Fixing Realtek Audio Issues on Windows 11: A Troubleshooting Guide

Step 1: Verify Your Network Connectivity

Ensure that your audio device is properly connected and powered on. If there is a mute button, make sure it’s toggled off. Confirm that the volume is at an audible level by checking your device’s settings.

Pro Tip: Test the audio device on another system to eliminate hardware issues.

Step 2: Restart the Audio Service

Whether the essential audio services are running is crucial to functioning audio output:

• Access the Start Menu, type Services, and press Enter.
• Locate the respective audio services, including Windows Audio, Windows Audio Endpoint Builder, and Remote Procedure Call.
• Double-click on each service to check and start or restart them if needed.

Pro Tip: Restarting these services can resolve many temporary audio glitches.

Step 3: Disable Audio Enhancements

Sometimes enhancements can interfere with performance:

• Open Control Panel from the Start menu.
• Find Sound and navigate to the Playback tab.
• Choose the non-functioning speaker and access its Properties.
• Under the Enhancements tab, check the box labeled Disable all enhancements.
• Click OK to apply and see if the audio is restored.

Step 4: Reinstall the Audio Device

If the issue persists, it may be due to a corrupted driver:

• Use Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
• Search for the Realtek Audio device in >Device Manager
• Right-click and select Uninstall device, then confirm.
• Restart your computer; Windows will reinstall the necessary driver.

Step 5: Select a Different Audio Format

Incompatibilities in audio format can lead to issues:

• Navigate back to the Sound settings in the Control Panel.
• Select the speaker having trouble and access its Properties.
• Switch to the Advanced tab, then choose an alternative sample rate and bit depth from the dropdown.
• Test them one by one and click OK to keep the desired format.

Step 6: Run the Audio Troubleshooter

Utilize the built-in troubleshooter to detect and resolve issues:

• Launch Windows + I for Settings.
• On the System tab, navigate to Troubleshoot.
• Select Other troubleshooters, find the Playing Audio troubleshooter, and click Run.
• Follow the prompts to identify and rectify problems.

Step 7: Confirm the Audio Output Device

Ensure the appropriate output device is chosen:

• Press Windows + A to access the Action Center.
• Click the volume icon, then the small arrow beside it.
• Select the correct playback device from the list.
• To set it as default, search for Change system sound in the Start menu.
• In the Sound menu, set your preferred device as default.

Step 8: Update the Audio Driver

An outdated Realtek driver can hinder audio playback:

• Access Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button.
• Locate Sound, video and game controllers and track down Realtek(R) Audio.
• Right-click and select Update driver, followed by Search automatically for drivers.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to complete any updates needed.

Why is my Realtek audio not working on Windows 11?

How to make sure my audio driver is up to date?