How to Update Sound Drivers

When you are in the mood to listen to music, but there is no sound or a microphone suddenly stops in online meetings or sessions? These minor annoyances can be caused by a problem with your sound drivers.  In many cases, outdated drivers are a reason behind sound-related issues.  

Sometimes you have seen the red cross mark in your audio icon, this indicates that your Windows does not recognize speakers, headphones, or audio drivers. Sound drivers play an important role in delivering sound; if there is any problem with them, then how can they deliver the audible sound properly? In our blog, we provide all the solutions that fix and update your audio driver problems in Windows 10 or 11.

Why updating Audio drivers is Important 

Audio drivers are part of the software that links the OS with hardware for communication. Your audio drivers are called the sound driver or audio device drivers, which play an essential role in delivering smooth audio. Without a sound driver, your pc did not know how to play and record sound correctly. Corrupted or missing audio drivers may deliver poor-quality audio.

•   Example of audio drivers 
•  Realtek HD Audio Drivers
•  USB headset drivers
•   ASIO drivers

Why should you update Audio drivers? 

If you want a clear sound through speakers, headphones, or any other external device, then an update is important. Without the updation of audio drivers, the audio is not clear, distorted, or even no sound. 

• Better compatibility with Windows updates
• Helps in producing better sound 
• Clear sound quality for speakers and headphones 
• Fixes microphone and recording issues
• Prevention of sound card conflict and crashes 

Outdated audio drivers can cause

Outdated audio drivers can cause problems, which are:

• No sound or distorted audio
• Microphone not detected
• Headphones not detected 
• Audio software errors
• System crashes during media playback

How to Update Audio Drivers or Sound Drivers on Windows

 There are multiple ways to update Audio drivers on Windows 10/11:

• Update audio drivers  through Device Manager
• Update audio drivers through Windows updates 
• Update audio drivers through the manufacturer`s site.
• Use third-party tools    

Update audio drivers through Device Manager 

It is built-in update driver options. You can update audio drivers in Windows 10 or 11 through Device Manager:

• Press Windows +X and select Device Manager 
• Expand sound, video, and game controllers 
• Right-click on your audio device that you want to update and then choose Update Drivers.

• Choose to search automatically for the driver. Windows automatically installs the latest updates. 

Update audio drivers through Windows updates in Windows 11

• Press Win +I, Open settings 
• Go to Windows Update> Advanced Options, then  click on Optional updates
• Install available video driver updates 

Update audio drivers through Windows updates in Windows 10

Updating audio drivers through Windows updates automatically installs the updates if available. Steps to update audio drivers through windows updates are : 

•   Go to settings, click on Windows and Security 
•    Click on Windows updates, then click on check for updates 
•     If a new audio driver is available, it will download it automatically
•     Restart your PC

Update audio drivers through the manufacturer`s site 

Always used to download updates directly from the official sources and avoid third-party driver tools, which may install corrupted or outdated drivers. Simply visit the official website, accept all conditions and terms and click download, and follow the instructions to install them. 

Realtek Audio drivers 

Realtek is one of the most widely used sound cards throughout the world. It is the main driver that allows Windows to talk to the Realtek audio chipset on your laptop. Without it, you might face:

• Microphone not working
• No sound from speakers or headphones
• No audio output device installed error
• Poor or distorted sound

Steps to update Realtek audio drivers are given : 

For the updation of Realtek audio drivers, you just need to visit the website of Realtek, download the latest model, and uninstall it.

Steps to update Realtek audio drivers are:

• Visit your audio device or official website, e.g, Realtek, etc.
• Accept all the terms and conditions.
• Download the latest drivers for your model
• Install it and restart the pc

Use the Third-Party tools driver. 

If you don't want to manually search for drivers, you can use third-party driver updater software. These tools automatically scan your system, detect updated drivers, and install the latest versions for your device.

Popular and trusted driver updater tools are:

Driver booster

• It scans your system for outdated drivers.
• Provides one-click updates and provides customized security features for our system.
• Include a backup /restore option before updating

Driver easy

• It automatically detects missing or outdated audio drivers 
• Helps you download and install updates directly
• It has both free and paid versions

Snappy driver installer (SDI)

• It is completely free and open-source software
• It is a portable tool, so no installation is needed 
• It allows offline driver installation and updates all kinds of drivers 
• Good for technicians and advanced users.

How to update audio drivers in Windows 7

• Steps to update audio drivers in Windows are:
• In Windows 7, click on Start.
•  Type and enter Device Manager.
• Expand sound, video, and game controllers from the options, and Right-click on it.
• Right-click on your device, e.g, Realtek High Definition Audio, and then tap on update driver software. 
• Windows will check and install the updates if any are available.                   

How to Update Audio Drivers In MAC

In Mac, when you experience any sound issues, i.e, no sound, distorted audio, microphone problems, outdated Audio drivers could be a reason. How to update audio drivers in Mac: 

• Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner
• Select system settings 
• Choose General, then click on software update 
• If an update is available, click Update Now.

How to update the Microphone 

To update the microphone drivers, open Device Manager, expand audio input output devices, right-click on it, then choose Update Driver. Steps are given : 

• Go to Settings, search, and Open Device Manager. 
• Expand Audio Input Output Devices from the options, and Right-click on it, 
• Then choose Update Driver.

Conclusions 

If you want your pc produce a smooth sound and not disturb your personal or professional work, then we have to ensure that our sound drivers have to stay updated. 

Reltek audio drivers are one of the best audio drivers. It ensures clear audio, smooth playback, and recording.

You can also update the drivers using third-party tools, but remember that only safe and trusted sites should be preferred; updates through unofficial sites can be dangerous.  All the methods in our blog will help you get rid of sound related issues and enable your PC  to produce clean and clear audio.