Forum Discussion
How do I get rid of Realtek audio and go back to High Definition Audio Device?
Hey guys, please help. I downloaded Windows 10 updates yesterday because I needed to install WSL, which wouldn't go through without them. Today I discover that instead of High Definition Audio Device, I now have Realtek, which doesn't work correctly—I can't switch from my headphones to the speakers on my laptop.
I've tried literally everything to get rid of Realtek. I rolled back updates, deleted and updated drivers, tried DDU, but it keeps coming back. What do I do??? I don't want this stupid Realtek.
1 Reply
You are trying to recover working headphone and speaker switching, not simply remove the Realtek name from Device Manager. Windows can reinstall an audio device after removal, so its return does not necessarily mean the uninstall failed. Before changing drivers again, obtain the laptop manufacturer's correct audio package so you have a recovery option. In Device Manager, open the audio device, select Update driver, Browse my computer, then Let me pick from available drivers. If a compatible High Definition Audio Device entry is offered, select it, restart and test both the internal speakers and headphones. Do not force an incompatible driver if that entry is unavailable. Microsoft's generic driver is a troubleshooting option, not a guarantee that every laptop's audio functions will work identically. If switching still fails, use the manufacturer's supported package and report the exact laptop model and driver versions.
