Windows 10: Issue with Microphone Volume with Intel SST on Windows 11 24H2

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 1

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Microphone Not Working - Need Help Ruling Out (or understanding problems with) Intel SST Audio Drivers in Device Manager

Same issue Dell Vostro 3500

1. Realtek High Definition Audio(SST)
   
2. Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Digital Microphones
   
3. Intel® Smart Sound Technology for USB Audio
   
4. Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Bluetooth Audio
   

 

Microphone Not Working - Need Help Ruling Out (or understanding problems with) Intel SST Audio Drivers in Device Manager

Hey All,

I know there has been some issues with the Intel SST audio drivers and Windows 11, but I purchased a brand new computer with Windows 11 and I cannot get the any microphone (internal or external) to record more than 10% of the volume and without distortion.

I've tried A LOT of troubleshooting, as I'm no novice, but I'm here to ask whether the potential problems I'm seeing in Device Manager point to a potential solution (since my expertise doesn't extend to Device Manager). I have only installed my drivers through Lenovo and Windows Update. When I look at devices by connection, I see a bunch of issues around the Intel SST. I'm wondering if the following issues can be addressed since their resolution might fix the microphone issues (or at least rule out an obvious driver problem):



(1) First, the "Intel High Definition Audio" device has manufacturer listed as "unknown," is not connected to the computer, and is located on the HD Audio Bus Driver but has no driver files loaded to the device despite a "device install requested." The same thing reappears even if I uninstall it in device manager.



(2) Second, many of these sound devices list "Device Not Started" as their last event despite listing a general status as "the device is working properly." This includes the following devices:

• Intel Smart Sound Technology OED — Service: IntecOED (Driver: oem45.inf) (Problem: 0x15) (Problem Status 0x0)
  
• Device Verification — Service: WUDFRd (Driver: oem149.inf) (Problem: 0x25) (Problem Status: 0xC0000034)
  

(3) Third, some device have several .inf files installed, but only one of them is listed in the event "device started." Does this mean that the device might be starting with the wrong .inf? These include the following:

• Intel Smart Sound Technology for Digital Microphones — device is configured with oem190.inf, oem93.inf, and oem132.inf. Device Started with oem190.inf, Service: IntcDMic.
  
• Realtek Audio — device is configured with oem127.inf, oem3.inf, oem9.inf, oem50.inf, oem64.inf, oem82.inf. Device started with oem127.inf, Service: IntcAzAudAddService.
  

(4) Lastly, the HD Audio Driver for Display Audio is listed as not connected, though I assume this is because I'm not connected to any HD display and not another issue?



***

I'm just trying to make absolutely certain that my drivers are installed correctly and that there isn't a temporary solution (like a way to use an HD Audio Controller instead) to get a core function of the laptop to work before deciding if I should keep the laptop or call in to ask to return it.



I really do appreciate your help (or anyone's help)! Here's the picture in device manager (devices by connection) and my system info:





System Information

• Computer: Lenovo Yoga 7-14ITL5 (also known as Lenovo Yoga 7i 14-inch)
  
• Product Number/Model: 82BH00DSUS (often just written as 82BH)
  
• BIOS Version: Lenovo F5CN52WW (10/8/2021)(UEFI)
  
• Windows OS: Windows 11 Home, version 10.0.22000, Build 22000
  

Sound Cards

1. Realtek High Definition Audio(SST) — Driver Version 6.0.9228.1
   
2. Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Digital Microphones — Driver Version 10.29.0.6367
   
3. Intel® Smart Sound Technology for USB Audio — Driver Version 10.29.0.6367
   
4. Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Bluetooth Audio — Driver Version 10.29.0.6367
   

 

Microphone Not Working - Need Help Ruling Out (or understanding problems with) Intel SST Audio Drivers in Device Manager

The issue occurred immediately after upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11. I hand no problem with the mic prior to that.

Found this on the MS website. Seems relevant:

Windows 11, version 21H2 known issues and notifications

"November 2021

[table][tr][td][/td][td][/td][td]NOVEMBER 2021[/td][/tr][tr][td]Compatibility issues with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers and Windows 11[/td][/tr][tr][td]Status[/td][td]Originating update[/td][td]History[/td][/tr][tr][td]Mitigated External[/td][td]N/A[/td][td]Last updated: 2021-11-15, 18:20 PTOpened: 2021-11-15, 16:40 PT[/td][/tr][tr][td]Intel and Microsoft have found incompatibility issues with certain versions of drivers for Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) and Windows 11. Windows 11 devices with the affected Intel SST driver might receive an error with a blue screen. The affected driver will be named Intel® Smart Sound Technology (Intel® SST) Audio Controller under System Devices in Device Manager and have the file name IntcAudioBus.sys and a file version of 10.29.0.5152 and earlier or 10.30.0.5152 and earlier.To safeguard your upgrade experience, we have applied a compatibility hold on devices with affected Intel SST drivers from being offered Windows 11. If your organization is using Update Compliance, the safeguard ID is 36899911.Workaround: To mitigate the safeguard, you will need to check with your device manufacturer (OEM) to see if an updated driver is available and install it. This issue is resolved by updating the Intel® Smart Sound Technology drivers to a version 10.30.00.5714 and later or 10.29.00.5714 and later. Important: Later versions refer to just the last part of the version number. For addressing this issue, 10.30.x versions are not newer than 10.29.x versions. Once you have updated to a compatible version of the Intel® Smart Sound Technology drivers, you should be able to upgrade to Windows 11. Please note, if there are no other safeguards that affect your device, it can take up to 48 hours before the upgrade to Windows 11 is offered.Next Steps: If you encounter this safeguard hold and an updated driver is not yet available, you will need to contact your device manufacturer (OEM) for more information.Note We recommend that you do not attempt to manually upgrade using the Update now button or the Media Creation Tool until this issue has been resolved and the safeguard removed. Affected platforms:

• Client: Windows 11, version 21H2"

[/td][/tr][/table]