How to Fix Realtek Not Showing Up in Device Manager

In this guide, we will learn How to Fix Realtek Not Showing Up in Device Manager. I also had a similar issue and I spent a lot of time learning how to fix it. It took me 10 hours to find the right solution. So I decided to write about it. I hope it saves your time.

If Realtek Audio Driver is not showing up in Device Manager it is probably because you didn’t have the right driver installed or perhaps windows hasn’t been able to detect them.

Method 1: Add legacy hardware

Go to Device Manager by pressing the Windows + R keys, then type “devmgmt.msc” into the Run box, and then click OK.

Select the Action tab.

From the drop-down box, search for and choose Add legacy hardware.

Select the radio option for Search for and install hardware automatically by clicking the Next button (Recommended).

Method 2: Update the Realtek audio driver

Through Device Manager

You can update your Realtek sound card’s driver through Device Manager. To do this:

Step 1: Press Windows Key + X

Step 2: Select Device Manager

Step 3: Expand Sound, video, and game controllers

Step 4: Right-click on Realtek High Definition Audio

Step 5: Select Update Driver Software

Step 6: Select Search automatically for updated driver software

If there are any drivers that windows find it should install them automatically, however it might say that the best drivers are up to date, if you want you can click on search for updated drivers.

If this doesn’t work follow Method 2

Manually

In method 2 you need to download and install the driver manually.
To do this make sure you are installing the correct version of the driver.
To check the correct version of Realtek HD audio software, perform the following step.

Step 1: Click Start.

Step 2: Right-click Computer, and then click Properties.

Step 3: At the left pane, click Device Manager.

Step 4: Double-click the Sound, video, and game controllers category.

Step 5: Double-click Realtek High Definition Audio Driver.

Step 6: Click the Driver tab.

Step 7: Check Driver Version.

To manually update your Realtek audio driver you need to follow these steps:

Step 1. The very first thing you need to do is to download the driver from the official website of the manufacturer. 

You can download them from here

Step 2. After you have downloaded the driver, you need to unzip it to a folder on your desktop or any other place.

Step 3. When the download is complete, you must run the setup file (Make sure that you are logged on with an administrative account).

Step 4. You must follow the instructions that will be displayed on your screen.

Step 5. When you are finished, you must restart your computer.

All set

Method 3: Restore BIOS to default

Incorrect BIOS settings may be the source of the problem. You can try resetting the BIOS to factory settings to resolve the issue. You can follow the steps below to learn how to do it:

1) Go into BIOS mode.

Entering BIOS on any laptop or desktop begins with a reboot. On the load screen after booting your computer, you should notice a notification indicating which key to press to access BIOS. To enter BIOS settings, keep hitting that key.

The F2 key is used on most PCs, but some laptops use DEL or F8 instead. If you don’t know what the key is, contact the manufacturer of your computer for assistance.

2) Press F9 or F5 to bring up the Load Optimized Defaults dialogue once you’re in BIOS. Alternatively, look under the Security or Exit tabs for the options.

The name of the option that allows you to restore the BIOS differs depending on the motherboard you have. Reset to Default, Load Factory Defaults, Load Setup Defaults are all possibilities.

3) Press the arrow key to select Yes, and the BIOS will be reset.

4) When you’re finished, press the key next to Save and Exit to exit.

5) Restart your computer and check whether the problem still exists.

Method 4 : Enable Realtek Audio Manager at Startup

Right-click on the Start button and launch the Task Manager or press “ctrl + shift + esc”

Go to the Startup section.

Look for the Realtek HD Audio Manager.

If the status is Disabled, right-click it and select Enable from the drop-down menu.

Restart the system

What to do if realtek audio driver is installed but not showing up in device manager ?

If you have already installed Realtek audio driver but it is not showing up in device manager you should uninstall and then reinstall the Realtek driver. You can download the latest version from realtekhelp.com

Congratulations!! Go ahead and give yourself a treat. You did a great job and successfully installed Realtek HD Driver.

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Thanks !! You are awesome