How to Update Windows 10 Audio Drivers and Troubleshoot Sound Issues

Updating Windows 10 audio drivers can be a straightforward process if done correctly. However, understanding the process and troubleshooting steps is crucial to avoid common issues that may arise after an update.

When to Update Your Audio Drivers

Unless your current audio drivers are causing problems, manual updates are generally not necessary. Updating audio drivers may result in poor audio quality or other issues, as firmware updates can sometimes introduce bugs or compatibility problems. Therefore, unless your sound is malfunctioning, it is recommended to leave the audio drivers alone.

Updating Audio Drivers

If you do encounter audio problems, there are several methods to update your audio drivers:

Update Manually or Automatically

1. Manually: First, go to the Device Manager by pressing the WinX keys and selecting Device Manager. Navigate to the Sound, video and game controllers option, right-click on the audio device, and select Update driver software. Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software and then restart your PC. 2. Automatically: The Windows 10 driver updater is a reliable tool, but sometimes a scan might not result in any updates. This tool not only provides you with the latest drivers for your hardware but also acts as an automatic repair tool for broken or missing drivers. To use it, download and launch the tool, let it scan your system, and fix any faulty drivers.

Checking Your Sound Settings

In some cases, the issue may be caused by incorrect sound settings rather than a driver problem:

Ensure your output device is selected correctly by right-clicking the sound icon in the Windows 10 taskbar and selecting Open sound settings. In the Sound Settings window, check that the appropriate device is selected in the Choose your output device section. Make sure the volume is not muted, and verify App volume and device preferences. Ensure the apps you use to listen to music are not muted and that the output and input options are set correctly.

After making these adjustments, try to play sound again. If the issue persists, follow the next steps.

Uninstalling the Sound Driver

If the sound settings do not resolve the issue, you may have to uninstall the sound driver. To do this, return to the Device Manager, right-click on the audio device, and select Uninstall. Restart your PC, and Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver.

Changing Audio Device Properties

If the issue still persists after uninstalling the driver, try changing the properties of your audio device:

Right-click the sound icon in the Windows 10 taskbar and select Sounds. Go to the Playback tab, select your speakers as the default device, and click Properties. In the Advanced tab, select each option in the drop-down list, and click the Test button after each change to see if it resolves the issue.

By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve any audio issues you may encounter on Windows 10.