Microphone not working, input volume at 0

Question

I didn't notice the issue until I tried to use Zoom. I have been trying to fix this for hours and I've tried all the fixes suggested online, including checking that drivers are updated. I disable and reenabled the intel smart sound tech for my microphone, uninstalled and reinstalled realtek audio. I'm not terribly computer savvy but I'm trying my best.

Whenever I try to change the input volume for my mic, it instantly resets to 0. Not sure what else to try at this point. I'm running Windows 11 24H2 if that matters. I'd really love to be able to stop using my phone for Zoom meetings.

Answer 1

Okay, I just went through the whole process. I was able to keep all my files and everything. But the mic is still not working. When I open the Sound Recorder app, it says "no audio input source available".

Answer 2

Great job Samantha. Thanks so much for the update. I really appreciate your persistence. Since even a full in-place upgrade didn’t resolve it, this confirms Windows isn't detecting any microphone hardware, even though the output (speakers) work.

Lets check other things to isolate the issue. This could be disabled in your BIOS. For now try these fixes.

> Step 1: Check if microphone is hidden or disabled in Device Manager

Press Windows + X, choose Device Manager.

Expand Audio inputs and outputs.

Click View > Show hidden devices at the top.

Look for Microphone. Is it listed at all? or grayed out or marked with a warning?

If it appears but grayed out right-click > Enable device.

If you see “Intel Smart Sound Microphone,” right-click it and Uninstall it (check the box to delete driver if prompted). Then restart.

> Step 2: Reinstall the Intel Smart Sound driver manually (your model requires it)

HP ENVY x360 laptops use Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) for audio input. If it’s missing or broken, mics won't work at all.

Go to the official HP driver support page for your model

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers

While this is not a Microsoft website, it is the official site of your device manufacturer.

You can also use "Let HP detect your product" to get the right driver for your laptop.

Download and install the latest

Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) Audio Controller driver

Realtek Audio Driver (Windows 11)

Reboot after installing.

> Step 3: Run the audio services reset tool

Let’s check if the audio services are running

Press Windows + R, type services.msc, press Enter.

Find these services:

Windows Audio

Windows Audio Endpoint Builder

Remote Procedure Call (RPC)

Make sure they are all Running and set to Automatic.

If not, right-click > Start

Right-click > Properties > Set Startup type to Automatic

> Step 4: Check BIOS settings

Reboot your PC, and press Esc, F10, or Del to enter BIOS/UEFI (depends on your model).

Look for any audio-related settings like “Integrated Peripherals” or “Audio Controller”.

Make sure Microphone / Internal Audio is enabled.

If you don't see an option, that’s okay, some HP laptops don’t expose audio controls in BIOS.

If after all the above steps the mic still doesn’t return, it could be already hardware issue. As a workaround, you may consider purchasing USB audio adapter or headset with mic.

Please let me know how these steps go. And what you see in Device manager. Or what happens after installing the right driver for your model. I will be here.

Answer 3

Step 1: Mic was listed even before I clicked show hidden devices. Not grayed out. I did uninstall and reboot.

Step 2: I was able to install the RealTek driver but the site you gave (and cursory searching on the internet) did not have the Intel Smart Sound driver to download.

Step 3: All were set to automatic already

Step 4: There were no audio related settings

I did connect a pair of Bluetooth headphones I have and opened Sound Recorder and I was able to use the mic on the headphones just fine. So I suppose I will have to do that moving forward.

I really appreciate all your time and help. Seriously.

Answer 4

Hi Samantha,

Thanks again for sticking with this and trying everything so thoroughly. I truly admire your persistence.

Since your Bluetooth headset’s microphone works without issues and the built-in mic remains unresponsive despite all the troubleshooting steps, this strongly indicates a potential hardware issue with the internal microphone. I recommend having it checked by a technician if possible. In the meantime, you can continue using your Bluetooth headset or consider a USB microphone as a reliable alternative.

If you’d like, you can still reach out to HP Support for a diagnostic or service check, especially if the device is under warranty. They may be able to reflash the audio firmware or replace a faulty audio daughterboard if needed.

I’m really glad I could assist you through this. I must tell you that you have been incredibly amazing to work with too. Please feel free to return anytime if you need help with anything else, I’ll always be here to support you.

All the best!

_Adrian