Don’t let Windows install a generic "High Definition Audio Device." That generic driver gives you volume, but it breaks your mic array, headphone jack detection, and noise cancellation.

But there’s good news: it’s not a hardware failure. It’s just a missing driver. Conexant audio codecs are incredibly common (you’ll find them in HP Pavilions, Dell XPS, and Lenovo ThinkPads), but they’re also incredibly picky. They refuse to work with Microsoft’s generic drivers.

Restore Crystal-Clear Sound: Conexant Audio Driver