Which Realtek audio driver you need
On a laptop or prebuilt PC, install the Realtek audio driver from your PC maker's support page for your model. On a desktop you built, use your motherboard maker's page or Realtek's own downloads. Windows also has a basic High Definition Audio driver that works if the Realtek one is missing.
Checked October 30, 2026 against the manufacturer's own pages.
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 you have Realtek audio
Open Device Manager and expand Sound, video and game controllers. Right-click your audio device, choose Properties, Details, Hardware Ids. VEN_10EC in the first line means the chip is made by Realtek.
Get the driver from your PC or motherboard maker
Search your exact model on the maker's support site, set your Windows version and download the audio driver. Makers add their own settings for speakers and headphone jacks, which a generic driver can lack.
Install it and restart
Run the installer, then restart Windows even if it does not ask. Audio drivers often only load after a full restart.
Add Realtek Audio Control if it is missing
Newer Realtek drivers keep their settings in a separate app. If your maker does not install it, Realtek Audio Control is free in the Microsoft Store.
Fall back to the Windows driver if sound breaks
In Device Manager, right-click the audio device, Update driver, Browse my computer, Let me pick, then choose High Definition Audio Device. It is basic, but it plays sound while you find the right Realtek driver.
Where VEN_10EC comes from
Every audio chip reports a vendor code to Windows. 10EC is the code registered to Realtek in the public PCI ID database, so a hardware ID with VEN_10EC is a Realtek part whatever brand your PC is. You can paste the full hardware ID into the lookup on our home page to see the maker.
Why the maker’s driver beats the newest one
A newer version number is not always better for audio. PC makers tune the driver to the speakers, microphones and jacks in your model. A generic Realtek driver can install fine and still leave the microphone or the headphone jack not working.
Questions
Can I install the newest Realtek driver from another website?
Do not. Realtek audio drivers are customised per PC maker, and copies on download sites are often repackaged. Use your PC maker, your motherboard maker or Realtek.
Realtek HD Audio or Realtek Audio?
Both run the same kind of Realtek audio chip. Older drivers were one big package with their own control panel. Newer ones are installed in parts and use the Realtek Audio Control app from the Microsoft Store for settings.
Sound stopped after a Windows update. What first?
Open Device Manager, right-click the Realtek device, Properties, Driver, and choose Roll Back Driver if it is available. That returns the version that worked.
My headphone jack is not detected.
Jack detection is controlled by the maker's driver and the Realtek Audio Control app. Install your PC maker's audio driver, then check the app's connector settings.