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- HP Community
- Notebooks
- Notebook Audio
- Inbuilt microphone not working

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07-26-2019 03:51 PM
Cortana can't hear me, and neither will google voice search.
I was sure there is an inbuilt microphone, so please correct me if I'm wrong
I have gone into the microphone speech settings, my native language is set to UK.
Online speech recognition is also on, in the speech settings.
Microphone access has been granted to Cortana, and the Chrome browser, for google audio.
When clicking on "Set up your mic for speech recognition", I get 2 options.
1. Microphone - Realtek (R) Audio
The connector for this device is located on the left side of the computer.
2. Microphone Array - Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST)
The connector for this device is located on the front of the computer.
I have nothing connected to option 1 so diagnosed option 2.
I say the phrase, but get "The computer did not hear you very clearly"
Any ideas?
07-29-2019 07:46 AM
Thank you for posting your query on HP Community,
Have tried checking with an external microphone does the issue persist?
Let's start off by updating the Bios and audio drivers on your PC either from our HP support website, using this link or download it using HP support assistant.
To download and install HP support assistant on your PC. It should automatically download and install the latest updates and drivers for your PC.
Refer this link to know how to use HP support assistant.
If you still have issues with the microphone, please try the steps mentioned below.
Right, click or hold tap on the Volume Control icon.
Left click or tap on the “Recording Devices” feature from the menu that pops up.
Right-click on an open space in the “Recording” box and left-click or tap on the “Show Disabled devices” feature.
Right-click again in the “Recording” box and check the “Show disconnected devices” feature as well.
Now in the Recording menu, you will have more icons like External Microphone, Internal Microphone Array, and Stereo Mix. You will need to right click on them and left click on the “Enable” option for each one.
Right-click on the ” Internal Microphone Array” icon and set it to default for the “playback” feature and also set it as a default communication device.
Left click or tap on the “Apply” button in order for the changes to take effect.
Note: If after choosing the Apply button the system stops responding you will have to close the window and try again only this time set the playback feature as default then save your changes and only afterward set it as default communication device.
Right, click or hold tap on “Internal Microphone Array”.
Left click or tap on the “Properties” feature.
Left click or tap on the “Effects” feature.
Check the box next to the “Disable System Effects” feature.
Left click or tap on the “Apply” button again.
Right-click or hold tap on the “Volume Control” icon and left-click or tap on the “Playback Devices” feature.
Right-click on the “Speakers” icon and set it as “default device” and also “Default Communication device” for the system.
Left click on the “Apply” button after you are done.
Re-enable the microphone
Go to Settings > Privacy
Head over to the Microphone section
Now, just toggle Let apps use my microphone
Also, Run Built-in Recoding Audio Troubleshooter
* Press Windows Key then type ‘troubleshoot’ and hit Enter
* Select “View all” on the left panel and run “Recording Audio” troubleshooter from the list and see if it works.
* Click on “Advanced” and then click on “Apply repair automatically”. Also, ensure to select Run as administrator.
* Click “Next” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
Refer this article to further troubleshoot microphone issues with your PC. Click Here
Let me know how it goes for further assistance.
Please click “Accept as 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!
Jeet_Singh
I am an HP Employee
07-29-2019 10:19 AM
Hi Jeet.
Firstly, thank you for your response.
I have no desire to use an external microphone, I wish to use the internal one as I had previously on an 8 year old Sony VAIO, sadly now deceased.
I have already updated the BIOS and audio drivers, prior to posting here.
I couldn't access the sound via the volume icon as instructed, and had to do so via the Control Panel.
Under sound in the Control Panel there are 4 tabs, Playback, Recording, Sounds, and Communications.
In the Recording tab, the Microsoft Array is displayed, (and shows as the default device), as is the Microphone, but there is no Stereo Mix as quoted by you, and I have enabled "Show disabled and Show Disconnected devices", as advised.
In the Playback tab, only the "Speaker/Headphone", is visible, (set as default), and I have enabled I have enabled "Show disabled and Show Disconnected devices", as advised, therefore I am unable to set the Microsoft Array as the default device, as it is not visible to me.
Regards, Steve.
07-29-2019 02:07 PM
The only reason why we recommend using an external microphone is to isolate the issue. If it's an issue with the sound card or the port.
Alternatively, I would suggest you try to test the microphone using sound recorder or using Skype.
For more details, please refer to this support document - HP PCs - Advanced Microphone Troubleshooting (Windows 10, 😎
Let me know the outcome!
Cheers 🙂
Jeet_Singh
I am an HP Employee
07-31-2019 03:11 PM
Hi Jeet. Thanks again for your reply.
I feel a bit miffed that having recently spent a large amount on acquiring a Spectre x360, I'm then asked to shell out extra on an external microphone.
Needless to say, should the fault lie with my new laptop, will you be covering the cost of the microphone you've requested that I purchase?
I have ordered one, and will let you know the outcome, once I've tested it.
Regards, Steve.
07-31-2019 05:53 PM
Thank you for replying,
In this scenario, I would suggest you could wait for the part and get back to us with the results for further assistance.
However, I would suggest the cost to repair the Internal mic will be covered by the warranty, and you can check the external mic at a local tech where you don't have to purchase one and it's cost will not be covered by HP.
I hope this answers your question. Do get back to us if you need any further assistance. I'll be more than happy to help you.
Take care and have a great day!
Cheers 🙂
Jeet_Singh
I am an HP Employee
08-02-2019 12:49 PM - edited 08-02-2019 01:49 PM
Hi Jeet.
Just to update you, the microphone I ordered works, after setting it up.
The internal one, still doesn't.
When attempting to "Set up the microphone" for the internal mic, any speech is not recognised, when reading the phrase "Peter talks to his computer,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,"
I am seriously considering doing a fresh install of windows 10, by downloading from here.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows10 ,
or via the recovery option inside my PC.
What I need to know, is how, if at all, will this affect my warranty?
Regards, Steve.
08-03-2019 03:24 AM
This could be a hardware issue. However, there is no harm in trying to perform a system reset.
You may follow the steps suggested in this support document for - HP PCs - Resetting Your Computer (Windows 10)
For some reason, if this does not help then I would suggest you could try to use HP Cloud Recovery Tool which allows you to download recovery software to a USB drive.
If this option does not work then you can follow this link: HP PCs - Obtaining PC Recovery USB Drives or Discs Or else you may contact our HP support team to help you order a set of recovery media for your PC.
HP support team can be reached on this link.
Let me know the outcome!
Cheers 🙂
Jeet_Singh
I am an HP Employee
08-03-2019 08:56 AM - edited 08-04-2019 07:43 AM
Hi Jeet.
I have reinstalled Windows, and my internal microphone worked straight away.
Another point was that my PC was also getting VERY hot at times, with high CPU/Memory use, so it's a possibility that because I was on the insider builds for Windows Update, maybe something from that had caused these problems, what do you reckon?
I have now resorted to standard updates just to be on the safe side.
Regards,
Steve.
08-04-2019 11:41 AM
I'm glad to hear you were able to get the Internal microphone issue sorted. However, you seem to have an issue with notebook overheating.
I would recommend you go through the steps suggested in this support document for - HP Notebook PCs - Reducing Heat Inside the Laptop to Prevent Overheating
I hope this should take care of the issue. Let me know if you need any further assistance. I'll be more than happy to help you.
That said, If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution and Kudos buttons, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!
Have a great day!
Jeet_Singh
I am an HP Employee