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

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-02-03T11:14:56+00:00

    Have similar issue with Lenovo P15s Gen 1 + USB C Dock.

    Microphone on jack does not work anymore. Doesn't matter if I plug into docking station or directly to laptop.

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-02-02T23:16:03+00:00

    I seem to have the exact same issue.

    Also Lenovo X1 Extreme Gen5. Windows 11 Pro. Just updated it last week (after delaying it for some weeks >.<) and suddenly next meeting I had, nobody could understand what I was saying because of low mic volume.

    If I use another device, like plugging in 3,5 jack in-ears with a mic in the wire, it all works correct. It is just the build in Intel smart array that sounds very low.

    I tried updating to the latest preview :

    2025-01 Cumulative Update Preview for Windows 11 Version 24H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5050094)
    Successfully installed on ‎02/‎02/‎2025

    But this did now help.

    For me the problems started after :

    2025-01 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 23H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5050021)

    2025-01 Cumulative Update for .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8.1 for Windows 11, version 23H2 for x64 (KB5049624)

    Successfully installed on ‎23/‎01/‎2025

    Have been uninstalling and re-installing all kinds of audio related drives for a few hours no, but can't seem to get it fixed.

    Device info :

    https://learn-attachment.microsoft.com/api/attachments/3e6b648d-08db-4050-8935-37f0e1a73dcd?platform=QnA&fud_access=hC1SxZhn7m%2FZQJkOIiOVstu10yTQgXS4A%2FDBzZTg8nbaCgIogkrcDydMeI5Y4za2dOqDdWtsG2JNS3E35V60i9TiGHR7STMpJHheeXuDvO8nwjUlqCBHhJ0NDvuYN7OS1Z5cZzkuKGUA5JaLKBjcfDFpi1gqO8a4iGEB5TY1njNmV0OWZq0IK8Np91r%2BvmyQpDr31602lQ7B7LIyH%2Be3oOA1aVcCnKgsGEtMrGNS21BlclrzSp%2FD0GCpkQsF%2FJ9ME4R74w2PtTmqyJAXK3DiBixtB2pySOJnSX06IG2UoijHE4v5NqEkexN%2Fp1jiyqN1er2zy7nHDJECo306NG87hil8wtPh9ZomJdDm4gn0bQ7CA68TCZ5858%2BJnCcVgqqiAzPKev6HnikvOqHSKLraG8jMZXpGeYgBV5YxuhqN83c%3D

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-01-27T20:42:48+00:00

    Thank you for submitting a problem report. Please grab a link from Feedback Hub > Feedback > My feedback > (problem report) > Share and post it here

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-01-26T06:42:06+00:00

    Hi Welcome to Microsoft community.Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and feedback regarding the microphone volume issue with Intel SST on Windows 11 version 24H2. We truly appreciate your diligence in troubleshooting and providing such detailed information, which is invaluable for us to understand and address these types of compatibility issues.We're glad you utilized the Feedback Hub to report this problem, as this is the most effective way for us to gather insights directly from users like you. We appreciate your patience and understanding while we work on these matters.While we don't have specifics to share at this time, we encourage you to keep an eye out for future updates that might address this issue. Your support and understanding are greatly valued, and we look forward to improving the user experience in upcoming releases. Thank you once again for your contribution to the Windows community.Best regardsDerrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-01-24T05:43:53+00:00

    Same issue here:

    New Lenovo Thinkbook ( 6 months old)

    W11 Pro 24H2: OS 26100.2605

    "No Audio Device detected in Recorder"

    Microphone test: nothing...

    Updated

    Uninstalled, Reinstalled

    Reinstalled again

    Rolled back latest updates

    SFC: no issues

    DISM restore: no issues

    Not willing to do repair install unless fix guaranteed.

    This issue is all over the web with nil obvious solutions..

    MS<>Lenovo<>Intel: needs a fix please

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