Detect a Sound Card on Windows 11, 10, & More: Guide + Troubleshooting

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Easy steps to find and fix your PC's audio hardware
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The sound card in your computer is responsible for controlling and processing the input and output of all audio on your machine. If you’re having problems with sound or have recently installed a new sound card, you can verify that the sound card is being detected by Windows. This wikiHow article teaches you how to detect a sound card in Windows, and helps you troubleshoot and fix problems with the sound card not being detected.

Detect a Sound Card in Windows

Open Device Manager and expand "Sound, video, and game controllers." If your sound card is not listed, make sure Sound, video, and game controllers is selected, click Action , then click Scan for hardware changes in the menu bar.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Windows 10 & 11

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  1. To do so, right-click the Windows Start button and click Device Manager . Most modern devices, including sound cards, are plug-and-play, meaning that Windows will automatically detect them once they are installed. You can verify that your computer detects your sound card in the Device Manager.
  2. It's towards the bottom of the list of device types. This expands the list of sounds, video, and game controllers.
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  3. If your sound card is installed properly, it should be listed below the list of sound, video, and game controller devices.
    • If the sound card has a red "x" or a yellow exclamation mark ("!") next to it, this means there is a problem with the device. You will need to do some troubleshooting . Double-click the device to see what the issue is with the device in the "Device status" box.
    • If the sound card is not listed below "Sound, video, or game controllers," see if it's listed under "Software devices" or "Other devices." You can also check to see if it is hidden. To do so, click View at the top, followed by Show hidden devices .
  4. If Windows doesn't detect your sound card automatically, you can scan for hardware changes to force it to try to detect your sound card. If this doesn't work, you will need further troubleshooting. Use the following steps to scan for new hardware in Device Manager:
    • Click Sound, video, and game controllers .
    • Click Action in the menu bar at the top.
    • Click Scan for hardware changes .
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Windows 8

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  1. The Search function will display on-screen.
  2. The Control Panel window will display on-screen.
  3. Type “Device Manager” into the search field at the top of Control Panel, and select the program when it displays in search results.
  4. It's towards the bottom of the list of device types.
  5. The properties of the sound card will display on-screen.
    • If no audio card is listed, your computer is not detecting the sound card, and further troubleshooting may be required.
  6. ” This indicates that your Windows 8 computer successfully detects the sound card.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Windows 7 / Windows Vista

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  1. ” The Control Panel window will open and display on-screen.
  2. To do so, click on System and Security , and then click on Device Manager . [1]
  3. It's towards the bottom of the list of device types. This expands the list of controllers.
  4. If your sound card is listed, double-click on it to see if it is working properly.
  5. ” This indicates that your computer is successfully detecting its sound card.
    • If no audio card is listed, your computer is not detecting the sound card, and further troubleshooting may be required.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Troubleshooting

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  1. There may be an update to your sound card that requires you to restart your computer. Restarting your computer can also fix minor bugs and force Windows to detect new hardware.
  2. Check to make sure your sound card is properly seated in its PCI slot, and that any speakers or headphones are properly connected.
  3. If you just installed the sound card and it's not detected, try removing it and seating it into a different slot. This can help make sure the sound card is properly seated inside your computer in the event you physically installed the sound card incorrectly. [2]
  4. While many devices are plug-and-play, some devices come with or require you to download additional software to get them working. Check the user's manual for your audio card and see if you need to install any third-party software. If it is required, you can download the required drivers from the manufacturer's website.
  5. You can update sound card drivers in Device Manager. Use the following steps to do so:
    • Right-click the Windows Start menu.
    • Click Device Manager .
    • Double-click Sound, video, and game controllers. .
    • Right-click your sound card.
    • Click Update Driver .
    • Click Search automatically for drivers .
    • Follow the prompts if an update is found.
  6. Windows may need updating. Additionally, updating Windows will usually update your drivers. Use the following steps to make sure Windows is up-to-date:
    • Click the Windows Start menu.
    • Type Windows Update .
    • Click Windows Update Settings .
    • Click Download & Install all if an update is available.
      • Additionally, you can install optional updates. To do so, click Advanced options and then click Optional updates . Check the updates you want to install and click Download & Install .
  7. The Windows troubleshooter will automatically diagnose and detect any problems with your sound card. Use the following steps to run the Windows troubleshooter: [3]
    • Click the Windows Start menu.
    • Type troubleshoot .
    • Click Troubleshoot Settings .
    • Click Other troubleshooters .
    • Click Run next to "Audio."
    • Click Yes below "Do we have consent to run automated diagnostics..."
    • Follow the prompts.
  8. Your drivers may be corrupt. When you uninstall a driver, Windows will automatically search for and install the driver automatically upon restart. If your sound card needs third-party software from the manufacturer, you will need to uninstall that software and download it again from the manufacturer's web page. Use the following steps to uninstall and reinstall your audio drivers:
    • Right-click the Windows Start menu.
    • Click Device Manager .
    • Double-click Sound, video, and game controllers. .
    • Right-click your sound card.
    • Click Uninstall driver .
    • Restart your computer.
  9. If you are using an older sound card, it may not be detected by Windows 10 or 11. You can add legacy drivers in Device Manager. Use the following steps to do so: [4]
    • Right-click the Windows Start menu.
    • Click Device Manager .
    • Click Sound, video, and game controllers. .
    • Click Action in the menu bar at the top.
    • Click Add legacy hardware .
    • Click Next .
    • Click "Search for and install the hardware automatically" and click Next .
      • Alternatively, you can select "Install hardware that I manually select from a list" and follow the prompts to select your sound card if you know the make and model.
    • Follow the prompts.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    I'm on Windows 7. My computer can "see" my sound card, and it says it's working properly. But when I use Skype or Discord they can't detect it. Why is this and how can I fix it?
    Community Answer
    Try checking the device that is being used by Skype/Discord, sometimes if you have multiple device it may use the wrong one. Also check if other programs does make a sound.
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      Tips

      • If you use Mac OS X, the “sound card” is automatically built and integrated into OS X on all Mac computers and laptops, and cannot be detected. To view the specs of your Mac’s sound card, open the Utilities folder under Applications, click on “System Profiler,” then click on “Audio (Built In).” [5]
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      References

      1. ↑ http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/open-device-manager#1TC=windows-7
      2. ↑ http://support.creative.com/kb/ShowArticle.aspx?sid=66915
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjDlwdERsos
      4. ↑ https://www.driversupport.com/knowledge-article/how-to-fix-no-audio-output-device-is-installed-issue/
      5. ↑ https://www.mac-forums.com/threads/soundcard.162099/

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