How to Install Realtek Audio Driver [Step by Step]

One of the most important components of your PC or laptop is the audio driver. It is software that is specifically designed to enable your device to communicate between your external and built-in sound devices and the operating system. They are especially important if you plan to use high-quality external microphones such as the Lark 150 dual mics by Hollyland. 

If your device does not have a sound driver installed, you will not be able to hear any system sounds, listen to any type of audio, or record anything with audio.  

In addition, to functioning as your device’s audio software, allowing your system to play audio files; sound cards play another role. 

They help facilitate an added functionality that helps with volume and sound equalization as well as process surround sound capabilities. Quality audio drivers help optimize your internal and external audio hardware, providing a better and smoother experience. 

Why Do You Need Realtek Audio Drivers?

One of the most prominently utilized audio drivers, especially in Windows systems, is the Realtek High Definition Audio driver. The sound driver provides a swath of features and functionalities, supporting different types of your audio card such as playing surround sound, Dolby, and DTS. 

It is an important component that helps boost your device’s sound performance and capabilities and comes with a litany of features. For example, it is easily accessible. You can right-click on the speaker icon on your taskbar and access different functionalities and settings. 

In addition, the sound driver also offers a ton of multimedia tools and sound options such as an intuitive equalizer settings menu to adjust the quality of your internal and external audio hardware. 

Plus, by accessing the sound manager setting, you can also manually configure your speak settings, choosing between different sound capabilities such as Stereo sound, 5.1 Speaker, and Quadraphonic.

How You Can Identify Your Current Audio Driver Version

The process is quite straightforward, all you have to do is:

Step 1: Access the Device Manager setting via the Windows menu. Just type “Device Manager”.

Step 2: Find and click on “Sound, Video, and Game Controllers”. Right-click on the device mentioned and click on “Properties”.

Step 3: Click on the Driver tab and you will be able to see what version is currently installed. 

Preparing for Installation

Checking System Requirements

If you want to check your system requirements for the correct audio drivers, there is a simple way you can do this. On your Windows search bar, type “dxdiag” and press enter. 

This command is going to automatically open a new dashboard displaying your system’s audio and video information – such as the types of drivers installed and whatnot. 

Next, find and click on the Sound icon, which is going to display all the information related to your installed audio drivers. 

You will be able to see the data such as the name and version of your audio driver as well as the brand. You can use this information to see whether you can upgrade to the latest version of your sound driver. 

Ensuring Windows Update is Not Running

Windows 10 or 11 has a built-in automated update feature that is going to perpetually update your Realtek audio driver as needed. Should you choose to download and install a new version of the Realtek sound driver, it is recommended that you turn off the automatic Window Update feature. This is how you can do that:

Step 1: Type Window + R to open the control panel of your system. In the dialog box, type “Control Panel” and hit enter. 

Step 2: Once you open the dashboard, find and click on the following commands, “System and Security”, on the drop-down menu, click on “Advanced System”, then click on “Settings” à “Hardware” à and “Device Installation Settings”.

You will be given the option “No (Your Device Might Not Work As Expected”, click on it and then exit the menu by clicking on ” Save Changes”.

This is going to turn off the automatic driver update functionality. 

How To Download a Realtek Audio Driver

Official Sources for Download

While there are numerous third-party websites that you can use to download the latest version of Realtek audio drivers, if you want a more official source, it is a good idea to install the audio drivers from Intel.com. Alternatively, you can also check out TheWindowsClub.com. 

Verifying the Correct Version for Your System

To find out what audio driver you currently have installed on your device, here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Type “Device Manager” on the Windows search bar and hit enter. 

Step 2: Find and click on “Sound, Video, and Game Controllers”.

Step 3: Click on the “Driver” tab and then click on “Details”.

Uninstalling Previous Drivers

Accessing Device Manager

To install a new audio driver, you’ll need to first uninstall and remove your previous sound drive you can do this by”

Step 1: Press Windows + X to open the “Device Manager” interface. 

Step 2: To locate your existing audio driver, find and click on “Sound, Video, and Game Controllers” and expand the menu.

Step 3: To uninstall your current audio driver, search for your audio driver under the “Sound, Video, and Game Controllers” menu and right-click on it. Next, select and click on “Uninstall Device” from the menu.  

