Mic stops working after a while when you stay quite

[Raptorx74]

When I am in a Microsoft Teams call, and I don't speak for a while on my USB microphone (Make: Maono) the mic stops working. (no errors) If I go to the app, like Teams, I can see the microphone levels do not pick anything up, if I then talk into the microphone loudly for a few seconds then it starts working again, almost like it made the mic go into sleep mode.

I have the same issue in Discord and other apps like games where voice is involved.
I have had multiple Head sets (Bluetooth and wired) and if I select their mics it does the same, so its consistent and not the microphone. 

[VikramTheGreat · Accepted solution]

Hi @Raptorx74,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

Since this happens with multiple microphones and apps, this is not a mic fault; it is caused by Windows power saving + audio enhancements on HP notebooks. Below are the quickest proven fixes.

Steps to try:

1) Disable Windows microphone power saving

1. Right‑click Start → Device Manager
2. Expand Audio inputs and outputs
3. Right‑click Microphone (USB / Array / Bluetooth) → Properties
4. Go to Power Management
5. Uncheck ✔ Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power
6. Click OK
7. Repeat once under Sound, video and game controllers 
   • Do this for Realtek / USB Audio Device

2) Turn off Windows “audio enhancements”

1. Settings → System → Sound
2. Select your Microphone
3. Click Audio enhancements
4. Set to Off
5. Turn Exclusive mode OFF

3) Disable USB sleep (fixes “mic goes idle” behavior)

1. Device Manager
2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers
3. For every USB Root Hub: 
   • Properties → Power Management
   • Uncheck the power saving box

4) Turn off Windows background mic restriction

1. Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone
2. Turn ON 
   • Microphone access
   • Let Pc apps access the microphone

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!