Microphone not working on Lenovo ThinkPad L13 2-in-1 Gen 6 Win11

Kelvin123456 0 Reputation points
2026-08-25T07:52:47.7733333+00:00

The problem has actually just been discovered, but I am sure it has not lasted for more than a month (i.e. used the microphone before). I have no idea why the Microphone Array not working, it just keeps detecting maximum voice for the Microphone Array during testing(even when the environment is quiet i.e. no sound is recorded when testing). Also, when plugging in a personal microphone, sound would not be detected (0%).

I have already tried many solution including uninstalling all intel sound driver and restart or replacing with other microphone drivers like High Definition Audio. I have also acquired some data like it is Conexant/Synaptics and Realtek cannot be installed. After trying these steps, it still isn't working ,either the driver is not supported or the problem still exists.

I am wondering if any have encountered with the same issue or some possible solution found.

It would be greatly appreciated if any advice could be suggested.

Thanks.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. SD - IA 177.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-26T16:59:37.9533333+00:00

    Thanks, does disabling these 3 options help anyhow?

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  2. SD - IA 177.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-25T11:45:12.3633333+00:00

    Thank you. The first recommendation of mine is to update BIOS:

    https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/laptops-and-netbooks/thinkpad-l-series-laptops/thinkpad-l13-2-in-1-gen-6-type-21r7-21r8/downloads/ds575521?category=BIOS%2FUEFI

    https://yourwindowsguide.com/2025/01/how-to-update-bios-windows-10.html

    Second, your Array Microphone is picking up a lot of voice. This is probably why you find that it does not work properly.

    Another mic appears to be unplugged.

    Could you please right-click the Mic array and choose Properties, send screenshot of all the tabs?

    Standard 3rd party link disclaimer:

    There may be links to non-Microsoft websites that provide accurate and safe information. Watch out for ads on websites frequently classified as PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). There is no need to buy paid products to fix your computers, as they sometimes do more harm than good.

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  3. SD - IA 177.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-25T08:38:39.46+00:00

    Hi,

    It may be a defect. Please share these two screenshots:

    #1:

    Please supply the following Information.

    Right-click the Start button and Choose the Run option

    Type in msinfo32

    Press enter.

    Take a screenshot of the System Summary window and post it in the next reply.

    #2:

    Press Windows+R keys on the keyboard, or Right-click Start on the Taskbar and choose Run.

    Type "mmsys.cpl" > Recording tab.

    Press Enter.

    I look forward to your response and am eager to collaborate until we find a solution.

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  4. AI answer

    2026-08-25T07:53:15.3466667+00:00

    Since both the built-in Microphone Array and an external microphone fail, focus on Windows input selection, microphone permissions, and a clean driver refresh.

    1. Verify the active input device in Windows 11.
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
      • Under Input, open Choose a device for speaking or recording and select the microphone that should be used.
      • Select the > next to that device.
      • Under Microphone test, select Start test, speak, then Stop test and Play.
      • Expected result: the recorded sample should contain actual voice, not constant max input.
    2. Check microphone privacy permissions.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone.
      • Turn on Microphone access.
      • Turn on Let apps access your microphone.
      • Turn on Let desktop apps access your microphone.
      • If the issue happens in a specific app, make sure that app is also allowed.
    3. Confirm the microphone is not muted and is physically connected correctly.
      • If the ThinkPad has a mic-mute key, toggle it once.
      • If testing a headset or external mic, make sure it is fully connected.
      • If it is Bluetooth, confirm it is paired and connected.
    4. Reinstall the audio drivers from Device Manager.
      • Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
      • Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
      • Right-click each audio device and select Uninstall device.
      • Select the checkbox to remove/delete the driver for the device, then uninstall.
      • Restart the PC.
      • After restart, if Windows does not reinstall automatically, return to Device Manager, right-click Sound, video and game controllers, and select Scan for hardware changes.
      • Then right-click the audio driver and select Update driver.
      • Note: uninstalling drivers is low risk, but audio devices may be unavailable until Windows reinstalls them.
    5. If the problem started after Windows Update, roll back the audio driver.
      • In the taskbar search box, type device manager and open it.
      • Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
      • Right-click the sound card or audio device and select Properties.
      • Open the Driver tab and select Roll Back Driver.
      • Follow the prompts.
    6. Run the built-in audio troubleshooter.
      • Go to Settings > System > Sound.
      • Scroll to Advanced.
      • Choose Output devices or Input devices under Troubleshoot common sound problems.
      • Select All sound devices under Advanced for additional options.
    7. If Windows Update recently changed audio behavior and rollback is unavailable or does not help, restore the PC from a system restore point.
      • This is more invasive than the other steps because it can revert recent system changes.

    Because an external microphone also shows no input, this is less likely to be only the internal mic hardware and more likely to be a Windows input, permission, or audio driver state issue. If the input test still shows constant maximum level with no usable recorded sample after the steps above, the next likely path is the latest audio driver from the device manufacturer’s support site.

    References:

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