Microphone issue

[Yartak]

Hi. A couple days ago I reinstalled Windows on my laptop because I was having issues with my GPU. After reinstalling it I noticed that all of my microphones started to pick sound only after e certain level of noise and it's so low that people can barely hear me. I tried reinstalling my Realtek audio drivers but it didn't work. I also tried deleting the B&O app that comes preinstalled and it didn't work either. Everything in Windows settings is set at max volume and I also enhanced it by 30dB but it still has a really high threshold. Thank you for your help.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Yartak 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I’m really sorry this has disrupted your setup—especially after a clean reinstall meant to fix other issues. You’ve already taken smart steps with drivers and gain settings.

Your microphone is likely affected by post-reinstall audio processing settings or missing enhancements. Even with max volume and gain, a high input threshold can result from disabled automatic gain control or noise suppression. Let’s walk through steps to restore full sensitivity.

Step-by-step actions to fix low microphone sensitivity

Enable microphone enhancements manually

• Press Windows + R, type control, and open Control Panel
• Go to Hardware and Sound > Sound > Recording tab
• Right-click your active microphone > Properties
• Under the Enhancements tab:
  • Enable Noise Suppression and Acoustic Echo Cancellation
  • If available, enable AGC (Automatic Gain Control)
• Click Apply and OK

Check advanced microphone settings

• In the same Properties window, go to the Advanced tab
• Set the default format to 16-bit, 44100 Hz (CD Quality)
• Uncheck Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device

Verify privacy and access permissions

• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone
• Ensure Microphone access is turned on
• Scroll down and confirm apps like Voice Recorder, Teams, or Zoom have access

Reset audio stack via Device Manager

• Press Windows + X, select Device Manager
• Expand Audio Inputs and Outputs
• Right-click your microphone and choose Uninstall device
• Restart your laptop—Windows will reinstall the driver automatically

Install HP-specific audio drivers

• Visit your laptop’s support page and install the latest Realtek HD Audio Codec and Conexant or B&O Audio Control if listed:
  HP Software and Driver Downloads

Run HP audio diagnostics

• Restart and press Esc repeatedly, then press F2 to enter diagnostics
• Run the Component Test > Audio Test and Microphone Test

Let me know if the enhancements tab is missing or if the microphone still cuts off low-level sounds—I’ll guide you through alternate registry-free methods. 

You’ve done everything right so far, and we’ll make sure your voice comes through clearly again.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[Yartak]

Hi. Thank you for your reply and assistance. The enhancement tab is missing. I tried everything else you told me and it still has a high threshold. Can you please help me?

[Yartak]

I also noticed that both of my microphones have the same issue. They have two different drivers (Realtek and Intel)

[Hawks_Eye]

You are welcome @Yartak 

We sincerely thank you for your patience and co-operation during this troubleshooting process.

If after following these steps you still face issues, consider reaching out to our customer support over the phone for further assistance. 

This might require one-on-one interaction via remote assistance to fix the issue. 

I'm sending you a private message to guide you on the next steps.

To access it, click the private message icon in the upper-right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your name.

If this resolves your issue, kindly mark this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" if it was helpful.

Take care and have a great day!

Regards,

Hawks_Eye