Sound card is not recognized - what to do?

If the sound card is not recognized, there can be several reasons. We'll show you how to solve the problem.

Step 1: update the sound card driver

It often helps to update the sound card driver.

1. Press the "Windows" and "R" keys simultaneously so that the "Execute" command opens.
2. Enter "devmgmt.msc" here and click "OK". Then the Device Manager opens.
3. Under the category "Audio, Video, and Game Controllers" you will find all the hardware that is responsible for the sound.
4. Right-click on all entries in both categories and select the item "Update driver software".
5. A new window opens in which you can use the above option to let the computer search for new software online. If it does not find a new driver version, follow the instructions in the next paragraph. If an update is available, run it.

Step 2: Uninstall the sound card driver

If the sound card is still not recognized, you should uninstall it and then reinstall it.

1. Open Device Manager again as before and right-click on the sound card under the "Audio, Video, and Game Controllers" category.
2. Now select "Uninstall" instead of the update and follow the further instructions.
3. The associated software should also be removed in the control panel. This usually has the same name as the hardware. In the case of the test PC, it was the "Realtek High Definition Audio Driver".
4. Then restart the computer.

Step 3: install sound card driver

1. Open Device Manager again as in step 1 and right-click on the sound card.
2. Select "Install driver software" here. Now follow the further instructions for the installation.
3. If the installation does not work, install the driver manually. You can find it either on the second partition (usually hard disk "D:") or on the manufacturer's website.

Step 4: check hardware

If the problem is not in the software, you should look for it in the hardware - sound cards are often "on board", ie directly on the mainboard. If it is defective, you may have to replace the entire mainboard. Follow these instructions only on desktop computers. If you have a laptop, you should consult a specialist.

1. Turn off your computer, flip the power switch on the back of the case, and remove the power cable.
2. Unscrew the PC and check whether the sound card is correctly inserted in the slot. Also check that all cables are properly seated.
3. If the problem is not found here, unscrew the card from the back of the case. Carefully remove the card from the slot and remove dust with a compressed air spray.
4. Caution: Do not touch the gold-colored contacts on the graphics card or the main board. Even the slightest damage can paralyze the entire computer.
5. Then screw the computer back together and check the result.
6. If the error still occurs, there may be a defect in the sound card. If possible, check the card on another computer.

Another practical tip tells you how to set up your sound card correctly.