How to Update Realtek Drivers - 2024

How to Update Realtek Drivers on Windows 10 and 11

Realtek is a popular audio software that provides high-quality sound for your PC. However, sometimes you may encounter issues with your sound devices, such as poor sound quality, no sound, or audio lag. These problems may be caused by outdated or corrupted Realtek drivers. To fix them, you need to update your Realtek drivers to the latest version.

In this article, we will show you how to update Realtek drivers on Windows 10 and 11 using three methods: Windows Update, Device Manager, and Realtek website. We will also provide some troubleshooting tips if you still have problems with your Realtek drivers after updating them. 

Method 1: Update Realtek Drivers Using Windows Update

Windows Update is a built-in feature that automatically downloads and installs the latest updates for your system, including drivers. This is the easiest and most convenient way to update your Realtek drivers, as you don't need to search for the drivers manually. Here are the steps to update Realtek drivers using Windows Update:

- On Windows 10, open Settings from the Start menu or by pressing Windows + I keys. On Windows 11, open Settings from the Start menu or by right-clicking the Start button and choosing Settings.
- On Windows 10, click on Update & Security. On Windows 11, click on Windows Update on the left pane.
- Click on Check for updates. Windows will scan for any available updates and install them automatically.
- If you see Realtek drivers in the list of updates, click on Install and wait for the process to complete. If you don't see Realtek drivers, it means that your drivers are already up to date or that Windows couldn't find the drivers for your device.
- Restart your PC to apply the changes.

Method 2: Update Realtek Drivers Using Device Manager

Device Manager is a tool that allows you to manage the hardware devices connected to your PC. You can use it to update your Realtek drivers manually, by searching for the drivers online or by browsing your computer for the drivers. Here are the steps to update Realtek drivers using Device Manager:

- Press Windows + X keys and select Device Manager from the menu.
- Expand the Sound, video and game controllers category and right-click on Realtek High Definition Audio or Realtek (R) Audio, depending on your device model.
- Select Update driver from the context menu.
- On the next screen, you have two options: Search automatically for updated driver software or Browse my computer for drivers. If you choose the first option, Windows will search the internet for the latest drivers and install them for you. If you choose the second option, you will need to locate the drivers on your computer or on a removable device, such as a USB flash drive or a CD-ROM.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
- Restart your PC to apply the changes.

Method 3: Update Realtek Drivers Using Realtek Website

Another way to update your Realtek drivers is to download them directly from the Realtek website. This method requires you to know the exact model and version of your Realtek device, as well as the operating system you are using. You can find this information in the Device Manager or in the System Information tool. Here are the steps to update Realtek drivers using Realtek website:

- Go to the Realtek website and click on the Downloads tab.
- Under the HD Audio Codec Driver section, find the driver that matches your device model and operating system. For example, if you have a Realtek ALC892 device and you are using Windows 10 64-bit, you can download the 64bits Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 Driver only (Executable file) R2.82 file.
- Click on the download icon next to the driver name and save the file to your computer.
- Double-click on the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.
- Restart your PC to apply the changes.

Troubleshooting Realtek Drivers

If you still have problems with your Realtek drivers after updating them, you can try some of these troubleshooting tips:

- Check the volume and mute settings on your PC and on your speakers or headphones. Make sure that the volume is not too low or muted, and that the correct output device is selected.
- Run the Windows troubleshooter for audio problems. On Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Playing Audio and click on Run the troubleshooter. On Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and click on Run next to Playing Audio.
- Uninstall and reinstall the Realtek drivers. Sometimes, the drivers may get corrupted or incompatible with your system. To uninstall the drivers, go to Device Manager, right-click on Realtek High Definition Audio or Realtek (R) Audio, and select Uninstall device. Then, restart your PC and Windows will reinstall the drivers automatically. Alternatively, you can reinstall the drivers manually using the methods described above.
- Update your BIOS. BIOS is a software that controls the basic functions of your PC, such as booting, memory, and hardware. Sometimes, updating your BIOS can fix the issues with your Realtek drivers. However, updating your BIOS is a risky process that can damage your PC if done incorrectly, so you should only do it if you are confident and experienced. To update your BIOS, you need to visit the website of your motherboard manufacturer and download the latest BIOS file for your model. Then, you need to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to flash the BIOS.

We hope this article helped you update your Realtek drivers on Windows 10 and 11.