No audio

P1M1 · ‎02-21-2026

HP Pavilion 15-cs2026na

Since a comprehensive driver check and update there is apparently no audio device installed any longer.

One suggestion I found was to look in Device Manager for a faulty driver and uninstall it in order to reinstall an up-to-date one. However, both an Intel and a Realtec one allegedly work properly. Turning the laptop off and on again didn’t work either.

Subsequently, I went through a host of troubleshooting options that went either nowhere just telling me what I already knew – there is no audio device that can be found - or ended in a blind alley. These include going through the virtual assistant – absolutely hopeless, as what I am supposed to see and click differs from what I am actually seeing (that the printer is offline but nothing in terms of audio) – and installing and running the HP support assistant.

It now seems I have hit another dead end.

I would be very grateful for any suggestions, for example where I can find and download the necessary driver/s. When I googled it I landed on a support page that provided no links.

Hawks_Eye · ‎02-24-2026

Hi @P1M1

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Here are some structured steps you can follow to restore audio functionality on your HP Pavilion 15‑cs2026na:

Step 1: Confirm Device Manager Status

Open Device Manager (press Windows + X → Device Manager).
Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
If you see Realtek High Definition Audio or Intel Smart Sound Technology, right‑click each and select Uninstall device.
Restart the computer; Windows should attempt to reinstall the drivers automatically.

Step 2: Manually Install Drivers

Visit the official HP support page for your model (HP Pavilion 15‑cs2026na).
Select Windows 10 (64‑bit) as the operating system.
Download and install:
- Realtek High Definition Audio Driver
- Intel Smart Sound Technology Driver
Restart after installation.

Step 3: Check Playback Devices

Right‑click the speaker icon in the taskbar → Open Sound settings.
Under Output, ensure the correct device (Realtek speakers/headphones) is selected.
If no device appears, click Manage sound devices and check if any are disabled. Enable them if necessary.

Step 4: Run Windows Troubleshooter

Go to Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters.
Select Playing Audio and run the troubleshooter.
Apply any fixes it suggests.

Step 5: BIOS Update (if needed)

On the same HP support page, check if a BIOS update is available for your model.
Install it carefully following on‑screen instructions, as outdated BIOS can sometimes cause hardware detection issues.

Step 6: Windows Updates

Ensure Windows is fully updated: Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → Check for updates.
Updates often include driver patches that restore missing devices.

If after these steps the audio device still does not appear, it may indicate a deeper hardware or system configuration issue. In that case, reinstalling Windows or performing a system recovery could be considered as the next option.

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

I'm an HP Employee.

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P1M1 · ‎02-24-2026

Hi,

Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately, nothing worked.

Step 1: done

Step 2: done

Step 3: done ==> no devices listed ==> in Device Manager, although I uninstalled both the Intel and the Realtec driver and then reinstalled the Realtec from the HP website both are listed again and are, apparently, running properly, still not recognised though.

In Settings – System – Sound there is no Manage Sound Devices. The troubleshooter for sound cannot find anything wrong.

Step 4: Run Windows Troubleshooter Go to Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters. Select Playing Audio and run the troubleshooter. Apply any fixes it suggests. That path does not exist. I have either Windows Update, where allegedly everything is up-to-date, or Privacy & Security, but neither has a troubleshooter.

There is one under System – Troubleshoot – Other Troubleshooters - Audio, but all it comes up with is that I have no device installed.

Step 5: On the support page for my laptop model there is no option for BIOS updates.

Step 6: Windows is up-to-date.

I'll try Microsoft. Maybe someone there can help.

Cheers

Hawks_Eye · ‎02-25-2026

We sincerely thank you for your patience and co-operation during this troubleshooting process.

I'm sending you a private message to guide you on the next steps.

To access it, click the private message icon in the upper-right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your name.

If this resolves your issue, kindly mark this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" if it was helpful.

Take care and have a great day!