Music suppressed in Zoom on Windows 11

Just thought I'd give you an update - I eventually took a deep breath, backed up the user's files and downgraded the operating system to Windows 10. I'd already tried all the options in both zoom and Windows Sound, and updated the audio driver directly from the manufacturer, and none of these was able to fix the issue.

Now I can hear music!

I'd only recommend downgrading as a last resort - it's pretty much a "wipe everything and re-install from scratch" operation. The windows installer won't let you keep apps and files - everything is wiped. So back up those files, and make sure you have all your logins copied, too. You'll need to re-download and re-install all your programs.

My conclusion - either Zoom isn't properly instructing Windows 11 to turn off the suppression, or Windows 11 is ignoring Zoom's options. This laptop came with Windows 11, and downgrading to Win 10 wasn't a step I took lightly.

Thanks for that, I'll head over to Zoom support and file a ticket.

I had no problems on windows 10. This started with the new computer with windows 11. Zoom Development Team is asking everyone with this problem to file a ticket. They may as that you send a recording of the issue for them to analyze. Sadly, not long after my problem was solved by disabling the array mic and using an external mic, Intel downloaded a driver update and the problem has returned. I am in the process of getting an external sound card so that I can get around the internal chip. The sound card and graphics card from Intel are connected. You cannot remove the sound card without losing screen capabilities. This is a huge issue for musicians using zoom for concerts and lessons, and I hope it can be resolved soon. Please file a ticket and help the zoom team get this worked out.

Hi - same issue. I sold a Windows 11 laptop (Toshiba/Dynabook) to a music teacher and she reported the same symptoms. Voices clear, but musical instruments are inaudible.

We've tried everything in this thread - zoom audio settings, windows audio settings, external microphone, disable array, everything except getting an audio driver straight from Dynabook. That's the last resort before I downgrade the computer to Windows 10.

I loaned her a Toshiba with Win 10 and it worked - musical instruments quite clear on the internal and the external microphone.

Has there been any progress via Zoom support? I'm collecting her laptop today to update the audio driver, but if that doesn't work, I'll have to back up her files and install Win 10. Of course that's not a guarantee, but if nothing else works, I'll have to try it.

I am also a music teacher and encountered this exact problem.  I have been working with the Zoom development team for the last 8 weeks to try to find a remedy.  In the end, the only solution is a "work around" not a solution. There is a problem with the Intel Smart Audio chip that blocks musical instruments from being heard through Zoom.  My internal mic works with the internal voice recorder, google meet and gotomeeting, but not Zoom. If I use my external Yeti mic and choose it in the Zoom app, musical instruments cannot be heard. In the end, the only way for my instrument to be heard through Zoom while using Windows 11 is to go to Control Panel --> Sound --> Recording --> Microphone Array.  Right click Microphone Array and disable. Then use an external mic.  You cannot just choose the external mic in the Zoom settings.  The Array must be disabled.