Windows 11 not recognising any microphone input

[smhimmy]

Hi, I recently got a new PC (HP Omen TG03-0006na) and installed Windows 11 (25H2) on it, however whenever I connect my Anker Soundcore Q20 Life headphones in through a wired connection, Windows doesn't recognise any valid microphone input (although it does recognise the speakers). Connecting via bluetooth does make the microphone work, however I'd like to use the wired connection and I can't figure out how. I've installed all of the drivers found on HP's website for this model and it still doesn't work. Could anyone tell me what's going on. I searched online on different forums for possible solutions but none of them work.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @smhimmy,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I know how frustrating it is when the headset works over Bluetooth but the wired mic is ignored. Quick check first:

Have you plugged the headset into the front panel headphone jack or the rear audio ports of the PC?

Meanwhile, you can follow these steps:

Quick physical checks

• Try the same headset plugged into the rear audio ports (not the front panel).
• If your PC has separate mic and headphone jacks, use a TRRS → dual TRS adapter (mic + headphone) or plug into the correct mic jack.
• Try a different headset or earbuds in the same jack to confirm the jack itself works.
• Inspect the plug for dust or a loose sleeve; push it fully in until it clicks.

Check Windows sound & privacy settings

• Open Settings > System > Sound.
• Under Input, pick the headset mic (or “Headset Mic (Realtek…)”).
• Click the device and raise Input volume and test.
• Open Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone and make sure apps are allowed to use the mic.

Realtek / Audio Console jack retasking (common fix)

• Open Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers and ensure Realtek (or your audio device) shows with no errors.
• Install/open Realtek Audio Console or Realtek Audio Control (or OEM audio control app).
• In the app, look for Device advanced settings or Analog settings and change from Headphone to Headset or enable jack detection.
• Apply and test the mic again. This often makes the system treat the 3.5mm port as a combo headset jack.

Driver and wiring checks

• Update or reinstall the audio drivers from HP’s support page for your model (uninstall first, then install fresh).
• If the PC uses an audio front-panel header, confirm the front-panel cable (to the motherboard) is fully seated.
• If your headset and PC use different TRRS standards (CTIA vs OMTP), a wiring mismatch can prevent mic detection — try a CTIA/OMTP adapter or a different cable.

Test alternate routes and tools

• Try the headset on another wired device (phone or another PC) to confirm the mic works wired.
• Use Windows Voice Recorder or the sound settings test to confirm input is received.
• If the mic appears in Device Manager but no sound is recorded, run the Windows Recording troubleshooter (Settings > System > Troubleshoot).

I hope this helps.

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Best regards,

[hawkrobertt]

Troubleshooting steps such as checking sound settings, ensuring the correct input device is selected, verifying that the wired connection supports microphone input, or updating audio drivers directly from the chipset manufacturer may help resolve the issue. Just like troubleshooting streaming problems in apps such as Moviebox sometimes the solution lies in configuring the right input source rather than reinstalling everything from scratch.