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How to get realtek audio reinstalled on my laptop running windows 11

curtis fleenor 10 Reputation points
2026-01-17T21:21:32.4633333+00:00

I recently reset my windows 11 laptop and now my audio driver is gone. Can you help?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. Lychee-Ng 21,585 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-01-19T11:30:50.8533333+00:00

    Hi curtis fleenor,

    Welcome to Microsoft Q&A!

    I know it’s frustrating when audio stops working after a Windows reset, especially when the Realtek driver disappears completely. Normally, update the drivers or Windows like what the Q&A Assist suggested would fix this issue.

    But if they don't work, or you would like to check out other options: you can manually install Realtek audio from your laptop manufacturer. This method is sometimes considered more reliable since audio drivers are customized per device model:

    1. Choose your manufacturer:
      1. Lenovo: Driver manual update
      2. Dell: Drivers & Downloads | Dell US
      3. ASUS: Download Center | ASUS Global
      4. HP: Official HP® Drivers and Software Download
      5. If your device is different, manually search online for it.
    2. Enter/look up your laptop model number > select Drivers / Audio.
    3. If you see the Realtek Audio driver > download and install > Restart PC.
    4. Press Win + R > type services.msc > press Enter > find:
      1. Windows Audio
      2. Windows Audio Endpoint Builder
    5. If they are already Running, right-click > choose Restart.

    Disclaimer: Above are non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research before you decide to download and install any products. Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.  

    If the issue still persists or you get stuck at any steps, please reply with your laptop model name and what you see in Device Manager (under Sound, video and game controllers section). I can help look up the correct driver for you.

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

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  2. AI answer

    2026-01-17T21:22:41.9466667+00:00

    To reinstall the Realtek audio driver on your Windows 11 laptop, follow these steps:

    1. Open Device Manager: Right-click the Start button and select "Device Manager".
    2. Locate Audio Drivers: In Device Manager, expand the "Sound, video and game controllers" section.
    3. Uninstall the Driver: Right-click on the Realtek audio driver and select "Uninstall device". Make sure not to check the option to delete the driver software for this device.
    4. Restart Your Computer: After uninstalling, restart your laptop. Windows should automatically reinstall the audio driver upon reboot.
    5. Update the Driver: If the driver does not reinstall automatically, you can manually update it by right-clicking on the audio device in Device Manager and selecting "Update driver". Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software.
    6. Check Windows Updates: Sometimes, updated drivers can be installed via Windows Update. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and check for updates.

    If the issue persists, you may want to visit your device manufacturer's website to download the latest audio drivers specific to your laptop model.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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