Built-in mic mutes when playing audio files

[areopagan]

On my wife's new laptop (Windows 10, 64-bit), the built-in microphone works fine until she tries to play an audio file on the laptop. Then, it seems to be muting the microphone so that it's not picking it up, whether its' an mp3 file on computer or an online clip. I can see why this might be the preferred default behavior, but she needs the audio to be picked up so that it goes out on her Facebook Live session.  I've tried going into the Sound Settings from the Control Panel and on the Communications tab checking "Do Nothing" when Windows detects communications activity and also going  into advanced properties and unchecking "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device", as suggested in online posts I found, but no change. Does anyone know of another setting that might affect this? The old laptop never had this issue.

[praveen196]

@areopagan Welcome to HP Community!

I understand that the Built-in mic mutes when playing audio.

Do not worry. I will try to fix the issue.

Please provide the correct product number.

The Troubleshooting tool automatically finds and fixes many computer issues. Use it to troubleshoot microphone problems.

1. In Windows, search for and open Control Panel.

2. Click Troubleshooting.

3. Under Hardware and Sound, click Troubleshoot audio recording.

   NOTE: 

   Administrator permission is required to run this program. If prompted, type the administrator password or provide confirmation.

4. The Sound troubleshooter opens. Click Next. The troubleshooter begins checking the audio service status.

5. Select the device you want to troubleshoot, and then click Next.

6. Follow the on-screen instructions and make any changes suggested by the troubleshooter. When done, close the troubleshooter.

7. If the problem persists, continue to the next step.

We may need to reset the privacy settings for the Microphone if the issue occurred after any recent windows updates:

1. Open Settings from your start menu.
2. Click on Privacy in order to access all your privacy settings.
3. Select Microphone from the left pane and then click the Change button.
4. Now, turn on the microphone for this device.
5. Turn on Allow apps to access your microphone.
6. Finally, in the app list, make sure to turn on microphone access for every app you want to give permission to access your microphone.
7. Repeat the same exact steps but for your webcam this time.

If the issue persists, uninstall the microphone driver and restart to automatically install a fresh driver for the same.

1. Open device manager, the fastest way is through the search bar:
2. Open ‘Audio Inputs and Outputs’
3. Left-click on your recording device.
4. In the menu that opens up Click ‘Uninstall’.
5. delete the driver. click apply/OK and then, restart the pc.

Keep us posted,

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[RoyalSilk]

I have exactly the same question - I have a new HP laptop - an HP - Pavilion 15-cw1598sa 15.6” AMD Ryzen 7 Laptop  running WIndows 10.  The built in microphone records my voice fine, but mutes every time I play an audio file.  It picks up the first half second, then mutes.  It can be heard very softly in the background with volume up to maximum. 

This is ridiculous.  I have tried all the methods suggested but none work. 

I am especially using NCH Wavepad software but the problem is the same using the standard Voice Recorder software which comes with WIndows. 

[areopagan]

Unfortunately, none of these has solved the issue. I had already tried the troubleshooter, as well as reinstalling the driver, though that seemed like a long shot. Looked at the privacy settings, but they were already at your recommended settings.

[praveen196]

@areopagan & @RoyalSilk

I understand your concerns.

Please uninstall the audio drivers and reinstall and update the BIOS.

If the issue still persists, please perform the system reset.

Have a nice day!!