sound volume issue

[Hshaam]

My HP Spectre does not play sound through the back speakers. It is very soft. it does not detect the "realtek audio" as it is supposed to. How do i fix this issue?

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Hshaam,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding speaker volume issue!  
We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I can totally understand how annoying it must be when you’re not getting proper sound through speakers, especially when you’re expecting clear, full audio. Let’s work together to get your sound back to normal on your HP Spectre.

Here are some steps to troubleshoot and hopefully resolve this issue:

Check Audio Settings

First, let’s make sure your audio settings are correct:

• Right-click the sound icon in the taskbar and select Open Sound Settings.
• Under Output, make sure the correct audio device is selected (for example, your headphones, speakers, or internal speakers).
• Also, ensure that the volume is set to an appropriate level for all devices.

Update Audio Drivers

The issue might be related to outdated or corrupted drivers. Here’s how to check and update:

• Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
• Expand Sound, video, and game controllers, and right-click on your audio device (like Realtek Audio) and select Update Driver.
• Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and let Windows search and install any updates if available.

Reinstall Audio Drivers

If updating doesn’t help, try reinstalling the audio driver:

• Right-click the audio device (e.g., Realtek Audio) in Device Manager.
• Select Uninstall device, and make sure to check the box that says Delete the driver software for this device.
• Restart your laptop. Windows should automatically reinstall the necessary drivers. Alternatively, you can download the latest drivers from HP’s official website or the HP Support Assistant.

Check Playback Devices

Sometimes, the system may not be recognizing the correct audio output:

• Right-click the sound icon in the taskbar and select Sounds.
• Under the Playback tab, check if all speakers (including the back speakers) are showing up. Right-click on the default device and select Set as Default Device.
• If you see multiple devices listed, try disabling all but the one you want to use and then test the sound.

Run Audio Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can detect and fix audio problems:

• Open Settings > System > Sound.
• Scroll down and select Troubleshoot under the Output section.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to let Windows diagnose and fix any audio issues automatically.

Test External Speakers/Headphones

Plug in external speakers or headphones to see if the issue persists. If the problem is only with the internal back speakers, it could be a hardware issue with the speakers themselves.

Check for Windows Updates

Sometimes, system updates can resolve audio-related issues:

• Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Click Check for updates and install any pending updates.

Reset the Sound Settings

If nothing works, you could reset your sound settings to their defaults:

• Open Settings > System > Sound.
• Scroll down and select Advanced sound options.
• Reset the sound settings to default to see if that resolves the issue.

I know it’s frustrating when things don’t work as expected, but let’s get this sorted out and get your HP Spectre sounding great again! Let me know how things go or if you need more help with any of the steps.

We’ve got your back!

We hope our assistance has been helpful! 

Take care and have an amazing day! 
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going! 

Regards,  

[Hshaam]

Hi,

I followed all the instructions; the back speaker still has no sound. I suspect the issue might have started with the update from realtek audio to Smart Sound Technology.

My wide has the exact same laptop and she did not update yet and her sound is still working perfect. I'm 95% sure it cannot be a hardware issue because i treat this laptop like my baby. It has never in any way, shape or form been exposed to damages. 

When I go to drivers the option is there for Realtek but when I try to select it by sounds it does not appear.

Also keep in consideration that I am not very computer(software) literate. I'm hoping you can help me.

Can you please advise on what the next step is to figure out the issue. Did the new update somehow cause this issue?

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

@Hshaam,

Looks like the baby is throwing a little tantrum, nothing we can't fix 😉.

Leave the tech stuff to me, I've got your back 💪.

Let me quickly check on what update has been launched recently and get back to you with more accurate troubleshooting steps. In order to do that could you please share your HP unit's serial number or product number with us via private message? 

Need help finding your product number? We've got you covered! Check out this handy guide

To access your private messages, simply click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile name. 

You can also find the link here.

We're looking forward to helping you get back up and running! 

Regards, 

[Hshaam]

It says access denied when i click on the private message link

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

@Hshaam, if you're unable to access the link you can simply click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile name (Envelope symbol). 

Don't worry this should work 🙂.

[Hshaam]

I do'nt see it at all

[Hshaam]

Just sent you a private message