How to reinstall the Realtek HD Audio Codec driver

Reinstalling the Realtek HD Audio Codec driver can help resolve audio issues or conflicts on your computer. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Note: Before proceeding, make sure you have the latest driver downloaded from the official Realtek website or your computer manufacturer's support website.

1. Uninstall the Current Driver:

   • Press Win + X and select "Device Manager."
   • Expand the "Sound, video and game controllers" section.
   • Right-click on "Realtek High Definition Audio" (or similar) and choose "Uninstall device."
   • Check the box that says "Delete the driver software for this device" if available, and then click "Uninstall."

2. Download the Latest Driver:

   • Visit the official Realtek website or your computer manufacturer's support page.
   • Locate and download the latest Realtek HD Audio driver for your specific operating system and hardware.

3. Install the New Driver:

   • Run the downloaded driver installer.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
   • If prompted, restart your computer to finish the installation.

4. Verify Driver Installation:

   • After the restart, open "Device Manager" again.
   • Expand "Sound, video and game controllers" to ensure "Realtek High Definition Audio" is listed without any error symbols (e.g., yellow triangle).

5. Adjust Audio Settings:

   • Right-click the speaker icon in the system tray and select "Open Sound settings."
   • Under "Choose your output device," select the Realtek audio device as your default playback device.

6. Test Audio:

   • Play a sound or video to confirm that the audio is working correctly.

Reinstalling the Realtek HD Audio Codec driver should resolve most audio-related issues. If you encounter persistent problems, consider checking for Windows updates, adjusting sound settings, or seeking assistance from your computer manufacturer's support team.