How To Update Sound Drivers In Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

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5 min. read

Published on October 20, 2025

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Sound problems on your Windows 11 computer can be incredibly frustrating, whether you’re trying to enjoy music, participate in a video call, or immerse yourself in a game. Often, outdated or corrupted sound drivers are the culprit. Updating these drivers can resolve a wide range of audio issues and ensure your system is performing optimally.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough on how to update your sound drivers in Windows 11, covering various methods from automatic updates to manual installations. We’ll explore each option to help you find the best solution for your specific situation and get your audio back on track.

How Do I Update My Sound Drivers in Windows 11?

Update Sound Drivers Through Device Manager

Device Manager is a built-in Windows tool that allows you to manage all the hardware connected to your computer, including sound devices. Here’s how to use it to update your sound drivers:

Press the Windows key + X to open the Quick Link menu.
Select Device Manager from the list.
Expand the Sound, video and game controllers category.
Right-click on your sound device (e.g., Realtek Audio, Intel Display Audio).
Select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers. Windows will search for the latest drivers available online.
If an update is found, Windows will download and install it automatically.
Restart your computer to complete the installation.

Update Sound Drivers Using Windows Update

Windows Update not only keeps your operating system up-to-date but also includes driver updates for various hardware components.

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Click on Windows Update in the left sidebar.
Click the Check for updates button.
If updates are available, including driver updates, Windows will download and install them.
Restart your computer when prompted.

Manually Install Sound Drivers from the Manufacturer’s Website

If automatic updates don’t work, you can download the latest drivers directly from your sound card or computer manufacturer’s website.

Identify your sound card model or your computer’s model number. This information is usually found on the manufacturer’s website or in your system documentation.
Visit the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Realtek, Intel, Dell, HP).
Navigate to the Support or Downloads section.
Search for drivers specific to your sound card or computer model and your version of Windows 11.
Download the latest sound driver.
Extract the downloaded file (if it’s a ZIP file).
Open Device Manager (Windows key + X, then select Device Manager).
Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
Right-click on your sound device and select Update driver.
Choose Browse my computer for drivers.
Navigate to the folder where you extracted the driver files.
Click Next to install the driver.
Restart your computer.

Roll Back to a Previous Driver Version

If a recent driver update causes audio problems, you can roll back to a previous version.

Open Device Manager (Windows key + X, then select Device Manager).
Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
Right-click on your sound device and select Properties.
Go to the Driver tab.
If the Roll Back Driver button is available (not grayed out), click it.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
Restart your computer.

Tips

Create a System Restore Point: Before making any significant changes to your system, such as updating drivers, it’s a good idea to create a system restore point. This allows you to revert your system to a previous state if something goes wrong.
Disable Driver Signature Enforcement (Use with Caution): In rare cases, you may need to disable driver signature enforcement to install unsigned drivers. This is generally not recommended unless you are absolutely sure the driver is safe. You can do this through Advanced Startup Options.
Check for Conflicting Software: Sometimes, other software can interfere with sound drivers. Try temporarily disabling or uninstalling recently installed audio-related software to see if it resolves the issue.
Run the Audio Troubleshooter: Windows has a built-in audio troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common sound problems. To access it, go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Playing Audio.

Comparing Driver Update Methods

Method	Ease of Use	Driver Source	Control Over Driver Version
Device Manager	Easy	Windows Update or Manufacturer (Automatic)	Limited
Windows Update	Very Easy	Windows Update	Limited
Manual Installation	Moderate	Manufacturer Website	Full
Roll Back Driver	Easy	Previous Installed Version	Full

Fixing Your Windows 11 Sound Issues

Updating your sound drivers is a critical step in maintaining a healthy and functional Windows 11 system. By following the methods outlined above, you can resolve many common audio problems and ensure your computer delivers the best possible sound experience.

FAQ

How do I know if my sound drivers are outdated? You may experience sound problems such as no audio, distorted audio, or intermittent audio issues. You can also check Device Manager for driver errors.

What happens if I install the wrong sound driver? Installing the wrong driver can cause audio problems or system instability. If this happens, roll back to the previous driver or install the correct driver.

Where can I find the latest sound drivers for my computer? Visit your computer manufacturer’s website (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo) or your sound card manufacturer’s website (e.g., Realtek, Intel).

Should I always update my sound drivers? Generally, yes. Driver updates often include bug fixes, performance improvements, and compatibility enhancements.

Can outdated sound drivers cause other problems besides audio issues? In some cases, outdated drivers can cause system instability or conflicts with other hardware components.