Intel High-Definition Audio driver missing in Device Manager

[aztony]

I am using a Spectre x360. I have two devices in Device Manager with exclamation marks. One is the Intel High-Definition Audio driver and the other is for Detection Verification. Under hardware IDs for the Intel, I found this:

INTELAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_8086&DEV_280B&SUBSYS_80860101&REV_1000

INTELAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_8086&DEV_280B&SUBSYS_80860101

Under hardware IDs for the Detection Verification:

{DD8E82AE-334B-49A2-AEAE-AEB0FD5C40DD}\DetectionVerification

Under known parent:

INTELAUDIO\DSP_CTLR_DEV_9D71&VEN_8086&DEV_0222&SUBSYS_00000022&REV_0001\4&20e541ad&0&0800

I was having an audio problem that started yesterday. I would get a high-pitched tone that would happen randomly. There would be no audio when watching a video except for the tone. It would not happen when using headphones, only through the speakers. I did a hard reset which fixed that issue. The laptop does have the RealTek audio driver. Any suggestions on fixing the missing drivers? 

[Nal_NR · Accepted solution]

Hi @aztony,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be glad to help you! 

I'm sorry you're dealing with these audio issues—it can be really frustrating when sound problems disrupt your experience. Let’s get to the root of the issue and work toward resolving it.

• Have you recently updated Windows, installed any new drivers, or made hardware changes that might have caused this issue?
• When you perform a hard reset, does the audio problem temporarily go away, or does the issue persist immediately?
• Do the exclamation marks in Device Manager reappear after restarting your laptop or reinstalling drivers?

Let's try these steps.

1. Uninstall and Reinstall the Problematic Drivers

• Open Device Manager.
• Right-click the devices with exclamation marks (Intel High-Definition Audio and Detection Verification) and select Uninstall Device.
• Check the box for Delete the driver software for this device, then click Uninstall.
• Restart your laptop to let Windows attempt to reinstall the drivers automatically.

2. Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers from HP’s Website

• Go to the HP Drivers & Software page and enter your laptop model (HP Spectre x360 - 15-bl152nr).
• Download and install the latest RealTek High-Definition Audio Driver and Intel High-Definition Audio Driver listed for your device.
• Restart your laptop after installation.

3. Install the Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) Driver

• The Intel High-Definition Audio device might rely on the Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) driver.
• Download the latest Intel SST driver from HP’s website or Intel's official support page and install it.

4. Run the Windows Troubleshooter

• Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
• Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters.
• Run the Playing Audio Troubleshooter and follow the steps to detect and fix issues.

5. Update Chipset and BIOS

• Outdated chipset drivers or BIOS versions can cause conflicts with audio devices.
• From the HP Drivers & Software page, download and install the latest Chipset Driver and BIOS Update.
• Follow HP’s guidelines carefully while updating the BIOS to prevent any interruptions.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

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

[aztony]

• Have you recently updated Windows, installed any new drivers, or made hardware changes that might have caused this issue? No. The laptop was working fine the day before.
• When you perform a hard reset, does the audio problem temporarily go away, or does the issue persist immediately? A hard reset seems to have fixed the issue. It has been working fine for the last few days.
• Do the exclamation marks in Device Manager reappear after restarting your laptop or reinstalling drivers? Yes, the exclamation mark is still there but just for the Intel driver after uninstalling them and rebooting the laptop, The RealTek driver is installed and working. I have tried installing audio drivers from the Intel site. 

There is no Intel driver for the laptop on the HP support page, only RealTek drivers for audio. 

So, now I am getting no sound at all from the speakers or headphones after attempting to install different audio drivers from Intel and HP. I've tried the troubleshooting but it wasn't able to fix the issue. When playing a video the volume shows there is sound but no sound is coming through.  I will now try a hard reset again to see if that helps.

Update: Reset did not help. No sound at all. 

Update: I uninstalled the Intel and RealTek drivers and did another hard reset. I am now getting sound out of the headphones but not the speakers. Intel driver is still showing the exclamation mark. 

[Nal_NR]

Hi @aztony ,

We apologize for the inconvenience. The issue seems to persist even after attempting the troubleshooting steps mentioned above.

This might require one-on-one interaction via remote assistance to fix the issue over the phone. 

I've sent you a private message with further instructions. In order to access your private messages, click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile Name or simply click on this link.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution button, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!

[aztony]

Thank you for your message. I contacted support, and the representative conducted several diagnostic tests. However, after an hour and a half, he was unable to resolve the issue. His final suggestion was to either reinstall Windows or take the laptop to a service center. 

FYI: I repaired the problem. I went to the RealTek website and downloaded the driver here: 

PC Audio Codecs > High Definition Audio Codecs Software  I downloaded the second one on the list. I am now getting sound through the speaker and headphones. 

I am still getting the Intel driver with an exclamation mark. It keeps coming back and Intel has no driver for it unless, only if it's for a NUC. I use the diagnostic tool on the Intel website and it says all my drivers are up to date.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @aztony ,

We apologize for the inconvenience. 

I am happy to know that the issue has been resolved.  

I also appreciate your time and patience.

Feel free to ask your queries in the future

It was a pleasure assisting you. You have a good day ahead