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
    2025-02-07T07:16:14+00:00

    Lenovo X13 Gen 3 has this issue too
    Testing internal mic and external mic founds issue both

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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
    2025-02-26T04:27:43+00:00

    Today Lenovo e14 and x13 updated 3 items and then microphone comeback to working.
    Solved

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  4. 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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  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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