Latest Realtek HD Audio Driver Version [archive]


  1. Posts : 56,806
    Multi-boot Windows 10/11 - RTM, RP, Beta, and Insider
       #1701

    WHQL can be a slow, plodding, forever process...but eventually most of them make it out.
      My Computers


  2. Posts : 768
    Windows 11 Pro 64-bit
       #1702

    I downloaded 8004 from the Realtek website...
    love the sound of this latest update. Quite crisp and all of the instruments are very clear and well defined when I play music through my speakers.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 220
    Windows 10 Home (forever?)
       #1703

    spapakons said:
    I was referring to post #1691 by IntelliMoo. He commented both drivers were the same meaning the one from Microsoft Update Catalog (or Windows Update) and the other from Realtek. I always prefer the OEM driver over Microsoft, to maximize compatibility and performance. In many cases the Microsoft drivers provide only basic functionality and do not take advantage of the device's capabilities. I certainly hate that! I want to squeeze every available bit of performance out of my system and of course have full functionality, all features enabled.
    In this case, the MS driver isn't actually by MS, it is in fact the Realtek driver provided to MS for the update delivery systems. It does include Realtek's app and full functionality, e.g. So "MS driver" is just referring to the same Realtek driver via an MS site here.

    There is actually a generic HDA driver by MS in Windows, but it's not used unless the Realtek chipset isn't supported anymore or is forced installed by the user. That definitely has the limited functionality.

    And of course if really want max functionality (and maybe performance?), some may prefer the driver provided by their motherboard maker. But then that driver usually gets very few updates (which may be a good or bad thing!).

    Cheers :)
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 220
    Windows 10 Home (forever?)
       #1704

    f14tomcat said:
    WHQL can be a slow, plodding, forever process...but eventually most of them make it out.
    Yeah, and some that never should have! lol
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 268
    Windows 10 Pro x64 v22H2
       #1705

    spapakons said:
    <snip>In many cases the Microsoft drivers provide only basic functionality and do not take advantage of the device's capabilities. I certainly hate that! I want to squeeze every available bit of performance out of my system and of course have full functionality, all features enabled.
    I think you're thinking of the Microsoft generic drivers that come in the Windows OS. Hardware specific drivers are always preferred to the MS generics. As for drivers from the h/w vendors there can be lag between the time they;re available from MS (if available at all) vs. when available from the vendor.

    It's the MS generics that only provide basic functionality as they're not tailored to all capabilities that may be provided by a vendor chip
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 3,506
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit 21H1 (May 2021 build 19043.1083)
       #1706

    ComputerGeek said:
    I think you're thinking of the Microsoft generic drivers that come in the Windows OS. Hardware specific drivers are always preferred to the MS generics. As for drivers from the h/w vendors there can be lag between the time they;re available from MS (if available at all) vs. when available from the vendor.

    It's the MS generics that only provide basic functionality as they're not tailored to all capabilities that may be provided by a vendor chip
    Yes, I was referring to Microsoft generic drivers that almost always have basic functionality. This is evident when installing a printer for example. With the Microsoft generic drivers for the printer model family you can print, select among the common paper sizes and it has draft, normal, best. Nothing more. With the OEM drivers you can select the type of paper (plain, inkjet, photo and many subcategories between), you can adjust the print and color quality, you can add a watermark or cover page, there are tons of other features not present in the generic drivers. The same is the case with any other device or peripheral drivers. That's why I always prefer to download the latest driver directly from manufacturer's site than trust Windows Update or auto tools like Snappy drivers and Driver Pack. To make sure I have the latest official, not generic driver and that I select all options (custom installation, when applicable), not half of them (typical installation when applicable).
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 19,516
    W11+W11 Developer Insider + Linux
       #1707

    Some time ago MS released very basic drivers, mostly without settings apps. Some where universal, like "Universal printer driver" or "Microsoft basic display adapter", those were pure MS drivers but even those I can't imagine without some manufacturer's input.
    Anyway. I downloaded 2.80 from Realtek and it doesn't recognize my Realtec CODEC chip (Alc889) and wouldn't install it. 8004 from MS installed and running without any perceptible changes over 7xxx.
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 3,506
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit 21H1 (May 2021 build 19043.1083)
       #1708

    Yes, the Microsoft driver is the last resort if anything else (OEM drivers and auto tool) fails. Not my first choice.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 19,516
    W11+W11 Developer Insider + Linux
       #1709

    spapakons said:
    Yes, the Microsoft driver is the last resort if anything else (OEM drivers and auto tool) fails. Not my first choice.
    It's a good starting point though, troubleshooting "Unknown device" is worst. Just remembered how many times I had to "Insert disk" for a driver during installation of XP.
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 423
    Windows 10/11 Pro 64 bit
       #1710

    I used the 8004 version downloaded directly from Realtek and they work good.

    I can also confirm that they have fixed the issue some of us were having where the control
    panel would not save custom settings, like loudness equalization, through a reboot.

    Everything stays set just fine now when you reboot.

    Peace
    Wanna
      My Computers


 

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