Internal microphone does not work

[Arebze]

The internal microphone of my laptop is not working. 

The microphone is on, but the name does not have any sound bars next to it. I attempted to adjust the sound volume by navigating to Properties ➡ Levels, however the level section just has a blank page.

[A_Gayathri · Accepted solution]

Hi @Arebze,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

I understand you're dealing with a frustrating issue. Let's go through some steps to troubleshoot your internal microphone issue on your HP laptop running Windows 11:

Please try the following Troubleshoots steps. 

Step 1

1.    Turn off the Unit.

2.    Disconnect the AC adapter.

3.    Remove any discs from the disc drive.

4.    Remove memory cards from the card reader slot.

5.    Disconnect all nonessential peripheral devices, such as printers, scanners, external hard drives, and USB flash drives.

6.    Disconnect the AC adapter press and hold the power button for approximately 15 seconds.

7.    Reconnect the AC adapter, and then turn on the computer.

Step 2

Turn off the unit and please press and hold the Windows key + letter B key and the power button together for 30 seconds after 30 seconds, 1st release the power button but keep holding the Windows key and B key for ten more seconds and then release these two keys If done correctly, you will see the display flashing once. Please attempt it thrice as this step and Restart the unit

Step3

The unit has to be turned off, Press Win+ V while holding these two keys then Press the Power button, continue to hold all three keys for 30 seconds and then release the Power button first and then release these two keys Please attempt it thrice  and then you may get a Pop-Up CMOS Check and it will restart the unit 

Even if you don't get a Pop-up restart the unit manually after 3 attempts.
 1. Check Microphone Privacy Settings

Ensure that apps are allowed to access your microphone:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone.
2. Ensure that "Microphone access" is turned on.
3. Make sure that "Let apps access your microphone" is also turned on.
4. Verify that the specific apps you want to use with the microphone have permission.

2. Check Device Manager for Microphone Drivers

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Audio inputs and outputs section.
3. Look for your internal microphone (it might be listed as a "Microphone" or something similar).
4. Right-click on it and select Update driver.
5. Choose Search automatically for drivers to let Windows find and install the latest drivers.

3. Reinstall Audio Drivers

If updating doesn't work, you might need to reinstall the drivers:

1. In Device Manager, right-click on your microphone and select Uninstall device.
2. Restart your laptop, and Windows should automatically reinstall the driver.

4. Check Sound Settings

1. Right-click on the Sound icon in the system tray and select Sounds.
2. Go to the Recording tab.
3. Right-click on an empty area and make sure that Show Disabled Devices and Show Disconnected Devices are checked.
4. If you see your microphone listed but disabled, right-click on it and select Enable.
5. Set it as the default device by right-clicking and choosing Set as Default Device.

5. Check for Windows Updates

Ensure your system is up to date:

1. Go to Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

6. Check for HP Software Updates

Sometimes, the manufacturer's software can help with hardware issues:

1. Go to the HP Support website.
2. Enter your laptop's model number (HP 17-c0000).
3. Look for any BIOS, chipset, or audio updates and install them.

7. Run Windows Troubleshooter

Windows has built-in troubleshooters that might help identify and fix issues:

1. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Run the Recording Audio troubleshooter and follow the prompts.

8. Test in Safe Mode

Boot your laptop in Safe Mode to see if the problem persists:

1. Hold down the Shift key while selecting Restart from the Start menu.
2. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings and click Restart.
3. Once the laptop restarts, select Safe Mode with Networking.

If the microphone works in Safe Mode, there might be a software conflict causing the issue.

9. Check Physical Connections

Although unlikely for an internal microphone, ensure there are no loose connections or physical damage.

Refer to this document: HP 17.3 inch Laptop PC 17-c0000 (2W0J5AV) - HP Support

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.