How to make the recording level independent from Windows volume level?

[Ash_murad]

When I record with my desktop audio, It matches my volume.
This is very annoying. I don't like when my desktop audio matches the volume of my computer. I recorded with my desktop audio on other computers and it sounds perfectly fine. and it doesn't match the volume. I just got this computer it is brand new and I don't like when it matches the volume. I want to record my desktop audio normally. And I don't want to set my headphones full blast the entire time. Is there anyway to fix this?
is it possible that a hardware problem? 
I contacted Microsoft and the their technician couldn't fix it rather advice me to contact HP ?    

[Max3Aj]

@Ash_murad, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating issue where desktop audio recording volume is directly tied to your system's playback volume—so if you lower your system volume, your recording gets quieter too. That shouldn't happen, and you're right to expect it to behave independently, as it does on other systems. Let’s go over some of the steps to fix it, 

Use Stereo Mix Carefully (or Disable It)

If you're using Stereo Mix to record desktop audio, it records what you hear, and volume adjustments affect it. However, on some systems, it behaves like a “virtual mic” and respects system volume.

• Go to Control Panel > Sound > Recording tab.
• Right-click and select Show Disabled Devices.
• If Stereo Mix is enabled, try disabling it.
• Instead, try recording directly via software that supports WASAPI loopback (explained below).

Use Software That Records Audio Independently of System Volume

Some programs can bypass Windows volume mixing and grab raw audio at full quality:

• Audacity (Free):
  • In Audacity, go to Device Toolbar > Select WASAPI.
  • Choose Speakers (loopback) as the recording source.
  • This records the actual digital output, independent of playback volume, allowing you to mute or lower your system volume while keeping the recording at full volume.
• OBS Studio (Free):
  • OBS can also record desktop audio using WASAPI.
  • Make sure the "desktop audio" device is enabled under Settings > Audio.
  • Output volume can be configured separately.

Disable Exclusive Mode (Important)

• Go to Control Panel > Sound > Playback > Your Output Device > Properties.
• Under Advanced, uncheck:
  • Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device
  • Give exclusive mode applications priority
• Repeat this for the Recording device as well. This helps prevent Windows or apps from hijacking audio routing and scaling volume.

Update or Roll Back Realtek Audio Drivers

Sometimes the version preinstalled on HP systems modifies how loopback recording works:

• Go to Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers.
• Right-click your audio device (likely Realtek), then:
  • Try Update driver, or
  • Try Roll Back driver (if an update worsened it).
• You can also uninstall it and reboot — Windows will use a generic driver that might fix it.
• Bonus: You can try the Microsoft High Definition Audio driver instead of Realtek:
  • Right-click > Update Driver > "Browse my computer" > "Let me pick" > choose High Definition Audio Device.

Use Virtual Audio Cable (Advanced Option)

If you need total separation of playback and recording paths, use tools like:

• VB-Audio Virtual Cable:
  • Redirect your system audio through the virtual cable.
  • Record from the virtual cable in your software, independent from volume, giving you fine control.

It's highly unlikely this a hardware issue. Audio routing is mostly handled in software/driver-level unless you’re using external mixers or DACs. Since it worked properly on your other systems and this issue is software-behavior related, it’s definitely a driver or configuration quirk, not a defect.
 

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support