Microphone buzzing noise after Windows 11 update on Victus 15-fa0185nw - Need Intel SST driver

[Andre1988]

Hello HP Support Community,

I'm experiencing a critical audio issue with my HP Victus laptop after updating to Windows 11 version 25H2.

Device Information:

• Model: HP Victus Gaming Laptop 15-fa0185nw

• Product Number: 715U9EA

• Current OS: Windows 11 Enterprise 25H2 (build 26200.7628)

Problem Description:
After the Windows 11 25H2 update, the built-in microphone produces continuous buzzing/static noise. The microphone array is detected but unusable due to the noise.

Error Details:
In Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers, I see this error:

text: Device INTELAUDIO\CTLR_DEV_51C8&LINKTYPE_02&DEVTYPE_00&VEN_8086&DEV_AE20&SUBSYS_8A4F103C&REV_10EC\5&113d02a5&0&0000 requires further installation.

Hardware IDs:

• PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_AE20&SUBSYS_8A4F103C&REV_10EC

• PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_AE20&SUBSYS_8A4F103C

What I've already tried:

1. Installed all available drivers from the HP support page for my model

2. Updated BIOS to the latest version

3. Tried Windows Update drivers

4. Performed clean audio driver installation multiple times

5. Tested with various driver update utilities

6. Checked privacy settings and microphone permissions

Suspected Cause:
The issue appears to be with the Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) driver. The hybrid audio system (Realtek + Intel SST) seems to have compatibility issues with Windows 11 25H2.

What I need from HP Support:

1. Specific Intel SST driver package for my exact model that is compatible with Windows 11 25H2

2. Complete audio driver package (including Intel SST components) that has been tested with Windows 11 25H2

3. Installation instructions for the Intel SST driver on my specific Victus model

4. Information about any pending BIOS/UEFI update that might address this issue

Additional Notes:

• The Realtek HD Audio driver from the HP website installs but doesn't resolve the Intel SST component issue

• External USB microphones work fine, confirming this is a driver/software issue, not hardware failure

• Other users with similar Victus/Pavilion models report identical issues after Windows 11 25H2 update

Could you please provide:

1. Direct download links to the required Intel SST drivers

2. Any workarounds or fixes available

Thank you for your assistance.

Best regards, Andrew

[Deep_World · Accepted solution]

Hi @Andre1988,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

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

Sorry for the inconvenience caused don’t worry let me help you.

To better understand the issue, could you please provide a few more details?

• Did the microphone work correctly before the 25H2 update?
• Is the buzzing noise present immediately after boot, or only when using certain apps (Teams, Zoom, etc.)?
• Have you tried rolling back the audio driver in Device Manager to see if the issue persists?
• Do you notice the same error message if you uninstall the Intel SST device and let Windows reinstall it automatically?

Suggested Troubleshooting Steps

1. Uninstall and Reinstall Intel SST Driver
   • In Device Manager, right-click the Intel Smart Sound Technology device → Uninstall device (check “Delete the driver software for this device”).
   • Restart your laptop and allow Windows to attempt reinstalling the driver.
2. Run HP Support Assistant
   • Open HP Support Assistant and check for driver updates specifically under “Audio.” Sometimes SST drivers are bundled with chipset updates.
3. Check Windows Optional Updates
   • Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.
   • Look for any Intel Corporation – System or Audio driver updates.
4. Disable Audio Enhancements Temporarily
   • Right-click the speaker icon → Sound settings → Microphone properties.
   • Under Advanced, disable audio enhancements and test if buzzing reduces.
5. BIOS/UEFI Update

• You mentioned updating BIOS already, but please confirm the version installed. 

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

[Andre1988]

Hello! Thanks for trying to help me. I did all this things, but nothing works.  The system does not detect the built-in Realtek microphone (it is disabled, appears with a red bar in mmsys.cpl, and cannot be enabled — the option is simply not available), while it uses the set of Intel SST digital microphones instead. At the same time, connecting external headphones via Bluetooth provides normal microphone audio. There is a possibility that the issue is hardware-related, as after the update, the webcam is also not recognized — error 0xa00f4244. In the Task Manager, under Properties for the Intel SST Technology for Digital Microphones, the following is displayed:
"This device (INTELAUDIO\CTLR_DEV_51C8&LINKTYPE_02&DEVTYPE_00&VEN_8086&DEV_AE20&SUBSYS_8A4F103C&REV_10EC\5&113d02a5&0&0000DIF_000A&UIF_0000) requires further installation.

[Deep_World]

Hi @Andre1988,

Thanks for your response. 

From what you’ve described, it looks like the Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) driver may not be properly installed or updated, which can affect both the microphone and camera detection. The “requires further installation” message in Device Manager is a strong indicator of this.

Here are a few steps I’d recommend:

• Driver reinstall: Visit the https://support.hp.com/in-en/drivers  for your Victus 15-fa0185nw and download the latest Intel SST driver package as well as the Realtek audio driver. Reinstalling both can often restore proper detection.
• Camera driver check: On the same support page, look for the webcam driver or “HP Camera” package. If unavailable, Windows Update may provide it once the SST driver is corrected.
• Hardware diagnostics: Run HP’s built-in diagnostics (press F2 at startup) to check if the microphone and camera are detected at the hardware level. If they fail here, it could point to a hardware issue.

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