The Realtek HD Audio Manager is not a crucial software to have on your Windows computer, but it can help to boost your PC's sound system. Compared to the default Windows Sound Settings, the Realtek HD Audio Manager boasts of more advanced audio and playback device management capabilities.
The Realtek HD Audio Manager is present on almost all Windows PC, but not all users are aware of its existence on their devices. At times, it is hidden in plain sight. The HD Audio Manager software comes as a 2-in-1 package with the Realtek HD Audio Driver.
- Nikkuu im having those sound issues because of realtek drivers. I even though that i have a problem with my ears;/ try this: first disable driver signatures from windows boot then uninstall realtek driver in device manager, by default windows high definition audio will be installed. And use any spatial sound app like windows sonic, i'm using Boom3D.
- Install Logitech Realtek USB Audio driver for Windows 10 x64, or download DriverPack Solution software for automatic driver installation and update.
In the list, look for and select the Realtek Audio driver. Install this driver and restart your system once it’s installed. After your system restarts, connect your headphone or headset. If you see an on-screen prompt asking what type of headset you’ve connected, select the headset with microphone option. The Realtek HD Audio Manager is one of the most commonly used audio driver software available for Windows 10. It provides various useful features and options to the users including multiple sound effects. Not only that but you also get a highly accurate equalizer for tweaking the sounds of your computer according to your needs. Realtek HD Audio Manager comes with Realtek's High-Definition (HD) Audio Driver on almost every Windows computer. At times, it doesn't open/function properly for some absurd and unknown reason.
On Windows, the Realtek HD Audio Driver powers your PC's audio card and is a necessity for your computer audio to properly function. It makes your computer's audio work. The Realtek HD Audio Manager, on the other hand, is more of a management interface and control panel for the driver. It allows users to get more out of their PC's Realtek HD Audio Driver and your PC's audio at large.
The HD Audio Manager isn't exactly required. Still, when present and used, its inherent features and tools can be utilized efficiently to boost your PC's sound system, fix sound issues, manage audio devices, and do a whole lot more.
Specifically, with the Realtek HD Audio Manager, you can enhance your PC's microphone capabilities, use customized sound effects, efficiently manage audio equalizer, etc.
Despite its many benefits, the Realtek HD Audio Manager comes with its issues. Sometimes, the software could mysteriously go missing on a computer. It is also not uncommon for the Realtek HD Audio Manager to get uninstalled, either due to a bug or an unsuccessful update.
In the paragraphs below, we'll walk you through some ways to properly install and update the Realtek HD Audio Manager on your Windows computer.
Also on Guiding Tech
How to Fix Realtek HD Audio Manager Missing in Windows 10
Read More1. Updating the Realtek HD Audio Manager
Since the Realtek HD Audio Manager comes fused with the Realtek HD Audio Driver, updating or reinstalling the driver does the same to the HD Audio Manager.
Here's how to (indirectly) update and reinstall the Realtek HD Audio Manager through the Windows 10 Device Manager.
Through the Windows Device Manager
Step 1: Tap the Windows Key + X keyboard shortcut from anywhere on your PC to open the Quick Access menu.
Step 2: Select Device Manager from the menu options.
Step 3: Double-click 'Sound, video, and game controller' or tap the drop-down arrow button to expand the option.
Step 4: Double-click the 'Realtek High Definition Audio' option to show the driver properties.
Step 5: On the Driver Properties window, navigate to the Driver tab.
Step 6: Tap the Update Driver button.
Alternatively, while on the Device Manager dashboard, you can right-click on 'Realtek High Definition Audio' and then select 'Update Driver Software' from the menu.
Step 7: Select the 'Search automatically for updated driver software' option.
That will prompt your PC to search your entire computer and also crawl the internet to determine if there is an available update for the Realtek HD Audion Driver and Manager.
If there is, it'll be automatically downloaded and installed on your computer.
Note: For optimum result, ensure your computer is connected to the internet.2. Reinstalling the Realtek HD Audio Manager
If your Realtek HD Audio Manager is malfunctioning or goes missing, reinstalling it could help. Here are some effective ways to reinstall the audio manager.
Manually
You can download a stable version of the Realtek HD Audio Driver from Realtek's official website or trusted third-party sources and manually install it on your PC.
And by stable version, we're talking about the v2.81. The latest Realtek HD Audio Driver version (v2.82) is quite buggy, and you might have the Realtek HD Audio Manager go missing often if you install it on your device.
Therefore, it is advisable that you install the version 2.81 of the Realtek HD Audio Driver because it comes with a much stable, functional, and problem-free HD Audio Manager.
Download Realtek HD Audio Driver (v2.81) from FilehippoDownload the driver from the link above and follow the steps below to reinstall the Realtek HD Audio Manager on your PC.
Step 1: Right-click on the downloaded setup and select Run as administrator.
Step 2: Follow the installation prompts and restart your computer after installing the Realtek HD Audio Driver.
Step 3: Launch your File Explorer and navigate to this location — C:Program FilesRealtekAudioHDA.
Alternatively, you can press the Windows + R keys to launch the RUN window and paste this location — C:Program FilesRealtekAudioHDA. Then, tap the Enter button on your keyboard.
That will immediately open the folder where the Realtek HD Audio Manager app is located in your File Explorer.
Step 4: Right-click on RAVCpl64, tap Send to, and select Desktop (create shortcut).
Note: 'RAVCpl64' is the Realtek HD Audio Manager app.That creates a shortcut for the Realtek HD Audio Manager on your desktop.
Step 5: On your desktop, right-click on the RAVCpl64 shortcut and tap the Pin to taskbar option.
The Realtek HD Audio Manager will be pinned to your taskbar. Also, it will appear on your system tray and notification area.
Realtek Usb Headset Driver
And that's it. The Realtek HD Audio Manager is now back to your PC. You can launch the app from the taskbar, system tray with a single mouse click.
Also on Guiding Tech
Top 13 Ways to Fix Windows 10 Network Adapter Missing Issue
Read MoreAddendum: Third-Party App Managers
There are effective third-party apps known as App Managers or Software Updaters that automatically help users update the software on their Windows PC.
We tried a couple of third-party software updaters/app managers like Patch My PC, CCleaner, FileHippo App Manager, etc., to update the Realtek HD Audio Manager. However, none of the reliable ones were able to detect and update the app successfully.
Fix up Your PC's Audio
At least one of the methods mentioned above should help you to get your PC's Realtek HD Audio Manager working again. Ensure you bookmark this page, though. We'll keep researching more troubleshooting options and apps that would fix all issues you might encounter using the Realtek Audio Driver and Manager on your computer.
Realtek Headphones Driver
Next up: Do audio devices produced distorted or uneven sound on your Windows 10 PC? Check out how to fix it (by adjusting your device's audio balance) in the article linked below.
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.Read NextHow to Adjust Audio Balance in Windows 10Also See2 Ways to Boost Sound Level above the Maximum Mark in Windows #audio
Did You Know
Realtek Headphones Driver Windows 10
Microsoft Edge was initially code-named Project Spartan.