HP Pavilion x360 13 Microphone Not Working Windows 11

The HP Pavilion x360 13 microphone not working on Windows 11 is caused by a Realtek audio driver issue, microphone access disabled in Windows Privacy settings, or the microphone muted via an Fn key combination. I resolved this on an HP Pavilion x360 13-bb0000 where the microphone was listed in Device Manager but produced no input signal until the HP audio driver was reinstalled and microphone privacy was enabled.

Why HP Pavilion x360 13 Microphone Is Not Working

HP Realtek Audio Driver Missing or Outdated

The Pavilion x360 13 uses Realtek audio with a dual-array microphone system optimised for 360-degree use in tent and tablet modes. The HP-packaged Realtek driver includes microphone array processing that generic Realtek drivers do not support. Without the HP-specific driver, the microphone may appear in Device Manager but fail to capture usable audio.

Microphone Muted via Fn Key

The HP Pavilion x360 13 includes an Fn + microphone key shortcut that can mute the built-in microphone hardware. When this is active, a microphone muted indicator may appear in the taskbar or on the keyboard LED. Press Fn + the microphone key (usually F4 or a key with a microphone icon) to toggle the mute state.

Microphone Not Set as Default Recording Device

If a Bluetooth headset or USB headset was recently used and set as default, the built-in microphone may have been demoted. Windows continues to use the last-set default recording device even when it is disconnected. The internal microphone must be set as default manually if Windows does not restore it automatically.

Fix 1 – Install HP Realtek Audio Driver

1. Go to HP Support and enter your Pavilion x360 13 model number (found on the sticker under the laptop or in HP Support Assistant).
2. Select Windows 11 64-bit.
3. Download the Realtek Audio Driver from the Audio section.
4. Uninstall the current audio driver in Device Manager (right-click Realtek High Definition Audio under Sound, video and game controllers, Uninstall device, check delete driver software).
5. Run the HP Realtek audio installer and restart.

Fix 2 – Enable Microphone in Windows Privacy Settings

1. Go to Settings, Privacy and security.
2. Under App permissions, click Microphone.
3. Ensure Microphone access is toggled On.
4. Ensure Let apps access your microphone is On.
5. If you use desktop applications like Zoom, enable Let desktop apps access your microphone as well.

Fix 3 – Set Built-in Microphone as Default

1. Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select Sound settings.
2. Under Input, click the dropdown and select the HP or Realtek microphone array.
3. For more control, open the classic Sound panel: Win + R, mmsys.cpl, go to the Recording tab.
4. Right-click the built-in HP microphone and select Set as Default Device.
5. Click Properties and verify the microphone level under Levels is not set to zero.

Per Lina Suriani, who is a freelance translator using an HP Pavilion x360 13 for online client interviews, enabling microphone access under Windows Privacy settings took under one minute and fixed the microphone not working issue that had persisted through two Windows restarts.

Fix 4 – Check and Use HP Audio Switch

The HP Pavilion x360 13 comes with HP Audio Switch (or HP Smart Audio), which manages audio routing between the built-in speakers, microphone, and headset jack:

1. Open HP Audio Switch from the system tray.
2. Select the input source that matches your use – built-in microphone or connected headset.
3. If HP Audio Switch is not installed, install HP Support Assistant which pulls in audio utilities.

See HP’s audio troubleshooting guide for specific steps for Pavilion laptops with Realtek audio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does HP Pavilion x360 13 have dual microphone?

Yes. The HP Pavilion x360 13 includes dual-array microphones optimised for use in all four form factors – laptop, tent, stand, and tablet. The microphone array requires the HP-specific Realtek driver for full noise cancellation and array processing.

What Fn key mutes microphone on HP Pavilion x360 13?

The microphone mute key is typically Fn + F4 or an Fn key combination with a microphone icon. Check the keyboard keycap labels on your specific Pavilion x360 13 model, as the Fn key mapping differs between keyboard generations.

Why does HP Pavilion x360 13 microphone work in some apps but not others?

Each application requires separate microphone permission in Windows Privacy settings. Go to Settings, Privacy and security, Microphone and enable access for the specific application that cannot access the microphone.

How do I test HP Pavilion x360 13 microphone in Windows 11?

Go to Settings, System, Sound. Under Input, select the built-in microphone and click Start test. Speak in a normal voice and check if the meter responds. You can also use Voice Recorder from Start to record a quick test clip.

Conclusion

HP Pavilion x360 13 microphone not working on Windows 11 is fixed by installing the HP Realtek audio driver, enabling microphone access in Windows Privacy settings, and setting the correct default recording device. Always check the Fn microphone mute key first as it is the fastest potential fix. The HP-specific Realtek driver is mandatory for the dual-array microphone to work properly in all four Pavilion x360 form factor positions.