How to replace "Bang & Olufsen Audio Control" with "Realtek HD Audio Manager"

[DalaiLhama]

Hi,

I have an OMEN HP notebook, and I've been trying to change my audio controller from the Bang & Olufsen one that comes with the notebook to the Realtek HD Audio Manager. I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling the Realtek drivers, disabling the Realtek High Definition Audio at the Device Manager but nothing seems to work.

Basically, what I want is to change this:

for this:

I've tried everything and nothing seems to work. Why is this so hard? I'd really appreciate if someone could give me a hand with this.

[Chimney_83]

Greetings @DalaiLhama,

Thanks for the post. 

I understand that you are looking to change the audio driver on your computer, is that right?

Will be glad to assist you. 

May I know the reason to change the audio driver?

Are you facing an issue with the audio on your computer?

May I know the exact product number of your computer? Click here. Please do not share the serial number of your computer.

You will need to use the driver of the audio card installed on the computer. 

If you use a different audio driver or a driver of a different card, it may not work with your computer. 

If you are facing any audio issues on your computer, please try the steps suggested in this HP Article. 

Keep me posted. 

[DalaiLhama]

Hi @Chimney_83, thanks for replying.

No, it's not exactly the audio driver, it's just the audio controller/manager. The driver I presume to be the same, the Realtek one, but I want the Realtek HD Audio Manager instead of the Bang & Olufsen Audio Control (as shown in the pictures I posted).

The reason is because Realtek HD Audio Manager is much better than Bang & Olufsen's, has way more options to better equalize your audio. I'm not facing any issues with my audio, I just want to change the audio manager/controller and I just cannot find a way to do it.

My product number is 15-ax002np (HP OMEN).

Thanks for the attention!

[Chimney_83]

Thanks for the reply and providing more information. 

Recommend you uninstall both the audio managers. 

Install only the Realtek HP Audio manager and check if it works. 

If not, please install Bang and Olufsen from the recovery manager and use it with your computer. Click here. 

Your computer is only tested on Bang and Olufsen audio control. 

Audio manager includes the audio driver as well. 

Disclaimer: HP Doesn't recommend any upgrade/downgrade of any hardware parts or software that is bundled with the product. It may affect the manufacturer's warranty and performance. You can change the configuration at your own risk.

[DalaiLhama]

Hi @Chimney_83, thanks fo replying once more.

You see, the problem is that I cannot find the option to install or uninstall the audio managers. I cannot find a way to uninstall the Bang & Olufsen audio manager, it doesn't show up in 'Programs and Features'. Also, I cannot find a way to install the Realtek HD audio manager alone, it seems to be part of the Realtek HD driver, but when I uninstall and then reinstall the Realtek HD driver it also installs the Bang & Olufsen audio manager automatically, without even asking me if I want it or not.

I know that the Bang & Olufsen manager is the standard for my computer, but I presume it won't be a problem to switch it for the Realtek one.

Thanks for the attention!

[Chimney_83]

Thanks for the reply, if it is not listed in programs and features you can uninstall it from device manager and try. 

Keep me posted. Good Luck.

[mdklassen]

See: https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Gaming-Notebooks/Hp-Omen-Bang-amp-Olufsen-changed-to-REALTEK/td-p/5739...

for an "accepted solution" on how to install the RealTek.

[DalaiLhama]

@Chimney_83, I cannot find the audio managers in the Device Manager, only the driver itself, and as I said, when I uninstall and reinstall the driver it installs the Bang & Olufsen manager again.

Thanks for the attention!

[DalaiLhama]

@mdklassen, thanks for trying to help but the link you shared is a solution for doing the exact opposite of what I want to do. As you can see, I've even replied to that post, asking how to do the opposite.

Thanks for the attention!

[Grzwacz]

Hi

HP sometimes specifies the audio codec and associated hardware on the motherboard. For example: Realtek Audio CODEC: ALC888S.

You can then go to Realtek to find the driver and Realtek audio software that will work with that Realtek ALC888S codec. The drivers and audio manager software are bundled together.

You need to know what Realtek audio chipset (CODEC) is installed on your motherboard.

In your case HP does not provide the Realtek audio codec or hardware ID. You can check device manager for the hardware ID but HP may have modified it.

It may not be possible to install the Realtek Audio Manager software if HP has modified the hardware ID.

I guess there is usually a way to hack something like this but I am not aware of how you would do this in this instance.

Tom