Issue with Microphone Volume with Intel SST on Windows 11 24H2

Anonymous
2025-01-22T12:38:06+00:00

Hello everyone,

I’m using a ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 and recently ran into an issue after upgrading to Windows 11 version 24H2. The microphone volume is incredibly low, making voice communication nearly impossible on apps like Discord or during calls.

After thorough troubleshooting, including reinstalling Windows, I identified the problem: a compatibility issue between Windows 11 24H2 and Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) audio drivers. The "Audio Enhancements" option, typically found under System > Sound > Microphone Properties, is also missing in this version.

When I revert to Windows 11 version 23H2, the microphone works perfectly, and the "Audio Enhancements" option reappears. However, updating to 24H2 causes the issue to resurface, which aligns with previous reports of Intel SST causing compatibility problems on Windows 11.

I submitted feedback through the Feedback Hub app, but I haven’t received any updates or acknowledgment yet. For now, I’ve reverted to version 23H2, but I hope Microsoft and Intel can address this with a driver update or patch soon.

If anyone has found a workaround or has more information, please share it here.

Thank you!

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

55 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2025-07-07T14:16:58+00:00

    As an IT manager who manages hundreds of Lenovo laptops, this is an ongoing compatibility issue. Virtually every new Lenovo machine I buy (E16, Gen 1 Intel, Gen 2 Intel, or P1 Gen 6-7 will have this low microphone problem at some point in it's life, even though I prevent driver and Windows updates via Intune. It's gotten to the point where the Lenovo provided drivers do not work using a fresh ISO install of Windows 11 from MS. The drivers installed by Microsoft update are no better. I have found no recourse for some machines other than using the Equalizer APO, which is a ridiculous oversight.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2025-06-16T19:11:25+00:00

    I totally understand and share your frustration. There is no answer from Microsoft nor Lenovo yet, but I found a fix by manually boost the microphone with EqualizerAPO. I uploaded the tutorial, it is a few messages before in this thread. I hope it will help your case, it helped mine and I have updated my PC now.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Deleted

    This answer has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The answer was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.

    Comments have been turned off. Learn more

  4. Anonymous
    2025-02-14T23:42:05+00:00

    I have the same issue with my Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 3, Smart Sound Technology Digital Microphones

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2025-02-05T20:54:12+00:00

    I have been on a support call (via chat) for over 8 hours on Monday Tuesday and Wednesday - so over 20 hours

    I've had to totally rebuild my machine losing all installs and data and guess what-

    They can't resolve it.

    Taking it back to Windows 11 clean install got everything working fine by the time we get to Windows 11 2024H2 microphone has zero volume when audio enhancments switched off.

    Surely between Microsoft and Intel they can fix this....

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments