Solutions for Realtek Sound Driver Issues on Windows 10

Jul. 23, 2025 / Updated by Seraphina to Windows 10

realtek-sound-driver-issues-solutions

Realtek is a common audio driver widely used across various Windows 10 computers. However, some users may encounter issues such as abnormal sound, driver failures, or unrecognized audio devices, affecting normal use.

This article analyzes common causes and provides solutions to help you fix audio problems.

1. Symptoms of Realtek Audio Driver Issues

No sound output; headphones or speakers fail to play audio
A yellow exclamation mark appears in Device Manager, or error message "This device cannot start (Code 10)"
Realtek HD Audio Manager cannot open or is missing
Audio stutters, severe noise, or noticeable delay
Audio device not recognized or not displayed in the playback devices list

2. Causes of Realtek Audio Driver Issues

Corrupted or incompatible Realtek audio drivers
Conflicts caused by Windows updates
Audio services disabled in the system
Improper audio device connection or hardware failure
Abnormal registry entries or system files

3. Solutions for Realtek Audio Driver Issues

Method 1: Update the Audio Driver

Driver issues are the root cause of Realtek audio problems. If you're not familiar with manually downloading and installing drivers, it's recommended to use a driver management tool like Driver Talent. It automatically detects all missing or faulty drivers and provides one-click repair options.

Download Driver Talent

Click the download button to get the latest version of Driver Talent. Install and open the software, then click "Scan".
After scanning, it will show all missing or outdated drivers. Locate the audio driver in the results and click "Update".

driver-update

Once updated, restart your computer to ensure the new driver takes effect.

Method 2: Reinstall the Realtek Audio Driver

Press Win + X and select "Device Manager".

Expand "Sound, video and game controllers".

Right-click the Realtek driver and select "Uninstall device".

Check "Delete the driver software for this device" and click "Uninstall".

uninstall-device

Restart your PC. Windows will install a default audio driver automatically.

Alternatively, download the latest driver from your motherboard's official site or the Realtek website and install it manually.

Method 3: Enable Audio Services

Press Win + R, type "services.msc", and press Enter.

Find and make sure the following services are Running and set to Automatic:

Windows Audio
Windows Audio Endpoint Builder

If not started, right-click the service and select Start.

Method 4: Run Windows Audio Troubleshooter

Open Settings, then go to "Update & Security".

Click "Troubleshoot" on the left, then "Additional troubleshooters".

Find "Playing Audio", and click "Run the troubleshooter".

run-windows-audio-troubleshooter

Follow the prompts to detect and fix sound issues. Recheck the sound once completed.

Method 5: Check Playback Devices

Right-click the speaker icon on the taskbar, select "Open Sound Settings".

Click "Manage sound devices".

click-manage-sound-devices

Make sure the Realtek device is not disabled.

Under the "Playback" tab, set the correct default output device.

Ensure headphones/speakers are properly plugged into the audio jack.

4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What should I do if there's no sound after a Windows update?

A: Try uninstalling the update or use a driver repair tool to restore a compatible driver version.

Q: Why is Realtek HD Audio Manager missing?

A: It may be due to an incomplete or incorrect driver installation. Try reinstalling the full driver package.

Q: Headphones are not working when plugged in?

A: Check if auto-switch playback is enabled or enable front panel jack detection.