microphone array not working after update windows 11

[donyatha]

i updated my windows 10 to windows 11 and after the update microphone array is now working level bar is not moving and in more sound settings and microphone array properties the level section is not showing at all i tried to update the drivers but its not working again and i searched and found out that i need to update intel smart sound technology but i haven't found this driver anywhere (i checked every thing and my microphone has access to everything )

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @donyatha,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

This is a very common Windows 11 upgrade issue, especially on laptops that use Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) for the microphone array. What you’re seeing (no level bar movement, missing “Levels” tab) points to an audio driver stack problem, not a hardware or privacy issue, and you were right to suspect Intel SST.
 

Below is the correct, proven fix, step by step.

do this first)

Open Device Manager

1. Press Win + X → Device Manager
2. Expand System Devices

You should see entries like:

• ✅ Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) Audio Controller
• ✅ Intel Smart Sound Technology for USB Audio
• ✅ Intel Smart Sound Technology OED

❌ If these are missing, marked with a yellow triangle, or replaced by “High Definition Audio Controller”, → that’s the problem.

STEP 2: Fix Windows Sound Settings

1. Right‑click Sound icon → Sound settings
2. Under Input, select Microphone Array
3. Click More sound settings
4. Open Recording tab
5. Double‑click Microphone Array
6. ✅ The Levels tab should now be visible
7. Increase level to 80–100

If the level bar moves now → problem is solved.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!