How to Update Sound Drivers

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Written by Travis Boylls

Last Updated: July 28, 2022

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• Windows Update
|
• Windows Device Manager
|
• macOS
|
• Q&A
|
• Tips

|Show more |Show less

If you are having audio issues in Windows 10 or macOS, you may need to update your sound card drivers. We'll show you the right way to check for updates to your sound card and other drivers on your PC or Mac.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Windows Update

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1. 1
   Click the Windows Start menu

   

   . It's the button with the Windows logo. It's in the lower-left corner of the taskbar by default.

   • Windows Update should effectively update all drivers on your PC. If you haven't done an update in a while, performing a Windows Update should be your first step before trying to update sound drivers manually.
2. 2
   Click the Settings icon

   

   . It's the icon that resembles a gear in the left panel of the Start menu.
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3. 3
   Click Update & Security

   

   . It's the last option in the Settings menu. It has an icon that resembles two arching arrows.
4. 4
   Click Check for updates. This searches for the latest Windows updates.
5. 5
   Click Download and Install. This downloads and installs the latest Windows updates. This includes all drivers and security updates.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Windows Device Manager

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1. 1
   Click the Windows Start menu

   

   . It's the button with the Windows logo. It's in the lower-left corner of the taskbar by default.
2. 2
   Type Device Manager. This displays the Device Manager in the Start menu.
3. 3
   Click Device Manager. It has an icon that resembles a printer and a camera. This opens the Device Manager.
4. 4
   Click

   

   next to "Sound, video, and game controllers." It's listed in the Device Manager. Click the bracket to the left of "Sound, video and game controllers" to expand the list of sound and video devices.
5. 5
   Right-click your audio driver. For most computers, this will be "Realtek(R) Audio". If you are using a third-party sound card, you may have a different sound card. This displays a pop-up menu to the right of the driver.
6. 6
   Click Update Driver. It's the first option at the top of the menu that appears when you right-click a driver in Device Manager.
7. 7
   Click Search automatically for updated driver software. With this option, Windows will automatically search the internet and your computer for the latest drivers. This may take a couple of minutes.
8. 8
   Click Update Driver. If a driver update is available, you will be given the option to update the driver. Click the Update Driver to install the latest driver update. If no update is available, you will be informed that you already have the best available driver.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

macOS

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1. 1
   Click the Apple icon

   

   . It's in the upper-left corner in the menu bar at the top. This displays the Apple Menu.
2. 2
   Click System Preferences. It's in the Apple menu under the Apple icon.

   • If you are using an older version of Mac OS, click About This Mac instead. This will open the App Store.
3. 3
   Click Software Updates. It's in the Apple menu. Your Mac will check if any updates are available.

   • If you are using an older version of Mac OS, click About This Mac instead. This will open the App Store.
4. 4
   Click Update Now. This will install all available updates. This all drivers, apps, and security updates.

   • Alternatively, you can click More Info to see all updates included. From there you can decide which updates you want to install.
   • On older versions of MacOS, click Update All in the App Store.
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Community Q&A

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• Question

  After updating to the latest version, the sound stopped working. What should I do?

  

  Yumi Na

  Community Answer

  Maybe you have the wrong version installed. Check out DriverTalent, it can help you install and update drivers automatically.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
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Tips

• Make sure the sound card you have installed is compatible with your computer.
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• Identify the software manufacturer of your sound card. Visit their website and search for the most up-to-date software.
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