FAQ
TL;DR: On a 64‑bit Windows 8.1 Lenovo G50‑70, one driver update fixed the mic. "I updated the graphics and the microphone works." [Elektroda, Chlebek1993, post #16715688]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps Lenovo G50‑70 users fix built‑in mic issues triggered after installing games or plugging in headphones.
Quick Facts
- Symptom: mic stopped after downloading CS:GO and plugging in headphones; enabling “Listen to this device” caused loud squeal. [Elektroda, Chlebek1993, post #16715241]
- System: Windows 8.1, 64‑bit build confirmed by the reporter. [Elektroda, Chlebek1993, post #16715252]
- Fix that worked: installing/updating ATI/AMD graphics drivers restored microphone functionality. [Elektroda, Chlebek1993, post #16715688]
- Post‑fix change: audio driver UI gained a separate “Headphones” choice alongside Headset/Microphone/Line‑in. [Elektroda, Chlebek1993, post #16773208]
Why did my Lenovo G50‑70 mic stop after installing CS:GO and plugging in headphones?
Driver changes can remap audio inputs. In this case, updating the graphics (ATI/AMD) driver restored the mic and correct device routing. The update exposed proper audio selections again, resolving silence after CS:GO and headphone use. "I updated the graphics and the microphone works." [Elektroda, Chlebek1993, post #16715688]
How do I stop the loud squeal when I enable “Listen to this device”?
That option monitors the mic through speakers, which can create feedback loops and squeal. Disable “Listen to this device,” lower mic boost, and monitor only through headphones if needed. The reporter heard a “mega irritating squeak” immediately after enabling the option, confirming feedback behavior. [Elektroda, Chlebek1993, post #16715241]
My recording is clean, but live monitoring squeals—what does that mean?
Your mic and driver can record cleanly, but speaker monitoring is feeding back. The thread author noted clean Sound Recorder captures yet squeal during monitoring, reported within 5 minutes of initial testing. Keep monitoring off or use closed‑back headphones to avoid loopback. [Elektroda, Chlebek1993, post #16715241]
Do I need a 2×jack to 1×jack adapter for this laptop?
Not for the reported case. After updating drivers, the audio panel allowed selecting Headphones separately, and the built‑in mic worked again without any adapter. Adapters are useful only when using a headset mic with separate plugs. [Elektroda, Chlebek1993, post #16773208]
Which driver actually fixed the microphone in this case?
Installing the ATI/AMD graphics driver solved it. After that update, the mic started working immediately on the Lenovo G50‑70. As the reporter put it: "I updated the graphics and the microphone works." [Elektroda, Chlebek1993, post #16715688]
Uninstalling and reinstalling audio drivers didn’t help. What next?
In the thread, removing drivers and restarting did not restore the mic. The successful step was updating the graphics driver, which re‑enabled correct audio input choices. Try GPU driver updates if audio reinstalls fail. [Elektroda, Chlebek1993, post #16715268]
Windows says everything is OK, but the mic is still silent—how should I proceed?
Treat it as a routing or driver exposure issue. The reporter saw “everything is fine” while the mic stayed silent. Update device drivers (including GPU) and recheck the input device list afterward. [Elektroda, Chlebek1993, post #16715264]
How can I quickly verify my microphone hardware works?
Make a short test in Windows Sound Recorder (or Voice Recorder). In the thread, recordings were clean despite monitoring squeal, confirming the mic and driver captured correctly. Use this to separate hardware faults from feedback or routing issues. [Elektroda, Chlebek1993, post #16715241]
What does “record from external source” mean in audio settings?
It tells the system to use an external input (like a headset mic) instead of the internal mic. A helper suggested switching sources to test functionality. Use it only if you intend to record from a plugged‑in microphone. [Elektroda, folkswagen, post #16715257]
Can a Lenovo support scan help identify the issue?
It’s a reasonable first step to audit missing or outdated drivers. A helper advised running Lenovo’s scan. If it reports nothing, still try manual driver updates, including the GPU. [Elektroda, 1 PAWEL, post #16715253]
After the fix, where do I select between Headphones and Headset?
Post‑update, the audio driver interface gained a distinct “Headphones” option, separate from Headset/Microphone/Line‑in. Choose Headphones when using earbuds without a mic so the internal mic remains active. [Elektroda, Chlebek1993, post #16773208]
Step‑by‑step: how do I try the Lenovo scan approach?
- Open Lenovo support for the G50‑70 and choose auto‑detect.
- Install the detection tool and run the hardware/driver scan.
- Apply recommended updates, then retest the mic input selection. [Elektroda, 1 PAWEL, post #16715253]
Should I update Windows before troubleshooting drivers?
Yes. A helper urged methodical action and ensuring a current system state. After confirming updates, proceed to driver checks and input selection. This reduces conflicts and missing dependencies. [Elektroda, folkswagen, post #16715273]
Did CS:GO itself break the microphone?
The timing suggests configuration or driver exposure changed when headphones were used around the CS:GO install. The confirmed fix was a driver update rather than a game setting change. [Elektroda, Chlebek1993, post #16715241]
