Fixed: Realtek High Definition Audio Driver Issues on Windows 11
Realtek High Definition Audio Driver is the software for tweaking your PC audio settings. Along with the popularity of video streaming apps, crystal-clear audio is the essential requirements for good streaming experience. However, in some cases, some issues might cause Windows 11 fails to output audio. Lots of reason might cause Realtek High Definition Audio Driver issues on Windows 11. This article will introduce you the solution to fix Realtek High Definition Audio Driver issue step by step.
What is Realtek High Definition Audio Driver?
High Definition Audio Driver is an audio driver software that can be used to improve sound quality and provide Dolby or Surround sound support through a sound card.
High Definition Audio Driver is used to test whether there is a problem with devices such as speakers or microphones, and connect with these devices to provide high-definition sound quality.
The High Definition Audio Driver is necessary to connect the audio system in the PC with the sound card and speakers. However, if there is no problem with the audio, then the High Definition Audio Driver is not necessarily required to run desktop audio.
With Realtek High Definition Audio Manager installed, the audio adapter can communicate with external audio devices such as microphones or headphones. Realtek’s HD capabilities can process audio signals and adjust the PC’s audio quality.
However, there are many reasons for Realtek Windows 11 problems, such as:
- Outdated driver
- Misconfigured audio settings
- Damaged drive
- Wrong channel connection
How to Fix Realtek High Definition Audio Driver Issues on Windows 11?
- Check peripherals and connections
Realtek High Definition Audio Driver issues can be caused by the audio output itself. You can first check whether it is caused by peripheral equipment.
First unplug and reconnect the output device. Make sure the device is not muted and the volume is not turned to minimum.
If the problem is still not solved after reconnecting, please connect the audio device to another computer to see if the Realtek High Definition Audio Driver problem is solved. If it does, it proves to be a device problem, if not, please read on.
- Check the audio output
Click the volume icon in the taskbar.
In the quick menu, click the carrot arrow icon next to the volume level.
Select the desired device from the list of audio devices connected to the system.
If you have an incorrect selection of the auditor output device, i.e. Windows may be playing audio through an unwanted device, then you need to see which audio output it has selected via the Quick Menu. If selecting the desired device still doesn’t resolve the audio problem, there may be other system failures.
- Update the driver
Right-click the Start icon in the taskbar.
Select Device Manager.
Double-click the Sound, Video, and Game Controllers option.
Right-click on the Realtek audio device and select Update Driver.
Select the Automatically search for drivers option and Windows will automatically find the best drivers on your system.
After installing the update, restart your computer to see if the Realtek High Definition Audio Driver issue is resolved.
- Select another audio format
Press Windows + key S, then search for Change system sounds.
In the sound panel, navigate to the playback tab and select the speaker you’re having trouble with, then click properties at the bottom.
Navigate to the Advanced tab, click the drop-down menu, select a single format, and click Test.
Repeat step 3, testing each format one by one until you find one that works for you.
Once found, click OK at the bottom to save your changes.
Incompatible audio formats with various hardware configurations can also cause Realtek High Definition Audio Driver issues. Determining the most appropriate format and making it the default can solve the problem.
- Disable Audio Enhancement
Press Windows + key S, then search for Change system sounds.
In the sound panel, navigate to the playback tab and select the speaker you’re having trouble with, then click properties at the bottom.
Click the Enhancements tab, then tick the Disable all enhancements checkbox, then click OK at the bottom to save changes and close the window.
- Run the audio troubleshooter
Right-click the Start icon in the taskbar.
Select Settings.
Scroll the System tab and select Troubleshoot from the list of options.
Click Additional Troubleshooting.
Find the Playing Audio Troubleshooter and click Run next to it.
Select the audio output device in question and click Next at the bottom.
Next Windows 11 will identify any issues with the device or configuration settings and fix them. If errors are found, there will be relevant prompts.
- Reinstall the audio device
Right-click the Start icon in the taskbar.
Select Device Manager.
Double-click the Sound, Video, and Game Controllers option.
Right-click the Realtek Audio Device and select Uninstall Device.
Restart your computer. Windows will automatically update the driver to the latest version, which will remove any corrupt driver files that may exist.
- Run System Restore
Press Windows+S, search for Create a restore point, and click the search result.
The System Protection tab opens automatically. Click System Restore under it.
The recommended restore point will be selected by default, but you can choose another restore point by clicking the Choose a different restore point option. After that, click Next at the bottom.
If everything is fine, click Done at the bottom. After a successful system recovery, the Realtek High Definition Audio Driver issue will be fixed.
