Realtek Audio Device Not Showing on Windows 11? Here’s How to Fix It (2025 Edition)

Have you recently found that your sound has stopped working, or that Realtek audio devices no longer appear in your settings or Device Manager?

You’re not alone.

Since mid-2025, a growing number of Windows 11 users have reported that Realtek audio simply disappears—not only from the system tray, but also from BIOS, the Device Manager, and even the Microsoft Store.

In this guide, we’ll explain the main causes and step-by-step solutions, including hardware settings, driver issues, and even new motherboard specifications that could be behind the problem.

Common Symptoms and When This Article Applies

If you’re experiencing one or more of the following, this guide is for you:

• “Realtek Audio” is missing from the Device Manager
• You can only see “High Definition Audio” as the output option
• Realtek Audio Console won’t open or shows an RPC error
• No sound comes from your motherboard’s green headphone jack

This issue often looks like a missing or generic sound device in your system settings.

Possible Causes: It’s Not Just a Driver Issue

This problem is no longer limited to missing drivers. In 2025, hardware-level causes are increasingly common, especially with new motherboards or custom-built PCs.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common causes:

These issues can overlap and make troubleshooting tricky—but we’ll guide you through each solution below.

Step-by-Step Solutions

Step 1: Check if Onboard Audio Is Enabled in BIOS

Sometimes BIOS settings are reset after updates or power issues.

1. Restart your PC and press F2 or Delete to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup
2. Look for tabs like Advanced, Integrated Peripherals, or Onboard Devices
3. Find a setting like HD Audio Controller or Onboard Audio
4. Make sure it’s set to Enabled, then save and restart

Tip: Some BIOS updates may reset this to “Disabled” by default.

Step 2: Check Hidden Devices in Device Manager

1. Right-click the Start button → select Device Manager
2. Click View > Show hidden devices
3. Expand Sound, video and game controllers
4. If Realtek appears, right-click it → select Uninstall device
5. Reboot your PC and let Windows reinstall it automatically

Step 3: Reinstall the Official Realtek Driver

Generic Windows drivers may not restore full audio functionality.

• For laptops or OEM PCs: Visit your brand’s support site (e.g., Dell, ASUS, Lenovo)
• For custom-built PCs: Check your motherboard’s product page for the Realtek driver
• Direct download: Realtek HD Audio Driver (Official Site)

⚠️ Some users also report that the Realtek Audio Console is no longer available from the Microsoft Store. In that case, use the OEM’s bundled installer or extract the driver’s AudioConsoleSetup.exe.

Step 4: Confirm Your Motherboard Supports Realtek

Not all systems use Realtek anymore!

Recent small-form or budget motherboards may use:

• Intel Smart Sound Technology
• NVIDIA HD Audio (via GPU)
• Cirrus Logic or other audio vendors

Check the box, manual, or official specs of your motherboard. If Realtek is not supported, you won’t be able to use its driver or console—even if you install them.

Other Basics Worth Double-Checking

These may sound simple, but they solve more problems than you’d expect:

Choose the Correct Output Device

• Right-click the speaker icon in your taskbar → Select Sound settings
• Make sure the correct output device (e.g., “Speakers (Realtek)”) is selected

Check for Mute or Low Volume

• Click the speaker icon
• Ensure mute is off and the volume is up

Use the Built-In Audio Troubleshooter

• Go to Settings → System → Sound
• Scroll down and click Troubleshoot

Let Windows scan for configuration issues automatically.

Realtek Audio Console Settings

If you can launch the Realtek console, check:

• Device advanced settings
• Jack detection pop-ups
• Default output options

Run Windows Update

• Go to Settings → Windows Update
• Check for any optional audio updates, especially those labeled Realtek or OEM-specific

Important: Check the Audio Services in Windows

Even with proper drivers, audio services must be running.

Step-by-Step:

1. Click the Windows search bar and type services
2. Open the Services app
3. Scroll down to find:
   • Windows Audio
   • Windows Audio Endpoint Builder
4. Make sure both are marked as Running
5. If not, right-click → Start

These are required for all sound functions—even with correct drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Do I need the Realtek driver for sound to work?

A: Not strictly, but the default “High Definition Audio Device” lacks many features and lower sound quality.

Q2: Can BIOS reset cause Realtek to disappear?

A: Yes. BIOS/CMOS reset or firmware updates may disable onboard audio by default.

Q3: Sound works via HDMI/USB-C but not headphone jack?

A: That suggests onboard audio is disabled or Realtek driver is missing. Check BIOS and reinstall drivers.

Still Not Working? Consider These Additional Tips

• Try disabling Secure Boot if your Realtek driver refuses to install
• Use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) to remove conflicting drivers
• Check for possible hardware failure by booting into a Linux live USB—if sound works there, the problem is likely software-related

Final Thoughts

If Realtek audio is not showing in Windows 11, the problem is often deeper than just a missing driver. But as we’ve covered:

• BIOS settings
• Windows services
• Motherboard specs
• and manual driver reinstalls

…can bring your sound back.

💡Don’t give up too soon—most users solve this with one of the above steps!

✔️You might also find these helpful:

▶︎Office Not Opening or Crashing After Windows Update? Here’s How to Fix It (2025 Guide)

▶︎July 2025 Patch Tuesday – What to Expect Based on the Latest Preview Updates

💡 Looking for more tips? Check out our full list of Windows Help Guides.

タグ: 2025, Windows 11, Realtek, Windows troubleshooting, Device Manager, No Sound, Realtek Audio Console, Audio Device Missing, BIOS Audio Settings, Audio Driver Fix