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
    2025-04-21T12:49:30+00:00

    still nothing from microsoft?

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-03-28T09:56:38+00:00

    Hi, I searched for a temporary fix while we wait for an updated driver, and I found one! Please let me know if it helps you or not. Here's the tutorial :

    1. Download and Install Equalizer APO

    2. Enable Equalizer APO on the Microphone

    • In the Configurator, go to the Capture devices tab.
    • Find and check the box next to
      "Microphone Array (Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Digital Microphones)".
    • Click OK, then Finish.
    • If prompted, reboot your computer.

    Note: If the microphone does not appear in the list, make sure it is enabled in Windows sound settings and properly connected. You can select the device after the Equalizer APO installation by launching the “Equalizer APO Device Selector” app.

    Image

    3. Increase Microphone Gain Using the Configuration Editor

    • After the reboot, open the Equalizer APO Configuration Editor from the Start menu.
    • On startup, you may see a message like
      "Equalizer APO is not installed on the selected device."
      This is expected, because the default selection is often an output device (e.g., speakers).
      Click "No" to dismiss the message.
    • At the top, select
      "Microphone Array (Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Digital Microphones)" from the list of devices.
    • In the main panel, add a Preamp block (use the "+" button or right-click).
    • Set the gain to +12 dB. You can adjust this value as needed (between +10 and +20 dB).
    • Go to File → Save to apply the configuration.

    This will boost your microphone’s signal in most Windows applications.

    Image

    4. Adjust Discord Settings if Needed

    Some applications, such as Discord, may not reflect the gain increase automatically.

    To fix this:

    • Open Discord → Settings → Voice & Video.
    • Scroll to the Voice Processing section.
    • Disable Bypass System Audio Input Processing. If you don't see this option, reboot your computer and check again.

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-03-27T08:37:32+00:00

    So.... The last cumulative update for 23h3 broke the driver, so I'm out of options now... If the driver still works for you, I suggest that you block all updates except security ones.

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-03-17T20:42:45+00:00

    Hi,

    Just for you to know, I updated to 24H2 today, but the driver still wasn't available.

    Let's go back to 23H2 once again, I guess...

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-03-07T16:10:22+00:00

    Just as a heads-up, I've also submitted an entry to the Feedback Hub about this issue as well: https://aka.ms/AAuxxyh. Haven't heard enough success stories here from Windows Update to instill confidence in a timely fix, unfortunately. Anyone else have any updates to share on this issue?

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