Microphone not working on HP Laptop

[MalcHart]

Had this laptop for two years now and the Microphone doesnt work on ANY apps. I have been in and checked all the settings that 'Google" advised with no success. Please help

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @MalcHart,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your microphone not working on your HP laptop!

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

Try these steps:

Check Sound Settings:

• Go to Settings > System > Sound. Make sure the correct microphone is selected as the input device.
• Under Choose your input device, select the right microphone if it’s not already selected.
• Test the microphone by speaking and watching the input level indicator. If it’s not moving, the microphone might not be receiving sound.

Update Drivers:

• Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting it.
• Find Audio inputs and outputs and expand it. Right-click the microphone device and select Update driver.
• Choose Search automatically for updated driver software. Follow the prompts to update if necessary.

Troubleshoot Audio Issues:

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
• Select Recording Audio and click Run the troubleshooter. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Privacy Settings:

• Ensure apps have permission to use your microphone by going to Settings > Privacy > Microphone.
• Make sure Allow apps to access your microphone is turned on.
• Scroll down to ensure your specific apps are granted permission.

Disable Audio Enhancements:

• Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select Sounds.
• Go to the Recording tab, choose your microphone, and click Properties.
• Under the Enhancements tab (if available), check Disable all enhancements.

Check Hardware:

• Make sure nothing is covering or blocking the microphone, and test its functionality again.
• If using an external microphone, ensure it is properly connected.

Reset/Reinstall Audio Driver:

• In Device Manager, right-click the microphone under Audio inputs and outputs and choose Uninstall device.
• Restart your laptop, which will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.

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,

[MalcHart]

I have tried all the measures you suggest with no results. Weirdly the troubleshooter and testing indicate that all is well. Yet when I try and join a zoom meeting or talk on messenger it doesnt work. This has been an issue for approxiamately one year after an update.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @MalcHart,

Thanks for the update, and I really appreciate you confirming you've already tried all those steps. Since the microphone issue started after a Windows update and seems to affect all communication apps (Zoom, Messenger, etc.) but passes basic hardware tests, it could be a permissions issue or a conflict caused by the update.

Let’s try some deeper-level fixes to help resolve this stubborn issue:

Check Microphone Access for Desktop Apps

Sometimes Windows allows access to "Microsoft Store apps" but blocks desktop apps like Zoom or Messenger.

Go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone

Scroll all the way down to:

 Allow desktop apps to access your microphone

Make sure this toggle is ON.
If it’s already on, toggle it OFF, wait 5 seconds, and toggle it back ON.

Run Zoom in Compatibility Mode

Since this started after an update, app compatibility could be broken.

Right-click the Zoom shortcut or .exe file

Click Properties > Compatibility

Check Run this program in compatibility mode for:  > Choose Windows 8

Also check Run as administrator

Click Apply and OK

Repeat this for Messenger or other communication apps if needed.

Check App-specific Audio Input Settings

Some apps override system settings.

In Zoom:

Open Zoom > Click  Settings > Audio

Under Microphone, make sure the correct input device is selected

Uncheck "Automatically adjust microphone volume" and manually raise the volume

Click Test Mic, speak and check for input

Reset App Permissions

If the microphone permissions got corrupted, try this:

Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features

Find Zoom or Messenger

Click on the app > Advanced options

Scroll down and click Reset

This will reset the app to default, you may need to log in again.

Reinstall the Audio Driver Using OEM Version

Sometimes Windows installs generic audio drivers that don’t work well with certain hardware.

Go to Device Manager

Expand Sound, video and game controllers

Right-click your audio driver > Uninstall Device

Restart your PC

Go to HP’s official website:

🔗 HP Software & Drivers

Enter your laptop model

Download and install the Realtek HD Audio driver or whichever is listed

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,