High Definition Audio Device cannot be enabled as it does not appear in Playback Devices

Question

I have a High Definition Audio Device installed, but when changing some settings in Playback Devices I set the Device Usage to ‘Do not use this device (disable)’.  It does not now appear in Playback Devices so I cannot enable it again. The device is recognised in Device manager. How to enable.

Answer 1

Hello kevin Kenny bxl,

You should be able to enable the High Definition Audio Device in device manager.

From the Start Page, type in Device manager.

Click on Settings.

Double click on Device manager.

Scroll to Sound, Video and game controllers.

Find the High Definition Audio Device

Highlight and Right click and it will give options.

It will give an option to Enable.

Click enable and the High Definition Audio Device will now be functioning.

Let us know if this helped to resolve your issue.

Thanks,

Marilyn

Answer 2

I highlighted and right clicked. It doesn't give me the option enable.

Answer 3

Hi Thanks for your help. Haven't solved the problem yet though.

My computer is a Sony Vaio VGC-LA2

When I type troubleshooting from the control panel it takes me into Network and Sharing Centre and then no further response.

Regards

Kevin

Answer 4

Hi Marilyn

Thanks for the help.

However when I get to options I have disable, not enable.

As it already seems to be disabled I don't know what to do next.

If I go for disable I have a warning box 'Disabling this device will cause it to stop functioning. Do you really want to disable it?'

So no further forward

Kevin

Answer 5

Hi,

Thank you for posting on Microsoft Community!

Based on your post, I understand that the High Definition Audio Device in not enabled, but shows in Device Manager and it do not appear in Playback Devices, so you cannot enable it again.

In order to help you further, please answer the following questions:

1.      What is the make and model of your Computer?

2.      What are the other options that you tried to enable it?

Please follow the steps below and run the Troubleshooter as given below:

Top of Form

a.       Open the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter by clicking the Start button , and then clicking Control Panel.

b.      In the search box, type troubleshooter, and then click Troubleshooting.

c.       Under Hardware and Sound, click Configure a device.‌  If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

You can to try uninstalling  and reinstalling the Audio drivers from your computer manufacturer support site and check, if the issue persists.

Also, you can refer the links below for further help: 

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/why-isnt-windows-finding-device

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/what-device-isnt-installed-properly

If you need any further help, please reply to us and we will be glad to help you further.