How to Update Sound Drivers

Download Article
Download Article

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.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Windows Update

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid5412367-v4-728px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid5412367-v4-728px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's the icon that resembles a gear in the left panel of the Start menu.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid5412367-v4-728px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's the last option in the Settings menu. It has an icon that resembles two arching arrows.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid5412367-v4-728px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This searches for the latest Windows updates.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid5412367-v4-728px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This downloads and installs the latest Windows updates. This includes all drivers and security updates.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Windows Device Manager

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid5412367-v4-728px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's the button with the Windows logo. It's in the lower-left corner of the taskbar by default.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cf\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cf\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid5412367-v4-728px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This displays the Device Manager in the Start menu.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/aid5412367-v4-728px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It has an icon that resembles a printer and a camera. This opens the Device Manager.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/aid5412367-v4-728px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/aid5412367-v4-728px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b4\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b4\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/aid5412367-v4-728px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's the first option at the top of the menu that appears when you right-click a driver in Device Manager.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/aid5412367-v4-728px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    With this option, Windows will automatically search the internet and your computer for the latest drivers. This may take a couple of minutes.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-13.jpg\/aid5412367-v4-728px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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.
    9. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

macOS

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-14.jpg\/aid5412367-v4-728px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's in the upper-left corner in the menu bar at the top. This displays the Apple Menu.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/be\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/be\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-15.jpg\/aid5412367-v4-728px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's in the Apple menu under the Apple icon. [1]
    • If you are using an older version of Mac OS, click About This Mac instead. This will open the App Store.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0f\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0f\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-16.jpg\/aid5412367-v4-728px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-17.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-17.jpg\/aid5412367-v4-728px-Update-Sound-Drivers-Step-17.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will install all available updates. This all drivers, apps, and security updates. [2]
    • 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.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • 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.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Make sure the sound card you have installed is compatible with your computer. [3]
        Thanks
      • Identify the software manufacturer of your sound card. Visit their website and search for the most up-to-date software. [4]
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Restart Your Computer Using the Keyboard
      3 Easy Ways to Find the Publication Date of a Website
      How to
      Check Browsing History on a WiFi Router
      How to
      Connect PC to TV with HDMI
      6 Ways to Pair Your JBL Earbuds: Guide & Troubleshooting Tips
      10 Genius Ways to Cheat a Step Counter on a Phone (No Walking Required)
      What Does DW Mean? Snapchat, Texting, and More
      Easy Ways to Read Crash Dump Files & Troubleshoot Crashes
      How to
      Tell if Your Mac Is Too Old to Update
      How to
      Open a Digital Safe Without a Key
      How to Listen to Police Radio Online: Best Apps & Websites
      How to
      Format a Write–Protected Pen Drive
      How to Bypass Your Screen Time Passcode: Reset, Remove, or Hack Screen Time
      How to Guess a Password
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201541
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYUzcpvNRp4
      3. ↑ https://wiki.audacityteam.org/wiki/Updating_Sound_Device_Drivers
      4. ↑ https://wiki.audacityteam.org/wiki/Updating_Sound_Device_Drivers

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 99,345 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement