Having sound problems on your Windows 11 PC? Maybe your speakers aren’t working, your headphones don’t produce sound, or audio keeps cutting out. The culprit is often outdated or corrupted sound drivers. Updating them can quickly fix most audio issues.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to update sound drivers in Windows 11 using different methods—manual, automatic, and via third-party tools.
Why Should You Update Sound Drivers?
Before we dive in, here’s why keeping your sound drivers updated is essential:
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Fix audio issues like no sound, crackling, or distortion.
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Enhance sound quality with improved performance.
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Ensure compatibility with new apps or games.
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Prevent system errors caused by outdated drivers.
Method 1: Update Sound Drivers Using Device Manager
This is the easiest built-in way.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
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Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
Step 2: Find Your Audio Device
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Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
Step 3: Right-Click Your Audio Driver
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Choose Update driver.
Step 4: Select Update Option
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Click Search automatically for drivers.
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Windows will look for updates online and install them.
Method 2: Update Sound Drivers via Windows Update
Windows Update often includes driver updates.
Step 1: Open Settings
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Press Win + I.
Step 2: Go to Windows Update
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Navigate to Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.
Step 3: Install Audio Driver Updates
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If available, select the audio driver update and click Install.
Method 3: Manually Download and Install Drivers from Manufacturer
If Windows doesn’t find updates, go to your hardware manufacturer’s site.
Step 1: Identify Your Audio Device
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Use Device Manager to find the name of your audio driver (e.g., Realtek, Intel, or NVIDIA).
Step 2: Visit Manufacturer’s Website
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Go to Realtek, Intel, AMD, or your laptop/PC manufacturer’s site.
Step 3: Download Latest Driver
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Make sure it’s for Windows 11.
Step 4: Install It
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Run the installer and follow the prompts.
Method 4: Reinstall the Sound Driver
Sometimes, uninstalling and reinstalling fixes issues.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
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Win + X > Device Manager
Step 2: Uninstall Audio Device
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Right-click the driver > Uninstall device.
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Check Delete the driver software for this device if available.
Step 3: Restart Your PC
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Windows will automatically reinstall the default driver.
Method 5: Use a Third-Party Driver Updater (Optional)
Tools like Driver Booster, Driver Easy, or Snappy Driver Installer can:
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Scan for outdated drivers.
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Download and install them automatically.
Tip: Only download from official sites to avoid malware.
How to Verify If the Sound Driver Is Updated
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Go to Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers.
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Right-click your driver > Properties > Driver tab.
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Check the Driver Date and Version.
Common Audio Issues After Updating Drivers
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No sound after update: Try rolling back the driver.
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Crackling or popping sound: Reinstall or use the generic Windows audio driver.
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Audio device not detected: Ensure it’s enabled in Sound settings.
How to Roll Back a Sound Driver
Step 1: Open Device Manager
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Right-click your audio driver.
Step 2: Go to Properties
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Select the Driver tab.
Step 3: Click Roll Back Driver
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If available, Windows will restore the previous version.
Should You Always Update Drivers?
Not always. If your sound works fine, there’s no need to update frequently.
However, update drivers when:
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You face sound issues.
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You’ve installed a major Windows 11 update.
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New features or compatibility updates are released.
Final Thoughts
Updating sound drivers in Windows 11 is simple once you know where to look. Start with Device Manager or Windows Update, and if that doesn’t work, go directly to your manufacturer’s site. For persistent problems, reinstalling or rolling back drivers can help.
FAQs
1. How often should I update sound drivers?
Only when you experience issues or after a major Windows update.
2. Do I need third-party tools to update drivers?
No, but they can make the process easier.
3. Can outdated drivers cause no sound?
Yes, outdated or corrupted drivers are a common cause.
4. Is it safe to uninstall the audio driver?
Yes, Windows will reinstall a generic driver after a restart.
5. Does Windows 11 automatically update drivers?
Sometimes, but it may not always install the latest version.