Microphone Volume Very Low After Fresh Windows 10 Install

[Mannx]

Hi HP Community,

I recently installed fresh Windows 10 (22H2) on my laptop HP 15s-du3038TX (2W2Y9PA). After installation, I downloaded and installed all drivers from the official HP support page for my model:
https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/hp-laptop-pc-15-dw3000/model/2100000422?sku=2W2Y9PA

Everything else works perfectly, editing, gaming, performance, etc.
My only issue is the microphone volume: it is extremely low.

• The mic works, but the input level is so low that my voice is barely captured.

• I tried adjusting settings in HP Audio Center and setting input to high, still no improvement.

• The problem also happens when I use my wired headphones’ mic, so it is not just the internal mic.

• I tried installing HP Audio Console from the Microsoft Store, but it gives an error saying my device is missing a driver, even though I installed all drivers from HP’s site and updated Windows fully.

I am not sure if I am missing an audio driver, using the wrong version, or if there is a specific Realtek/Intel driver required to make HP Audio Console work.

Does anyone know how to fix the low microphone input issue, or why HP Audio Console will not install on this device?

Thanks in advance for any help!

[Deep_World]

Hi @Mannx,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I’m sorry you’re going through this; I understand the concern and don’t worry I’ll help you with this. 

To help me understand the situation better, could you please share a bit more information?

 Please let me know:

1. Windows Sound Settings

• In Settings → System → Sound → Input, what does the Input Volume slider show?
• Does the input level bar move even slightly when you speak?

2. Realtek Drivers

• In Device Manager → Sound, video and game controllers, what audio drivers are listed?
  (e.g., Realtek Audio, Intel SST Audio Controller, etc.)
• Is there any warning/yellow exclamation mark?

3. Recording Apps

• Is the mic too quiet in all apps (Voice Recorder, Zoom, Discord, etc.) or only some?

4. HP Drivers You Installed

Could you confirm:

• Which Realtek Audio Driver version you installed from HP’s page?
• Did you also install the Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) driver?

These two must match each other for the mic and HP Audio Console to work properly.

5. External Mic Behaviour

You mentioned your wired headphone mic is also extremely low —

• Does the laptop detect it properly as a headset?
• Does the mic volume remain low even with “Headset” selected instead of “Microphone”?

6. BIOS Version

• What BIOS version are you currently on?
  (You can check by typing msinfo32 in the Start menu.)

 A Few Troubleshooting Steps to Try Now

A. Disable “Audio Enhancements” in Windows

Sometimes Windows enhancements conflict with HP/Realtek enhancements.

1. Settings → System → Sound
2. Under Input → Device Properties
3. Disable Audio Enhancements

→ Let me know if the mic volume changes.

B. Remove + Reinstall the Audio Drivers Cleanly

A clean reinstall can fix mismatched HP/Realtek/Intel SST drivers.

1. Uninstall Realtek Audio from Device Manager
2. Uninstall Intel SST Audio Controller (if visible)
3. Restart
4. Install the following in this order (from HP’s site):
   a. Intel SST Driver
   b. Realtek Audio Driver
5. Restart again

→ Tell me if this improves the mic level.

C. Check the “Advanced Device Property” Tab

1. Right-click sound icon → Sounds
2. Input → Microphone → Properties
3. Go to the Levels tab
4. Is “Microphone Boost” available?
   • If yes, what values can you select?
   • If it’s missing entirely, that’s usually a Realtek driver conflict.
     
     I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 

Best regards,

Deep_World

[Deep_World]

Hi @Mannx,

We did not hear from you after I replied to your post that you had created on the HP Support Community.

This is a follow-up to know if the issue that you were facing with your HP product has been resolved.

If you encounter any more hiccups or have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help and support you every step of the way! 

We'll be archiving this case, but feel free to respond to this thread anytime to continue the conversation. 

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Take care, and have an incredible day ahead! 

Best regards,

Deep_World