Verdict: Functional, but Requires Specific Installation Methods Running Windows 10 on the older ProBook 650 G1 (originally a Windows 7/8 machine) is an excellent way to extend the hardware's life. However, the audio driver situation is the one area where users frequently stumble. While Windows 10 will install a generic driver automatically, it often results in missing functionality—specifically the internal microphone or the headphone jack detection.
Here is a breakdown of the driver performance, installation quirks, and recommendations.
If you want to try HP's official package, here is the manual method: hp probook 650 g1 audio drivers windows 10
Success rate: ~30%. For the remaining 70% of users, this will fail with a message like "The driver is not supported on this version of Windows."
Do not worry – we have better solutions. If you want to try HP's official package,
If the standard Windows 10 drivers aren't working, the original Windows 8.1 driver usually does the trick. Windows 10 is excellent at running older drivers in "Compatibility Mode."
A: Yes, you will get basic stereo sound. However, you will lose: Success rate: ~30%
This is the golden ticket for the HP ProBook 650 G1. Instead of using HP’s installer package, you will manually point Windows to the driver files inside that package.
A: The ProBook 650 G1 reached "end of support" status from HP in 2018. IDT no longer exists as an independent company, and HP dedicates resources only to actively supported models. The community-driven method is your only real solution.
In the latest versions of Windows 10 (22H2), Microsoft introduced "Driver Protection Policies" that block unsigned legacy IDT drivers. If your audio stops working after a major Windows update, use this registry fix: