Latest Realtek HD Audio Driver Version [archive]

@Showbiz, considering the Hardware Ids of your sound interface, I would say the Realtek HD Audio driver does not apply here, unless the hardware IDs were changed upon driver installation, which I doubt.

It's sound, it's Realtek, but I suppose not everything in that category requires the HD Audio driver.

The reason why you see it installed despite having uninstalled the program is because the Microsoft Update Catalog has it too, and Windows Update probably downloaded and installed it automatically.

If I were you I would keep it as it is, as it seems to be the latest version, according to the MUC. There are more recent versions around, but they likely don't apply to your hardware.

Well, I have seen it before, some audio cards can look like they are a Realtek device and you can even install Realtek drivers, but they don't work as expected (most common symptom is to see the audio level change when playing a sound but no sound comes out of the speakers). A hardware examination with Aida64, Speccy or similar utility reveals that they are from another manufacturer (such as VIA HD audio) and once you install the proper drivers from manufacturer's site they are working flawlessly. So when in doubt, use Aida64 to identify your hardware and make sure you install appropriate drivers. At this point I would like to remind you that if there is no Windows 10 driver, use Windows 8 or 7 driver. In worst case (32-bit or 64-bit systems) install the Vista driver. In even worse case (32-bit only) install the Windows XP driver, it does work in Windows 10 32-bit, I have done it. Of course the higher Windows version the better compatibility-wise.

f14tomcat said:

@Showbiz, when you uninstalled your driver, did you also check this box to delete the driver software from your machine? Are you running a Dell XPS 13? You have no system specs so it's hard to know what we're dealing with. For some reason, this new driver, may not be compatible with your machine.

Attachment 111236

No, come to think of it I don't remember ticking that uninstall box..

Yes, sorry - I am running a Dell XPS 13 9343 laptop.

NovHak said:

The reason why you see it installed despite having uninstalled the program is because the Microsoft Update Catalog has it too, and Windows Update probably downloaded and installed it automatically.
If I were you I would keep it as it is, as it seems to be the latest version, according to the MUC. There are more recent versions around, but they likely don't apply to your hardware.

Yes, this makes sense although I'm still a little confused. There's even a link to Realtek Audio drivers on the Dell driver support page, and as mentioned, they failed as well:

Support for XPS 13 9343 | Dell US

spapakons said:

So when in doubt, use Aida64 to identify your hardware and make sure you install appropriate drivers. At this point I would like to remind you that if there is no Windows 10 driver, use Windows 8 or 7 driver. In worst case (32-bit or 64-bit systems) install the Vista driver. In even worse case (32-bit only) install the Windows XP driver, it does work in Windows 10 32-bit, I have done it. Of course the higher Windows version the better compatibility-wise.

OK so you're saying to install Aida64 and double check I actually have a Realtek Audio Device?

DooGie said:

I agree, Speccy will be the most user friendly for you Showbiz.
Then click on the Audio option on the left of the screen and post a screenshot.