HP Envy x360 15m-bp111dx built-in microphone does not pick up sound

[Infinity_9999]

I've been researching this for quite a while and haven't found an answer yet.  Common issue where the built-in mic in my Envy x360 (15m-bp111dx) laptop won't pick up any sound.  It will register tapping on the lid or anywhere that causes vibration in the laptop (e.g. knocking on the table that the laptop is on). 

I have uninstalled and reinstalled the drives many times.  I've tried the latest ones downloaded from HP. I've tried the ones that come with Windows Update.  I've even found some newer MS-based Realtek drivers based on info over on Tenforums.com.  I've messed with all my privacy settings, maxed out the mic boost and volume, tried multiple apps to test. 

The troubleshooter says everything is fine.  There are no mic-specific tests in the UEFI diagnostics at boot.  Everything I've read seems to point to a software/driver issue since it passes the tap test, but I haven't ever found an actual solution other than getting a new laptop.  I had thought of buying a new webcam/mic replacement part, but the webcam works fine and as mentioned the mics pass the tap test, so I don't know that getting a replacement will do anything.  It almost feels like a privacy thing that won't allow it to pick up sound.  Either that or they're just extremely lousy mics that can't pick up sound waves, only vibrations.

To be honest, I can't recall if/when the mic ever worked as I generally use my bluetooth headphones when I do meetings and whatnot, but I've been trying to do some group things recently with the whole COVID-19 stuff, which requires a shareable mic.  Warranty expired last year, so I can't go that route.  

Any help would be appreciated.

[KrazyToad]

@Infinity_9999

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

I suggest you download and run the HP Support Assistant from this Link: https://www8.hp.com/us/en/campaigns/hpsupportassistant/hpsupport.html?jumpid=va_r602_us/en/any/psg/p...

HPSA will automatically search for all the latest drivers for your Notebook

1. Click My devices in the top menu, and then click Updates in the My PC or My notebook pane.

   

2. Click Check for updates and messages to scan for new updates.

   

3. Review the list of updates. Updates with a yellow information icon are recommended. Updates with a blue information icon are optional.

4. Click the update name for a description, version number, and file size.

5. Select the box next to any updates you want to install, and then click Download and install.

Also ensure Windows is up to date.

Select the Start  button, and then go to Settings  > Update & security  > Windows Update , and select Check for updates. If Windows Update says your device is up to date, you have all the updates that are currently available

Keep me posted how it goes

Thank you and have a wonderful day 😊

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the "Solution Accepted" on this Post and it will also help other community members with similar issue.

[Infinity_9999]

I've done all that multiple times.  I don't have anything else that can be updated and technically Windows Update installs newer audio drivers than the HP Support Assistant will give me (every time I install what the HP Support Assistant tells me to install after uninstalling things, Windows Update will automatically install something newer when I check for updates).  I've also tried multiple versions of the audio drivers that are available for my laptop model from the HP support web site.  

With the amount of threads related to the built in microphone not working on these laptops, I would think that HP should be able to reproduce this to come up with a solution, whether it's hardware or software.  I have yet to see anyone fix their issue with installing new drivers (either ones that HP offers or from another source), which makes me think that it's a hardware issue, except I can't understand how it can pick up vibrations to the mic itself but not ambient sound waves.  I am planning to get a new webcam/mic part since they're only $10, so I'll see if that changes anything.

[RayFlexRay]

I have exaclty the same issue. When tikking on the micropone i see a little bit of sound registering but futher more it all doesn't work 😞 all updates, drivers bios etc. etc. 

HP EliteBook x360 1040 G5

[KrazyToad]

@Infinity_9999

At this point I suggest you perform a Reset and check if that helps. Link: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c04742289

[Infinity_9999 · Accepted solution]

I got it working!  What mine ended up being is that the microphones have a small cushion sticker on top of them with a hole cut out of the mic to come through.  On mine, both cushions had slipped (or weren't applied correctly at the factory) and so it was covering up the microphone.  I just peeled them off and stuck them back on so that things lined up and my mic worked fine. 

So if you follow the instructions on page 56 of http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c05527167, you can see how to get at the webcam/mic and then you can realign those cushion stickers over the mics.

[KrazyToad]

@Infinity_9999

I'm glad you got this issue sorted out

Do visit our HP Support Community and drop us a message anytime you need help

Thank you