How to Install Audio Drivers on Windows 10

Windows 10 can install audio drivers automatically. If sound is missing or a generic driver lacks features, check Windows Update first. If it does not offer the right driver, install the package for your exact PC, motherboard, or audio device from its official support page. Many computers use customized audio packages, so do not choose Realtek solely because its name appears in Device Manager.

Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Existing PCs still work, but free Microsoft software updates have ended; hardware makers may continue to provide compatible drivers.

Install the correct Windows 10 audio driver

Save open work and connect to the internet. For a USB headset, DAC, or sound card, follow that device maker’s instructions; this guide focuses on built-in laptop and motherboard audio.

1. Check which audio device Windows detects

Open Start, search for Device Manager, and expand Sound, video and game controllers. Note the audio device and look for a yellow warning icon. Check Audio inputs and outputs for speaker or microphone endpoints. If no controller appears, check Other devices for an unknown device; do not choose a driver based only on a generic name.

2. Check Windows Update

Microsoft recommends Windows Update for audio drivers. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, select Check for updates, install any audio driver it offers, and restart if prompted. The catalog varies by device, so an up-to-date message does not guarantee you have the newest driver. Follow Microsoft’s audio driver update instructions if needed.

3. Find your exact PC or motherboard model

Search Start for System Information. Under System Summary, note System Manufacturer, System Model, and System Type. The model identifies the right support page. To check whether Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit, open Settings > System > About and read System type. For a custom-built desktop, find the motherboard model instead. The PC’s label or original documentation may also show it.

4. Download the driver from the official source

On the computer maker’s support site, search for the exact model, choose Windows 10 and the matching system type, then open the audio or sound category. For a custom PC, use the motherboard maker’s page. For an external headset, sound card, or DAC, use its manufacturer’s site. Confirm that the package supports your Windows version before downloading.

Realtek says its direct audio packages are general drivers and may omit customizations from computer or motherboard makers. Use one only if your manufacturer recommends it or it is specifically right for your hardware. Avoid third-party download sites and driver-updater utilities. Read Realtek’s note about its general audio drivers.

5. Run the manufacturer’s installer

Open the file from Downloads. If it is an installer, such as an .exe file, follow its prompts and restart Windows when asked. If the download is a ZIP archive, extract it to a folder you can find; use the next step to install from that folder.

6. Install an extracted driver through Device Manager

If there is no setup program, return to Device Manager. Right-click the audio controller, select Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers, then browse to the extracted folder. Leave Include subfolders enabled if shown and select Next. Windows installs a compatible driver it finds there. Do not force a driver if Windows cannot match it. See Microsoft’s Device Manager driver guide.

7. Restart and confirm the driver is installed

Restart the PC after installation. In Device Manager, check that the audio controller appears without a warning icon. To see the installed version, right-click it, select Properties, and open the Driver tab. If the device still has a warning, recheck the model and Windows version on the support page.

8. Select the output device and test sound

Select the speaker icon on the taskbar and choose the speakers or headphones you want. If there is still no sound, open the classic Sound dialog, select Playback, choose the correct speakers, and select Test. Check that the device is not muted, volume is up, and any cable is connected to the correct output jack.

If sound still does not work

• Check the output: Windows may be sending audio to HDMI, a monitor, Bluetooth headphones, or another device. Choose the intended output from the taskbar speaker menu.
• Undo a recent driver change: If sound stopped after an update, open the device’s Properties in Device Manager, select Driver, then choose Roll Back Driver if available.
• Reinstall only when needed: Uninstall the audio device in Device Manager and restart. Windows will attempt to reinstall it; if sound does not return, run the correct manufacturer package again.

For more checks, read Microsoft’s Windows audio troubleshooting guide. For the Windows 10 support notice, see Microsoft’s Windows Update page.