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- Microphone kill switch stuck

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05-10-2022
10:04 AM
- last edited on
05-12-2022
10:33 AM
by
Ric_ob
Hi there. I have an hp spectre with a kill switch for the microphone and camera. The microphone one is just like the volume mute button, really - same row on the keyboard. Usually, when I push the button, the microphone turns off or on. Light on = mic muted. This morning, when I pressed the button, the light didn't go off. I can't use the microphone. The button itself isn't stuck - I can push it just fine like any other button on the keyboard. But whenever I press it, nothing happens. The computer won't pick up my audio. It seems to me like whatever is under the key might be stuck, but that's just a guess. Do I just use compressed air to see if something is blocking it? Take it apart? Is there any way around the issue?
I'm not sure what's going on or what to do, but it's really inconvenient to have the microphone not work at all when the button is working fine. I've never had this happen with any other key on the keyboard. I'm not sure what can be done about the issue. It seems pretty poorly designed that this can happen - why not just put a switch on the side like there is for the camera? The computer isn't two years old, was purchased brand new from the factory, and is very carefully tended to. I had to replace the speakers almost immediately after I got it because they buzzed so terribly, but that was at least covered by warranty.
05-18-2022 01:31 PM
Hi! So i had the exact same issue. I'm assuming because it only happened in the last week that it has something to do with a windows/hp update. What you can do is hard restart your computer. Hold the power button for 15 seconds while also holding the windows button and "B". This will reboot your computer and update it. It wont clear any data. Worked for mine at least. This trick is helpful for a lot of issues with hp laptops, if your screen ever doesn't turn on this should fix that too. Hope this helps!