microphone access issues

[DOug5662]

Every time I turn on microphone access in my settings, it makes a high-pitched echoey noise, wish I could send an audio file to show but cannot. It is fine when I have bluetooth headphones on as well as corded headphones. The noise goes away when these things are plugged in, otherwise it causes this loud noise.

Looking for help to erase this and prevent issues in recording audio in the future.

Thanks

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @DOug5662 

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

Thank you for explaining the situation so clearly—it sounds frustrating to deal with that piercing feedback when you just want clear audio. You’ve already observed an important clue: the noise disappears when headphones are connected, which suggests the issue is linked to the built-in microphone and speaker interaction.

Let’s go through steps to eliminate the echo and prevent it from recurring:

 

1. Check Microphone Settings

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to System > Sound.
• Under Input, select your microphone and click Device properties.
• Ensure Disable all sound effects or Enhancements is checked.

 

2. Adjust Microphone Levels

• In the same Device properties window, click Additional device properties.
• Go to the Levels tab.
• Reduce the Microphone Boost to 0 dB or a lower value if it’s high.

 

3. Disable “Listen to this device”

• In Additional device properties, go to the Listen tab.
• Make sure Listen to this device is unchecked.
  This setting often causes echo or feedback loops.

 

4. Update Audio Drivers

• Open Device Manager (press Windows + X, select Device Manager).
• Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
• Right-click your audio device and select Update driver.
• Choose Search automatically for drivers.

You can also download the latest drivers from HP’s official support page:
HP Audio Driver Download

 

5. Run HP Audio Check

• Install the HP App on your Windows PC.
• Use the app’s diagnostic tool to test and calibrate your microphone.
  Download HP App

If the issue persists, it could be caused by acoustic feedback from the internal speakers. Using headphones or a headset is a quick workaround, but the above steps should help resolve it for normal use.

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