Step 4: After the audio driver is uninstalled, do not install the new driver before rebooting the system. Your PC will likely give you an automatic prompt to restart the system after the process. 

Installing the Realtek Audio Driver

After you have downloaded the Realtek audio driver for your Windows device, you will then need to install it. The process is simple and all you need to do is:

Step 1: Access the downloaded folder, which will typically be in a ZIP format. Right-click on the folder and click on “Extract All”.

Step 2: Select the installation destination of the files, which is typically Drive C.

Step 3: After the files have been extracted, find and double-click on Setup.exe.

Step 4: The rest of the installation process is automatic, all you have to do is follow the instructions and prompts.  

Verifying the Installation

Checking Device Manager for Installation Status

To check and see if your Realtek audio driver has been successfully installed, do this:

On the Windows search bar, type “Device Manager” and press enter. Next, find “Sound, Video, and Game Controllers. 

Find the name of the audio driver you have installed under the drop-down menu. If you can see it, it means it has been properly installed. 

Testing Audio Output

To test your audio output, right-click on the Speaker icon on the Windows taskbar. On the menu, select and click on “Open Sound Settings”. Next, select your output device from the “Output” menu on the interface and play any audio file. 

Adjusting Audio Settings if Necessary

On the very same menu mentioned above, find and click on “Advanced Sound Options”. Here you will be able to adjust the master volume, select your output and input devices, and adjust your system and Google Chrome sounds individually. 

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

Dealing with Failed Installation Attempts

If you have encountered a failed installation error, the best way to remedy the situation is to reinstall the Realtek audio driver. 

By accessing the Device Manager settings via the Windows search bar, find and click on the Sounds, Video, and Game Controllers icon and expand the search. 

Next, right-click on the Realtek HD Audio Driver and uninstall the driver. Reboot your PC and reinstall the audio driver setup you have downloaded.  

Resolving Audio Quality Issues

The optimal way to resolve audio quality issues is to right-click on the Speaker icon and click on “Open Sound Settings”. Here you will be able to run the troubleshooter under “Master Volume” and manually check for audio and microphone sounds. 

If there is an issue, reconfigure your audio settings and check your hardware. Inspect whether your external audio devices are properly connected. If the problem persists, make sure all Windows Updates are properly installed. 

Addressing Compatibility Problems

Audio driver compatibility complications are mainly caused by corrupted and outdated sound drivers. You will keep on hearing distorted noises and sounds, decreasing your audio experience. The best way to counter these issues is to ensure your Realtek HD sound driver is always up to date and frequently run malware scans to check and get rid of viruses or infected files. 

Updating Realtek Audio Drivers

There are some telltale signs that you will notice immediately if your audio drivers are seriously outdated. For example, you may not hear any audio at all, when you listen to music or any other audio file, you will keep hearing annoying crackling and distorted noises, and audio for a lot of your app will not work.

If you encounter these issues, it is best to update your audio driver by accessing your Device Manager settings. Find and click on Sound, Video, and Game Controllers. Expand the search and look for your Realtek audio driver. Right-click on it and click on “Update Driver”.

Frequently Asked Questions Related to Installing Realtek Audio Drivers

1. How do I know if I need to update my Realtek Audio Driver?

If you keep having audio distortions or crackling sounds or if your system keeps giving you “No Audio” found errors, it is time to update your Realtek sound driver. 

2. Can I install Realtek Audio Driver on any Windows version?

Yes. Realtek audio drivers are one of the most commonly used sound drivers, especially on Windows systems. You can download and install Realtek audio drivers on any Windows system later than Windows Vista. 

3. What should I do if my audio isn’t working after installation?

The best way to combat this problem is to uninstall the driver from the Device Manager setting, reboot the system for the uninstall to take full effect, and then reinstall the latest version of the Realtek audio driver. 

4. How can I uninstall Realtek Audio Driver if needed?

You can uninstall your current Realtek audio driver by going to Device Manager. Then, click on Sounds, Video, and Game Controllers. Next, expand the menu right-click on Realtek HD Audio Driver, and then click on “Uninstall Driver”.