Audio Device Not Found

[Berzerker49]

My HP Pavilion Laptop has stopped playing sound.  When running diagnostics I get the message "Device Not Found".  Microsoft technician (via online) updated all drivers with no success. He suggested to "restore" the laptop to a date where the audio was working.  Again, no success.  Please help

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Berzerker49 

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for explaining everything so clearly—it’s incredibly frustrating when sound just vanishes and even a restore doesn’t bring it back. Let’s walk through a few recommended steps that can help bring your audio back to life:

🧰 Step 1: Check Device Manager for Missing Audio Devices

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
   • If you see Realtek Audio, Intel Display Audio, or similar, right-click and choose Uninstall device (check “Delete the driver software for this device” if available).
   • If nothing is listed, expand Other Devices and look for Unknown Device—this might be your missing audio hardware.

🔄 Step 2: Reinstall the Audio Driver

1. Visit the HP Software & Driver Downloads page.
2. Enter your laptop’s model number and download the latest audio driver (usually Realtek or Conexant).
3. Install it, then restart your laptop.

🧪 Step 3: Run HP UEFI Hardware Diagnostics

1. Turn off your laptop.
2. Power it on and immediately press Esc repeatedly, then F2 to open System Diagnostics.
3. Run the Component Test > Audio Test.
   • If it says “Device Not Found” here too, it may be a hardware-level issue.

🧼 Step 4: Reset BIOS to Defaults

1. Restart your laptop and press Esc, then F10 to enter BIOS.
2. Look for an option to Load Setup Defaults or Restore Defaults.
3. Save and exit.

If the diagnostics still can’t detect the audio device, it’s possible the audio chip has failed or become disconnected. 

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye