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how do I restore my sound?

Patrick Webb 0 Reputation points
2026-03-15T14:26:55.1766667+00:00

Realtek(R) Audio - is not working. How do I restore the sound?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. VARADHARAJAN K 9,681 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-03-15T17:49:14.0133333+00:00

    Make default audio device is Realtek(R) Audio -

    Reinstall realtek audio driver

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  2. AI answer

    2026-03-15T14:27:08.0433333+00:00

    Follow these steps in Windows 11 to restore Realtek(R) Audio:

    1. Update the audio driver automatically
      1. In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it.
      2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
      3. Right‑click Realtek(R) Audio (or your sound card/audio device) and select Update driver.
      4. Select Search automatically for drivers and follow the instructions.
      5. If Windows does not find a new driver, download the latest audio driver from the PC or motherboard manufacturer’s support site and install it.
    2. Reinstall the audio driver
      1. In Device Manager, expand Sound, video and game controllers.
      2. Right‑click Realtek(R) Audio and select Uninstall device.
      3. Check Attempt to remove the driver for this device (or Delete the driver software for this device), then select Uninstall.
      4. Restart the PC (save work first). Windows will automatically reinstall the audio driver after restart.
    3. Use the generic Windows audio driver (if Realtek still fails)
      1. Open Device Manager → expand Sound, video and game controllers.
      2. Right‑click the audio device → Update driver.
      3. Select Browse my computer for drivers → Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
      4. Choose the generic High Definition Audio Device driver and finish the wizard.
    4. If sound broke after a Windows Update
      1. Open Device Manager → expand Sound, video and game controllers.
      2. Right‑click the sound card/audio device → Properties.
      3. Go to the Driver tab and select Roll Back Driver.
      4. Follow the prompts and select Yes to roll back.
      5. If rollback is not available or does not help, restore the PC from a system restore point created before the problem. See “Restore from a system restore point” in Recovery options in Windows.

    If Realtek(R) Audio still shows errors or no audio device is installed after these steps, install the latest audio driver from the device manufacturer’s website and rerun the Playing Audio troubleshooter from Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.

    References:

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  3. DaveM121 880.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-03-15T15:00:18.6733333+00:00

    1

    Right click your Start Button and open Device Manager.

    Expand the 'Sound, Video and Game Controllers' section.

    Please provide a screenshot of that full Device Manager window.

    2

    Click your Start Button, then just type msinfo and press Enter, please provide a screenshot of the resulting System Information window.

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