HP 15s-eq1157nf Volume always maxed even at 1%

[Teddy-95]

Hello,

In December I had an audio problem: the sound was always maxed out even if I turned it down to 1%. I found an alternative solution to the problem by using bluethoot headphones, but I have to admit that this problem is becoming very disturbing!

Here's what I tried:
- Try downgrading the audio/video drivers
- Uninstall all sound-related peripherals, and remove drivers where possible
- Update everything: AMD for graphics drivers, bios and the 5 audio drivers available on the HP website: https://support.hp.com/fr-fr/drivers/hp-15-e1000-laptop-pc-series/model/38752941?serialnumber=5CD138... as well as Windows updates (and of course reboot).
- Check for updates on HP Support Assistant

I confess I'm a bit lost and reinstalling windows just for that would bother me, I've searched on the internet and people who have the same problem have solved it by reinstalling the realtek audio driver (which I've done 2 times).

Thanks if you have any advice 😓

[Teddy-95]

up

[Max3Aj · Accepted solution]

Hi @Teddy-95, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
That sounds incredibly frustrating! Since you've already tried reinstalling the Realtek audio driver multiple times and updating everything, let's go deeper into possible fixes:

Check Sound Enhancements & Exclusive Mode

• Open Control Panel → Sound.
• Under the Playback tab, right-click your default speaker and select Properties.
• Go to the Enhancements tab and disable all enhancements.
• Now, go to the Advanced tab and uncheck "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device."
• Click Apply and OK.

Try the Microsoft HD Audio Driver

Since reinstalling the Realtek driver didn’t help, try switching to the generic Microsoft driver:

1. Open Device Manager → Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
2. Right-click Realtek Audio → Select Update Driver.
3. Choose Browse my computer for drivers → Let me pick from a list.
4. Select High Definition Audio Device (Microsoft) instead of Realtek.
5. Restart and check if the issue is resolved.

Registry Edit (Potential Fix)

Some users have fixed this by tweaking the registry:

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Realtek\Audio\Drivers
3. Delete any unnecessary subkeys under Drivers (make a backup first).
4. Reinstall the latest Realtek driver from HP’s website and restart.

Test in Safe Mode

Boot into Safe Mode (press Shift + Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart → Select Safe Mode with Networking).

• If the problem disappears in Safe Mode, a third-party app is likely causing interference. Try disabling startup programs in Task Manager > Startup and test again.

Try an Older Driver

• Check if Windows Update is forcing a specific driver version.
• Instead of reinstalling the latest Realtek driver, try an older version from the HP website.

Use the Windows Audio Troubleshooter

• Go to Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional Troubleshooters.
• Run the Playing Audio troubleshooter and follow the prompts.

If none of these work, reinstalling Windows is a last resort, but let's try everything else first.

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. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[Teddy-95]

Thanks you are a hero Max!! I thought I tried everything but installing the Microsoft driver worked from me!

It saves me a lot of time, thanks for your support

For anyone wondering, you have to check the case saying to display the incompatible drivers so you can still select the microsoft one!

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Teddy-95 

@Max3Aj is away for now, however, I'm @VikramTheGreat and I'll be happy to help you out,

You're very welcome! 🎉 I'm so glad installing the Microsoft driver did the trick for you—sometimes, the simplest fix is the one we overlook. Thanks for sharing that extra tip about displaying incompatible drivers so others can find the solution too. That'll definitely help someone in the same situation!
 

If you ever run into any other tech headaches, you know where to find Us.

VikramTheGreat

HP Support