Win10Update(21H2) deleted all of my Graphic Equalizer custom profiles.

(WinVer): 10.0.19044

Under the Enhancements Tab of [Volume Mixer Device Properties] you can select whether to apply a Preset EQ profile /or create and save your own custom EQ.
You can also apply other options - ie. Environment, Voice Cancellation, Loudness Equalization etc.
These same settings are also available for customization through Realtek's Control Panel/HD Audio Manager.


Unfortunately, these customized settings are overwritten/reset each time I complete a Windows Update.

Basically, I'm looking to (1)identify whereabouts these audio settings are saved, (2)what actually causes them to be deleted, and a way to (3)manually restore them after future Windows Updates.

Below is a list of my assumptions as a starting guide (confirm or dismiss at your leisure);

• During a WUpdate, all known device drivers are automatically "updated/reinstalled" with their latest available default/optimized counterparts.

• Via *Device Installation Settings, the user can prevent unwanted alternative and/or newer drivers from being installed during a WUpdate.

• The *Device Installation Settings option then does not prevent current/preferred drivers, during a WUpdate, from being "deleted and then reinstalled".

• Current in-use drivers that are deleted and reinstalled, either by WUpdate or manually, always "forget" previous user-applied preferences and so revert to their common default state.

• Custom EQ profiles (and the Default Presets) are temporarily stored inside specific Registry Key(s).

• Those Registry Key(s) can be exported/saved - and then reintegrated later after a WUpdate. Thus, restoring my custom audio settings.

Thanks for your help.

Hello @Paul Black,

Your reply is greatly appreciated. I wish more members would respond, but based on the obvious lack of communication I must assume that my issue isn't significant enough to properly address. It's quite depressing. I tried this before without success. I've even submitted the issue directly to Microsoft and was basically told nothing, and they then told me to post my problem here on TenForums.

Relating to your comment.
By Programs folder - I'm guessing you mean [C:\Program Files (x86)] or [C:\Program Files].
I've checked both Realtek folders contained within.

C:\Program Files\Realtek\Audio\HDA
This file is newly installed when updating windows. Like I said, the update appears to reinstall and overwrite the existing driver files.
Because I prefer this driver version I've got it so that I won't receive unwanted newer drivers via the option under Device Installation Settings. This means that my existing driver is considered by Microsoft to be the "latest" version, and during the update process (for whatever bizarre reason) - reinstalls it.

If there is a CFG file in amongst the others inside the Realtek directory, I can't seem to find it.
Curiously, none of the files become modified when I save a new EQ profile. Or at least it doesn't show that the files are modified. Perhaps then the file I'm looking for is located elsewhere.

Maybe someone could investigate and confirm which of the files (if any) have the saved profile settings.
Sadly, I'm not in a position myself to undertake a test WUpdate to see if backing up this particular folder has any effect.

This is what it currently looks like.

Hi,

Audio settings for enhancement are saved at:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\MMDevices\Audio\Render

I never tried to backup and restore this. But it should work.