subject: Solve Audio Problems by Updating Your High Definition Audio Device Drivers [print this page] Is your computer's high definition audio device giving you trouble? Does it refuse to work after coming out of hibernation? Does your sound icon have a big red X in it indicating a problem? Many sound device problems are easily solved by updating the computer's high definition audio device drivers.
First, consider updating your operating system. Windows regularly releases updates that solve known problems with sound devices. For example, Windows Vista had a known problem with high definition audio devices refusing to turn on after coming out of hibernation. This problem was later solved when Microsoft released a Windows update (937077) addressing the problem.
Next, consider whether the problem recently started and whether a recent Windows update may be to blame. Just as Windows updates solve many sound device problems, new updates sometimes introduce new ones. If you suspect an update may be to blame, it might be smart to rollback the update via System Restore and wait a few days for Microsoft to fix the update.
Now that you've considered these solutions, consider updating your high definition audio device drivers manually. You can do this by using Device Manager's "update drivers" function or going directly to your sound device's manufacturer's website and searching for high definition audio device drivers. Another option is to use a commercial device driver update tool that searches for the right high definition audio device drivers (as well as other device drivers) specific for your computer.
Depending where you get the high definition audio device drivers, you may have to manually install them. If so, you'll need to follow the instructions on the manufacturer's website. Typically this will involve launching Device Manager, going to the Sound, Video, and Game Controllers section, selecting your device, clicking the Driver tab, and installing the high definition audio device drivers by clicking Update Driver followed by Browse.
If the manufacturer or third party driver utility provides you with self-installing high definition audio device drivers, the installation is a simple matter of downloading the drivers and clicking a few prompts. For example, your computer may ask you if it's okay to run the newly downloaded file or your computer security program may warn you of the risk of opening .exe files. If you trust the source that is supplying you with the high definition audio device drivers, allow the process to run and you will soon have freshly installed drivers.
No matter which method you use to update the high definition audio device drivers, take the time to reboot your computer. While this is a bit on the tedious side, it will save you grief. Many driver updates as well as Windows system updates require a reboot before the computer will fully understand what instructions to follow. Get into the habit of rebooting after all updates and you will save yourself confusion should the computer not act as expected after updating your high definition audio device drivers.
Solve Audio Problems by Updating Your High Definition Audio Device Drivers
