Windows 10: External Microphone was working, then stopped working after computer went to sleep

I have a Zoom H4n recorder that I use as an external microphone for Zoom music lessons. I was using it with my previous HP Windows tablet with no issues.I got a new HP Windows tablet 2 days ago. The microphone doesn't work. I checked the frequency, restarted the mic, restarted the computer, sometimes it works, but as soon as the computer wakes up the microphone is no longer recognized.This is a ridiculous problem to be having with what should be a simple plug-and-play device. Can someone PLEASE help me?

:)

 

Microphone not working

The microphone on my laptop stopped working. I have done a lot of trouble shooting without success. Before I conclude that it is a hardware problem, can I ask if there is anything else I should do.

My System:

• ASUS S500CA laptop
• Windows 10 Home X64 version 1909
• VIA HD Audio - (for speakers and microphone)

Here's what happened:

• The microphone was working perfectly (on Skype).
• The next day it didn't work on a Skype call

Here's is a brief summary of what I have done:

• The only thing that changed between these two Skype calls were a couple of Windows updates
• I tried to remove all the recent Windows updates - didn't fix it
• One update (4577670) couldn't be uninstalled so I restored the system to a date prior to the successful SKYPE - didn't work
• I ran the Win trouble shooter - it reported no problem
• I tried to update the sound/microphone driver - reported that I had the best driver
• Checked the driver version (Provider - Microsoft, Date - 2019-03-18, Version, 10.0.18362.1)
• Checked driver details (Report- No driver files are required or have been loaded for this device)
• Updated to the latest Win 10 version (20H2) - didn't help
• The speakers are working correctly.
• I tried all of the above with the internal microphone as well as an external microphone (I tested all microphone alternatives in the setup - headset, external other)

Is there anything else that I should try before giving up?

 

External microphones detected but not working

Hi,

I realize the inconvenience you are facing with External microphone. I will surely help you.

I suggest you to run a Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.

Please follow the below mentioned steps to run
Hardware and Devices troubleshooter:

• Search for Troubleshooting in the
  Search box, and run it.
• Select view all in the left pane of troubleshooting Window.
• Click on the Hardware and Devices, and follow the
  on-screen instructions.

Please reach back to us if you still face difficulty with external microphone. We will be happy to help.

Thank you.

 

External microphone does not work

Hi Zarbab,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



The issue could be because of the microphone being in a disabled state. I suggest you to try the steps listed below and check if it works:

• Open Control Panel and categorize to view by
  Small Icons.
  
• Click on Speech Recognition and navigate to
  Advanced Speech Options > Microphone > Advanced
  
• Check Real Conexant HD Audio, save the changes and exit
  Control Panel.
  
• Restart the machine to see if the microphone works.
  

Meanwhile, you may also want to go through the troubleshooting suggestions given in the following articles and see if they help:

• Fix sound problems in Windows 10
  
• HP PCs - Resolving Microphone Problems (Windows 10, 8)
  

Let us know how it goes.

Regards,