Windows 11 Microphone corrupts speaker audio when in use

[panolekop]

Basically, when i use the microphone on an app (e.g, discord) it "corrupts" the audio from the speaker. by "corrupts" i mean that the audio becomes extremely muffled and low quality. Ive tried updating my drivers from the latest drivers to the manufactures recommended drivers but none of them work. the odd thing is that (using discord as an example) this "corruption" only happens on the speaker that the other person on call's audio is coming from. all the other speakers work fine. i've had this issue for a while now and i cant seem to find a fix. (my laptop is an acer aspire A315-43 if that helps) i am not using bluetooth headphones by the way

 

[ChatGPT]

This symptom very often happens when the output device is Bluetooth and the microphone is also being used: Windows switches the Bluetooth device into Hands‑Free/Telephony mode (HFP/HSP), which makes the call audio sound muffled/low quality.
Because you said it only affects the one speaker/device the call audio is coming from, that matches this behavior closely.

1) First: are you using Bluetooth headphones/speaker?​

• If yes, do this fix:

Disable “Handsfree Telephony” (forces high-quality Stereo output)​

1. Press Win + R, type: control printers → Enter
2. Right‑click your Bluetooth headset/speaker → Properties
3. Go to Services
4. Uncheck: Handsfree Telephony
5. Click Apply → reconnect the device (or restart)

Then in Discord:

• Voice & Video
  • Output Device: pick the device that says Stereo / Headphones
  • Input Device: use Laptop mic (Realtek) or a USB mic (not the Bluetooth “Hands-Free” mic)

Also in Windows (optional but helpful):

• Settings → System → Sound → More sound settings
  • Playback tab: Disable the device named like Headset (Hands-Free AG Audio)
  • Recording tab: Disable the Bluetooth Hands-Free mic if you’re not using it

2) If you are NOT using Bluetooth (built-in speakers / wired)​

Then check these Windows settings (these can trigger “call mode”/processing):

A) Turn off “Communications” audio ducking​

1. Settings → System → Sound → More sound settings
2. Communications tab
3. Select Do nothing → Apply

B) Disable Enhancements + Exclusive Mode (test)​

1. In More sound settings → Playback tab
2. Select your affected speaker/device → Properties
3. Enhancements: check Disable all enhancements (or turn off Audio Enhancements)
4. Advanced:
   • Temporarily uncheck both Exclusive Mode boxes
   • Set Default Format to 48,000 Hz (if available)
5. Repeat similar checks for your microphone under the Recording tab

Quick questions (so I can narrow it down precisely)​

1. What is your Output device in Discord when it happens? (exact name, e.g. “Headphones (XYZ Stereo)” or “Speakers (Realtek…)”)
2. Is the mic you’re using Bluetooth, laptop built-in, wired, or USB?
3. Are you on Windows 10 or Windows 11?

Answer those and I’ll tell you the exact best configuration for your setup (especially if it’s a Bluetooth headset).