Speakers not recognised

[oyama45]

Built-in speakers in HP Z2 SFF G9 have disappeared from sound options, cannot connect in device manager, only sound from monitor or USB externals. How can I reconnect them?

[Garp_senchau]

Hi @oyama45,

Welcome to HP Support Community!

We noticed that this thread hasn't had any updates in a while since your original post; while this is rare, we didn't want this post to remain unanswered, so, here's the solution to your query. We hope it helps you and everyone viewing this post 😊

Check BIOS Audio Settings

Built-in audio may be disabled in the BIOS.

Steps:

1. Reboot your PC and press Esc or F10 during startup to enter the BIOS.

2. Navigate to Advanced > Device Configuration or similar.

3. Make sure Onboard Audio is Enabled.

4. Save and exit BIOS (usually F10).

Reinstall Audio Drivers

Use official HP drivers to reinstall the onboard audio.

Steps:

1. Go to the HP Z2 SFF G9 driver page 

2. Download and install:

   • Realtek High Definition Audio Driver

   • HP Audio Control / DTS audio enhancements if available.

3. After installation, reboot your system.

Show Disabled/Disconnected Devices in Sound Settings

Sometimes Windows hides disabled devices.

Steps:

1. Right-click the sound icon in the system tray → Sounds or Sound Settings.

2. Click Playback tab (or “More sound settings” in Windows 11).

3. Right-click inside the window → Enable:

   • ✅ Show Disabled Devices

   • ✅ Show Disconnected Devices

4. If "Speakers (Realtek)" appears, right-click > Enable > Set as Default.

Device Manager Check

If no Realtek device shows:

Steps:

1. Press Win + X → Device Manager.

2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.

3. If you don't see Realtek or High Definition Audio, click:

   • Action > Scan for hardware changes

4. If nothing appears, go to:

   • View > Show hidden devices – see if it’s marked with a warning ⚠️

5. If still missing, reinstall drivers (step 2) or manually install from HP's driver package.

Windows Audio Services

Ensure Windows Audio is running.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R → type services.msc → Enter.

2. Scroll to Windows Audio.

3. Make sure status is Running and Startup Type: Automatic.

4. Do the same for Windows Audio Endpoint Builder.

Windows Update or Rollback

• A recent Windows update may have broken the driver. Try:

  • Windows Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → Check for updates.

  • Or View Update History → Uninstall Updates if issue started recently.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved, and if you feel this reply was helpful, click “Yes”.

Thanks for being part of the HP Community!

Regards,

[oyama45]

Thanks for responding to this. When I have a chance, I will go through the steps you have outlined here. I am just wondering what might have caused this. I was happily using the speakers for a couple of years, then suddenly - not there...

[Garp_senchau]

Hey @oyama45,

Thank you for your response

No need to rush—take your time to check everything, and I’m here if you need help!

Regards,

[oyama45]

Seems now I’m stuck as I only have a text copy of my bitlocker key and it appears that the boot drive is locked (by my work?) as although this is a personal pc, I use it for work and its security is partly managed by my work IT department…

[Garp_senchau]

Hey @oyama45,

Thank you for your response

I recommend reaching out to your organization's IT department for further assistance. Additionally, you can contact our HP Commercial Support for ongoing help with commercial units.

Regards,