PC Manager uninstalled my Realtec audio device. Now I have no sound. How can I get my Realtec device back?

Question

Microsoft PC manager recommended that I uninstall my Realtec device that has not been used in two years. Well, that was incorrect. I use sound almost every day. Where can I get the Realtec device (driver??) that I need to install for this issue. I get a message that says audio device not found. The uninstalled files were 224 mb.

Answer 1

Hi, I'm Bernard. I'm happy to help!

Kindly check the Device Manager if there is still Realtek audio, and you can roll back the driver:

Press the Windows key + X

Go to Device Manager

Expand the Sound, video and game controller

Look for Realtek (R) Audio or High Definition audio

Right-click and click Update Driver

Select Browse my computer for drivers

Click Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer

Choose an old driver or another driver name, then select it and hit next until it installs.

Restart the PC and check.

Note: If the issue persists, please download and install an audio driver from your manufacturer's website, or please let me know the make and model of your device so that I can help you provide the link to download it.

Additional note: This is a public forum. I may respond within a short period of time, but I apologize in advance for any delays. I am simply a fellow user trying to provide helpful insights and information.

Answer 2

Hi, I'm Bernard. I'm happy to help!

Kindly check the Device Manager if there is still Realtek audio, and you can roll back the driver:

Press the Windows key + X

Go to Device Manager

Expand the Sound, video and game controller

Look for Realtek (R) Audio or High Definition audio

Right-click and click Update Driver

Select Browse my computer for drivers

Click Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer

Choose an old driver or another driver name, then select it and hit next until it installs.

Restart the PC and check.

Note: If the issue persists, please download and install an audio driver from your manufacturer's website, or please let me know the make and model of your device so that I can help you provide the link to download it.

Additional note: This is a public forum. I may respond within a short period of time, but I apologize in advance for any delays. I am simply a fellow user trying to provide helpful insights and information.

Answer 3

Use Windows and the device manufacturer’s driver to restore the Realtek audio.

1. Reinstall the audio driver via Device Manager
   1. Select Start, type Device Manager, and open it.
   2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
   3. If a Realtek device is listed, right‑click it and select Uninstall device.
   4. If prompted, confirm the uninstall.
   5. Restart the PC. Windows will attempt to automatically reinstall an audio driver.
   If there is no Realtek entry but another audio device appears (for example, High Definition Audio Device), that generic driver may restore sound after restart.
2. Let Windows search for a driver
   1. In Device Manager, under Sound, video and game controllers, right‑click the audio device.
   2. Select Update driver.
   3. Select Search automatically for drivers and follow the on‑screen instructions.
   4. Restart the PC when finished.
3. Install the latest driver from the PC manufacturer
   1. Go to the PC or motherboard manufacturer’s support website.
   2. Search for the exact PC/laptop model.
   3. Download the latest Realtek audio (or audio) driver for Windows 11.
   4. Run the installer and complete setup.
   5. Restart the PC.
4. If Windows Update can supply the driver
   1. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update.
   2. Select Check for updates and install all updates, including any optional audio or driver updates.
   3. Restart the PC.
5. If sound still does not work
   1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   2. Run Playing Audio and apply any fixes it suggests.

If Realtek continues to cause issues, using the generic High Definition Audio Device driver that Windows installs automatically is an acceptable alternative and can restore normal sound output.

---

References:

• Update Audio drivers in Windows
• Fix sound or audio problems in Windows
• Audio issues after win11 25h2 update - Microsoft Q&A
• No audio with Windows 11 - Microsoft Q&A
• How to fix this. no audio device is installed - Microsoft Q&A
• cannot increase volume even if trouble shooter updates it - Microsoft Q&A
• My audio inputs and outputs suddenly disappeared, how do i fix this? - Microsoft Q&A