New Dell computer 64 bit processor windows 11.
Downloaded Audacity 3.1.3. The drop down menu for Recording Devices and Recording Channels are blank. Old computer was hooked up the same way and no problems with audacity.
It is possible that some device you have connected is causing problems for Audacity.
Click on the search window on your Windows taskbar near the magnifying glass. Type in “mmsys.cpl”. Click on the Recording tab and make a note of all of the devices listed. Then click on the Playback tab and do the same.
Look for unusual devices - NVIDIA HDMI would be one. Others could be bluetooth headphones, a droidcam, or DFX software.
Try disabling the suspect device and see if that fixes the issue.
Hint: Save time by using Transport > Rescan Audio Devices.
Right-click on the Windows Speaker/Volume icon and select Open Sound Settings, then Manage Sound Devices and make sure whatever you have is enabled. There is also a Troubleshooting button.
There are also some [u]Windows Security Settings[/u] that can turn-off the microphone.