External mics on All-in-One Desktop not working

[ptmanch]

(I have an all-in-one desktop, it wouldn't let me change from notebook audio in the "board selector" option)

My computer (running Windows 11) was working fine last week.  This Monday with no changes that I have made, my desktop all-in-one can no longer recognize an external microphone. I have a USB webcam with embedded microphone and my computer can find and utilize the camera, but it cannot find/utilize the microphone. I have tried resetting the sound, I have given the apps permission to use the microphone, I have restarted my computer multiple times, and still nothing. I thought it might be that the microphone in the webcam had died, but I have the same problem when I connect my airpods - I can hear sound in the headphones but it will not recognize the microphone that is in the headphones.  The computer for the most part recognizes and utilizes the built in microphone in the computer (it didn't this morning and I had to use a tablet for my work videoconferencing), so I have no idea what is going on.  I've tried different USB ports for my external webcam/microphone and it doesn't help. I've tried uninstalling and re-installing the webcam/airpods and it doesn't help.  I've reset the settings on my web browser and it doesn't work.  I rely on a microphone for my work, so this is becoming quite a problem and preventing me from doing my work.  

[CloudKicker88]

You're not alone and mine started yesterday, Wednesday 11/16/23.   I have an HP34-AIO and it won't recognize my microphone either.  Same problem where my Bluetooth headsets (AirPods & Jabra Evovle2 65) mics don't work and Windows 11 won't recognize the mic.  I've replaced all the Realtek, Intel, Bluetooth, etc. drivers across the board and finally factory reset my computer back to it's original state as new and still it doesn't work.  I've confirmed the Airpods and Headset work fine on my Microsoft Laptop Surface 3.   I've toggled on and off every option possible from every advice website out there and still nothing recognizes the microphone.  I've narrowed it's down to a Windows 11 OS problem or Realtek driver problem and I'm (SOL) out of luck until they fix it.   This is helpless and something needs done since this is a major part of how I conduct business and I'm sure a lot of people are having this problem.   One thing I couldn't explain is that the AirPods started working when I first connected them even though the mic wasn't working on my headset, but within a minute or two it failed as well and won't come back.   I'm not sure what this means whether it's Windows 11 or Realtek, but the factory reset and the fact that it works on my Surface 3 (Microsoft) laptop is making me think this is a Realtek driver problem.  

[smoksimon]

I have the same problem with the all-in-one. I reset the device and even installed Win10 again, but the problem persisted.

[NZee]

I am having the same issue. I completely wiped the PC and reloaded Windows 11. Still not working.

The technicians at HP are useless and run you around from person to person. I am just looking for a fix for this issue.

Any assistance would be appreciated!

Thank you

[CloudKicker88]

Yes, I couldn’t agree more.  I paid for SmartFriends as well and they finally after like 6 hours said, “I don’t know, it should work” and gave up.  Believe me, they and I tried everything that should have solved it.   All drivers reinstalled, clean re-install of Windows 11 (23H2 & 22H2 editions)  like 8 times, and checked all settings what feels like a million times.  I think there is something wrong with Windows 11’s compatibility with HP and neither one will admit this.  My sound card works fine with all pre-installed HP products like my built-in microphone and HP Envy Webcam connection (HP43-AIO).  Microsoft said the sound card went bad, but yet it works with all HP microphones.   I think HP has limited this functionality somehow by mistake a doesn’t realize it.  I’m at the point where I’m looking for a new computer because I’ve exhausted all options.  I can’t work without a microphone in a headset, so this is a game-stopped for me.   I’m very disappointed in HP and Microsoft.  This issue needs to be escalated to someone who writes code for them and not brushed off as user error because it’s not hardware, its’ compatibility between products. 

[mbarnes_uk]

Just adding to the conversation, experiencing exactly the same.

Tried the following without success;

- Different headsets with mic's which work on other PC's

- Bluetooth headset with mic connected via Bluetooth

- Different USB ports

- Uninstalled the recent windows updates

- Checked for any further windows updates

- Making USB microphone the default microphone

- Checking for new driver, trying to roll back driver, installing an older driver (manually selected)

- Removing USB microphone/headset under Device Manager and reinstalling (and then changing drivers again thereafter after this did not work)

- Disabling and enabling microphone/headset under "Change System Sounds" as recommended on other posts in forum

- Downloading manufacture (HP) software and running all updates to ensure everything up to date

- Ensuring Microphone access is turned on within Sound Settings

- Checking if any headset specific drivers were available (they're not - but also tried a headset from different manufacturer too)

- Microphone troubleshooter (unable to help)

[Wales2023]

I've had similar problems following the updates earlier this month - I noticed it on Monday 13 when I needed my external microphone for work purposes.

I've spent several hours on the phone to HP's customer support in the last few days and despite me giving them remote control of my PC, they were unable to solve it. 

Sadly they were not able to offer a sensible remedy, either, such as a refund or replacement. Unless I get better answers from them in the days ahead, this will be heading to the Small Claims Court.

[it-guy_swe]

Hi,
Try this

Open Computer Management and click Device Management.

Find all things related to Realtech Audio. Right click and uninstall device, you need to check the box for Uninstall driver from computer.
Restart the computer, check if the microphone works.

If not, go to HP Support and download the latest audio driver and install it.
If the microphone does not work in MS Teams, uninstall all versions of Teams and install the latest team version.

[Joseph12342]

Hi. I had exactly the same problem as described by all the previous posters. It does appear that a recent Windows 11 update knocked out all my external mics. Here's how I fixed it:

1. Go to the HP Software and Drivers page. https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/desktops

2. Let HP "detect your product."

3. Let HP check all your drivers and updates.

4. Download and install all recommended drivers and updates. Among them there is a RealTek audio driver that I *think* was the problem, but I'm not sure because the system installed a dozen new drivers and updates of various types. One of them, anyway, solved the problem. All my various mics and inputs are now back to normal.

Good luck!

[CloudKicker88]

I've already updated all my audio drivers at least 8 times each and so has HP remoting into my computer.  Believe me I tried everything, but I tried again today, and it worked!!  Realtek finally updated their driver and solved the incompatibility with Windows 11 (23H2) November 2023 update.   Eureka!  It works again!  It was a secret update too because they didn't change the date on the Realtek driver update, but I don't care, it works!  This has turned my life upside down the past two weeks over such a small thing as a microphone with work.  I'm ecstatic, so it's time to update your drivers if you're on this thread.  Thank you for the update!