External mic not recognized via 3.5 jack

[chinajubilee]

Short Version: The computer doesn't ask whether I've plugged in headphones or a mic when something is inserted into the 3.5 jack. It just always assumes it's headphones. I can't find the software/driver to make it prompt me for the type of device I've plugged in.  

Full Version: I purchased a refurbished HP 250 G8 from a local computer shop earlier this year because my otherwise fully-functional 2018 laptop was unable to upgrade to Windows 11. I don't teach online these days so I haven't had a reason to try plugging in my mic until last night. (Combo headsets give me a headache, so I have a mic with a basic audio cable for certain uses.) On my old laptop, as soon as I plugged a device into the audio jack, a little menu/dialog box would pop up on which I could change the selection of what was plugged in - mic or headphones or speakers. But nothing pops up on this laptop to ask me that. I checked the audio settings while the mic was plugged in, but there was no choice to select an external mic for audio-in. Meanwhile, audio-out gave the option built-in speaker or headphones (even though it wasn't headphones). I've checked my StartUp settings, and Realtek HD Audio Universal Service is enabled.  I tried installing Realtec Audio Control from the Windows Store, but it said I was missing a driver called Realtek-RealtekHSA.inf. I haven't been able to find just that driver. I tried downloading and installing "Realtek High Definition Audio Driver," but it said it's not compatible with my laptop. Help please!

[BeemerBiker]

If you have an "apple compatible 3.5mm" headset the microphone  part will not work unless you have an adapter.

"Android compatible" has the same problem.

This is the latest driver offered by HP for your laptop.

if you want, I can provide advice on an easy and free windows 11 upgrade for any of those older laptops that have not been blessed by Microsoft.