Realtek Audio Processing Object Driver Causing issues with Logitech Meetup Conference - MIC Not Work

[indicter]

External Microphone Issues with Realtek Audio Processing Object (APO) (Feb–Jul 2025) and Logitech Meetup Conference Equipment

Problem Description

Work in a company with +70K HP Laptops. Primarily Elitebooks 8X5, and Zbooks. Support personnel have identified a widespread issue affecting laptops equipped with the Realtek Audio Processing Object (APO) driver versions released between February 2025 and June 2025. When these laptops are connected to conference room equipment—specifically Logitech Meetup devices—via USB-C, users encounter a direct error message indicating the microphone (MIC) is not functioning.

Logitech support has been engaged and suspects that either a Windows KB update or an audio driver update has triggered this behavior. The scope of the issue is extensive, impacting multiple conference rooms and devices. 

Affected Systems

• Laptops with Realtek Audio Processing Component driver versions from February 2025 – June 2025 (includes Elitebook 8X5 G8-G11 & HP Zbook Studio G9-G11
• Conference setups using USB-C connection to Logitech Meetup devices, with latest firmware (2024). 
• Conference equipment get a Microsoft driver from June 2024. 

Root Cause

The root cause is attributed to the Realtek Audio Processing Object driver (versions released between February and June 2025). Older driver versions (January 2025 and earlier) do not exhibit this issue. As of 23/09/2025, no newer driver is available for testing, and a rollback of affected drivers will not be automatically pushed out.

Resolution will ultimately depend on Realtek or Logitech releasing an updated driver. As of the present date, no such fix is available.

Latest APO Driver tested is 13.2697.1817.552, released June 2025. Rollback to an older version, like January 2025 works. Problem is that Windows Update will force a update to newer driver. Also we don't want to use older drivers. We had a similar issue 1.5 years ago, that time a new driver resolved the issue. Problem right now, no newer driver resolves the issue. 

Workarounds

1. Rollback APO Driver: If company have policy, rollback will be overwritten within a week. If possible, roll back the APO driver to a version from January 2025 or earlier.
2. This will resolve the issue after a system restart.
3. Note: This is only possible if the laptop was not recently imaged or installed as newer will not have an older driver. 
4. Manual Adjustment via Windows Sound Settings:
5. If rollback is not possible (e.g. on recently installed laptops), connect the device to the Logitech Meetup via USB.
6. Navigate to Windows Settings → System → Sound → Input → Logitech Echo nullifying Microphone.
7. In this menu, change any setting (e.g. switch the Hz or turn Audio Enhancement to Off). This adjustment will fix the MIC issue on that specific Logitech device for that laptop.
8. Important: This solution is device-specific and will not resolve the issue in other rooms. Windows will remember the setting for the last 10 USB devices only.
9. No Permanent Fix Yet:
10. If neither option above is viable, you will need to wait for Realtek or Logitech to release a new APO driver. As of 23/09/2025, no such driver is available.

[indicter · Accepted solution]

Update, 

I have done some digging and come to realization. All Elitebooks from G5-g11 use the same realtek driver. This also includes the Zbook Studio models. Why we have different driver versions seem to depend on when HP update the model support page driver for audio. Different Audio packages contains different drivers. For us working in big corporations with several thousands of each model generation creates and absurd volume of different audio driver versions in use. Making troubleshooting a pain. If all would have had the same driver, pinpointing issue would have been simplier. Each driver package contains 15 different drivers. For this case, it is only 1 of the 15 that is causing the issue. 

As to my troubles, looks like the new driver (not released offically yet) will resolve the issue with USB Audio Enhancement on "Older, 2017, "dumb (no OS) " " conference equipment. 3 Level support was able to provide the new driver that was ready 1.5 months ago, sept 2 - 2025. 
 

Realtek Audio Effects Component

09/02/2025

13.3457.2017.630

New driver works

Notes from May 2024

Device	Version	Date	Status
Realtek Audio Effects Component	12.106.1087.103	2022-12-26	Works
Realtek Audio Effects Component	13.223.1124.201	2023-10-03	Mic issues with Logitech Meetup
Realtek Audio Effects Component	13.309.1165.249	2024-16-01	Works, Latest Available

•  

Investigation done today Oct 17 - 2025

Model	Audio Component	Release Date	Version	Column1
HP Elitebook G9	Realtek Audio Effects Component	09/02/2025	13.3457.2017.630	New driver works
Zbook Studio G11	Realtek Audio Effects Component	20/03/2025	13.2157.1677.502	Mic Issue with Logitech Meetup
Zbook Studio G11	Realtek Audio Effects Component	03/06/2025	13.2697.1817.552	Mic Issue with Logitech Meetup
Zbook Studio G11	Realtek Audio Effects Component	09/01/2025	13.1727.1567.467	Works
Zbook Studio G11	Realtek Audio Effects Component	16/07/2024	13.748.1348.339	Works
Model	Audio Component	Release Date	Version	Column1
HP Elitebook G9	Realtek Audio Effects Component	09/02/2025	13.3457.2017.630	New driver works
HP Elitebook G9	Realtek Audio Effects Component	03/06/2025	13.2697.1817.552	Mic Issues
HP Elitebook G9	Realtek Audio Effects Component	15/04/2025	13.2337.1737.518	Mic Issue
HP Elitebook G9	Realtek Audio Effects Component	09/01/2025	13.1727.1567.467	Works
HP Elitebook G9	Realtek Audio Effects Component	21/11/2025	13.1387.1487.437	Works
HP Elitebook G9	Realtek Audio Effects Component	16/07/2024	13.748.1348.339	Works