Realtek High Definition Audio - "Device not found" on HP Envy - even after driver install

[LFrazer]

In the past week, the sound stopped working on my HP ENVY laptop.

I have tried all the usual fixes:

• Checking the status in Device Manager
• Making sure my Windows OS was up-to-date
• Updating the Realtek High Definition audio driver.
• Deleting the driver and rebooting
• Running the HP Sound Troubleshooting 
• Manually re-installing the driver
• Reverting to an older version of Windows.
• Resetting the laptop to its original OS and drivers.

It still says that the Device is not found, and my taskbar still shows an X on the Sound icon. 

I do not know how to restore the audio. 

[VikramTheGreat · Accepted solution]

Hi @LFrazer,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I can see that Realtek(R) Audio is listed under Sound, video and game controllers with a warning icon, and the taskbar shows an X on the sound icon. This means Windows detects the device but cannot initialize it properly, often due to missing or corrupted drivers or disabled hardware.

Steps to Fix “Device Not Found” for Realtek Audio

1. Run HP Audio Check

HP provides an automated diagnostic tool to detect and fix sound issues.

• Download and run HP Support Assistant.
• Use the Audio Check Tool:  🔗 Fix Sound Issues | HP® Support

2. Enable Audio Device in BIOS

Sometimes the onboard audio gets disabled at the firmware level.

• Restart your laptop and press Esc repeatedly, then F10 to enter BIOS.
• Navigate to Advanced > Device Options.
• Ensure Audio Device is Enabled.
• Save and exit.

3. Clean Reinstall Realtek Driver

Since you’ve tried reinstalling, let’s do a full clean install:

• Uninstall Realtek(R) Audio from Device Manager.
• Check and delete the driver software for this device.
• Restart the laptop.
• Download the latest driver for your HP ENVY model from: 🔗 Official HP® Support
• Install and restart.

4. Update Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) Driver

Your ENVY uses Intel SST alongside Realtek. If SST is outdated, Realtek may fail to initialize.

• In Device Manager, expand System Devices.
• Update Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) Audio Controller.
• Restart and check the sound.

5. Windows Audio Service Check

• Press Win + R, type services.msc.
• Ensure Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder are Running and set to Automatic.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat