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Updating your audio drivers on Windows 10/11

Jordan W.
  • Updated

If you are experiencing any of the following sound or audio playback symptoms on your Windows computer, follow the steps in this article to troubleshoot and resolve the sound or audio playback issue.

  • Low or no sound or audio during playback.

  • Stuttering, jarring, distorted, crackling, or choppy audio.

  • The playback sound is intermittent.

  • Static, white noise, or hissing.

  • The audio device disappears after a Windows update.

Outdated drivers can cause issues with recording and sound playback. Your PC manufacturer is constantly releasing critical updates to resolve device-specific issues that Windows updates will not have. Here is how you can update your drivers and download new drivers based on your device brand if needed.

Uninstall and reinstall your microphone drivers:

  1. Open your Device Manager

  2. Navigate to Audio inputs and outputs

  3. Right-click on your audio source name and click Uninstall Device

Screenshot 2024-02-23 at 3.52.40 PM.png
  1. Once it's been removed, right-click on Audio Inputs and Outputs and select Scan for hardware change. This action should re-install your inbuilt drivers.

Screenshot 2024-02-23 at 3.52.48 PM.png

⚠️ If your audio driver doesn't reinstall, please follow the steps below related to your device.

Alternatively, you can go to your PC or Motherboard manufacturer and download the correct drivers for your machine.

Dell updates

Scan your computer for existing drivers and utilities and follow the instructions below:

  1. Browse to the Dell Drivers & Downloads page

  2. Identify the Dell computer using one of the following methods:

    • Click Detect PC and follow the instructions

    • You can also click Browse all products to select the Dell product from the catalog

  3. Click Detect Drivers

  4. SupportAssist analyzes the computer to find the latest updates

  5. Once the scan is complete, click Download and Install

  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the drivers and utility installation

HP Updates

In Windows, search for and open HP Support Assistant:

  1. Find your computer on the My Devices tab, then click Updates

  2. Click Check for updates and messages to get the latest updates

  3. Wait while the Support Assistant works

  4. If new updates are available, click the check box next to each update, and then click Download and Install

  5. When the HP Support Assistant finishes, close the tool

Lenovo Update

  1. To download the latest driver and software, visit the website: ​Lenovo Support

  2. Select Detect Product or View PC Support

  3. Select Drivers & Software on the Product Home page

  4. Use the Automatic Update option (Scan Now) to download drivers automatically

Acer Update

You'll use the Acer Care Center software to update your drivers. Search your computer for the Acer Care Center software. If Acer Care Center was not included in your product or has been uninstalled, you can easily download it from their support site:

  1. Visit the Acer Drivers and Manuals page

  2. Enter your Serial Number/SNID or search for your product by Model

  3. Select Application

  4. Click Download next to Acer Care Center to save the file

  5. Unzip the file you download, and run the Setup.exe file to install the application

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