Fix the Intel SST driver
Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) is the audio controller in many Intel laptops. Intel says its drivers are provided by the PC maker, so get the Intel SST driver from your laptop's support page. If Device Manager shows Code 10 and sound is gone, uninstall the SST device, restart and install the maker's driver.
Checked October 30, 2026 against the manufacturer's own pages.
Hardware IDs on this page
| Hardware ID | Device name |
|---|---|
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_9CB6 | Wildcat Point-LP Smart Sound Technology Controller |
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_34C8 | Ice Lake-LP Smart Sound Technology Audio Controller |
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_38C8 | Ice Lake-LP Smart Sound Technology Audio Controller |
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_51CC | Alder Lake Smart Sound Technology Audio Controller |
Match the first line of Hardware Ids in Device Manager (Properties, Details) against this list. Names come from the public PCI ID Repository.
The short version
What to install and where it comes from. Every link goes to the manufacturer or Microsoft, never to a copy.
Official files only, nothing bundled
Step by step
Confirm the error
Open Device Manager, expand Sound, video and game controllers and find an Intel Smart Sound Technology entry. Open its Properties and check the device status for Code 10.
Note the driver version
On the Driver tab, write down the version and date. Intel suggests this before a change, so you can compare it with what the maker lists.
Update the BIOS
Open System Information and read the BIOS version date. If the PC maker has a newer BIOS, install it first, as Intel advises.
Uninstall the SST device
In Device Manager, right-click the Intel Smart Sound Technology entry, choose Uninstall device, then restart Windows.
Install the maker's SST driver
Download the Intel SST or audio package from your laptop maker's page for your exact model. Install it, restart, and play a sound to test.
What Smart Sound Technology is
Intel Smart Sound Technology is an audio controller built into many Intel platforms. It handles digital microphones and can handle audio for the speakers and headset, with a separate codec chip finishing the signal. In the public PCI ID Repository it shows as Smart Sound Technology Audio Controller, with names tied to the platform, such as Ice Lake-LP or Alder Lake. The table lists a few.
Why the PC maker supplies it
Intel’s support articles say the driver comes from the OEM, the laptop or motherboard maker, and point to the OEM for the latest version and install steps. The reason is practical: how SST connects to microphones and speakers differs from one design to the next. A driver that fits one laptop may leave another with no sound.
A short repair routine
Code 10 on the SST entry is the common fault. Intel’s troubleshooting route is BIOS update, uninstall the SST driver, restart, then install the maker’s driver. If you have several audio items, handle the SST one first and the codec driver after it. Keep the old installer in a folder, so you can go back.
Questions
Does Intel offer a stand alone SST download?
We did not find one for general laptops. Intel's guidance points to the PC maker for the driver and installation steps.
Is SST the same as my Realtek audio driver?
No. SST is the Intel controller and the codec such as Realtek's is a second driver. A laptop may need both, installed in the maker's order.
Why did sound stop after a Windows update?
Intel documents no audio after a system or driver update on some systems, where a newer generic SST driver replaces the maker's one. Reinstall the maker's version.
Will Windows Update fix it?
Sometimes. Check Optional updates, but if the Code 10 returns, use the maker's package and avoid mixing versions.