11, press the "X" and "Windows key" to open the Power User menu, then choose "Settings" to open the Settings app.

For Windows 10, move your cursor to the bottom-left corner of the screen, click the Start button, and then click “Settings.”

Step 2: Next, select Privacy & Security from the left navigation pane.

In Windows 10, choose Privacy from Settings.

Step 3: Scroll down to the Privacy & Security screen, and choose Microphone.

Step 4: Flip the “Microphone access” switch. On Windows 10, you can also find “Allow apps to access your microphone” and turn that on as well.

Step 5: Scroll down the list and find Overwatch, then toggle Microphone access on.

Solution 6: Check for Windows updates

Want to try another fix for the Overwatch voice chat not working issue? You might want to try updating your Windows. Quite often, an outdated operating system can cause significant problems. Thus, it's recommended to keep your Windows up-to-date to maintain a bug-free environment and enhance security. This should address any potential issues you're encountering.

Steps to follow:

Step 1: For Windows 11, press the "I" and Windows keys together to open Settings. On Windows 10, just click the Windows key and select Settings.

Step 2: In the left pane of Windows 11, select "Windows Update." For Windows 10, look for "Update & Security" and then choose "Windows Update."

Step 3: In Windows 10/11, go to the Windows Update screen and click the Check for updates button.

You'll see Windows downloading available updates, and it will automatically install any non-critical ones. When it's done, it'll prompt you to restart your system to install the important stuff.

Solution 7: Install the latest game patch

Game developers often release patches to fix known issues with their games. If you're having trouble, and want to fix Overwatch voice chat not working, try applying the latest game patch to fix the bug.

Steps to follow:

Step 1: Open the Battle.net app on your computer.

Step 2: Then, select Overwatch from your list of installed games.

Step 3: Time to make your choices under "Options."

Step 4: Select “Patch Notes” from the options.

You should be able to see all available patches. Continue downloading and installing the updates, then test the issue by launching the game.

Conclusions

We've pretty much covered all the practical approaches to fix the Overwatch voice chat not working issue. We hope that you'll find one or all of these methods effective in resolving your problem immediately. If you have other concerns or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to Blizzard's customer support team for the help you need.