Missing audio driver after HDD Clone

Question

I recently swapped out the existing HDD for an SSHD to speed the boot process in my HP 15 Envy laptop. I cloned the old HDD using Acronis 2018. The cloning appeared to complete without issue, the computer launches very fast now; however, I now have no audio. When I click the "up caret" to check on the audio volume, the speaker icon has an "X" under it, and the hover-over diagnostic says No Audio Output device is installed. The audio troubleshooter found nothing. When I go Device Manager under Sound, Video and Game Controllers, there is no audio controller. Under System Devices there are two High Definition Audio Controllers showing a warning triangle with the following diagnostic messages: A driver (service) for this device has been disabled.  An alternate driver may be providing this functionality. (Code 32) .

What is the safest way to regain audio?

Answer 1

The solution ultimately turned out to be a reinstallation of Windows 10 from a USB stick. Nothing else worked.

Thank you for all of your attempts to help.

Answer 2

Yes, Windows 8/8.1 drivers should work for WIndows 10.

Also type Update in Start Search, choose Check for Updates and expedite all of them until no more are offered. They may provide a newer drivers that's better.

Answer 3

One more thing. The HP site applicable for this old laptop has not been updated since Windows 8.1 and offers drivers only for 8.0 and 8.1. Are these useful at all?

V

Answer 4

Greg,

Thank you for the quick reply. Any idea why there might be two audio devices shown in System Devices? When I uninstall these drivers will Windows immediately seek a replacement driver or do I reboot?

Thank you again,

Vic

Answer 5

I'm Greg, a volunteer installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

Update the Sound driver from the PC's Support Downloads webpage. If no newer then uninstall the one presently installed in Device Manager, reached by right clicking the Start Button. Restart PC to reinstall.

Make sure the Sound device which says is disabled is enabled.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.