Realtek has suddenly stopped working for Windows 11. any upgraded driver available? or workround?

[MargotCh]

Old USB speakers now no device upgrade for Windows 11suddenly this week.

   but changing to Realtek = no audio. HP diagnostics said test ok!

Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-10750H CPU @ 2.60GHz 2.59 GHz

16.0 GB (15.8 GB usable)

C28094E7-8AF5-4F8C-8BC1-6F1B639BCBA8

64-bit operating system, x64-based processor

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Windows 11

24H2

Installed on 19/‎02/‎2025

26100.4351

Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.107.0

UNWILLINGLY UPGRADED TO 11. THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS TO ME. 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @MargotCh 

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

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

Experiencing audio issues with Realtek on your OMEN Laptop - 17-cb1003na after upgrading to Windows 11 can be frustrating. Here are some steps to resolve the issue:

 

1. Update Realtek Audio Drivers

An updated driver may resolve the issue. Follow these steps to download and install the latest driver:

1. Visit the HP Support website: HP Support
2. Search for your laptop model.
3. Navigate to the Drivers & Downloads section.
4. Find the latest Realtek audio driver for Windows 11 and download it.
5. Install the downloaded driver and restart your laptop.

 

2. Use Windows Update

Windows Update can sometimes find and install the necessary drivers automatically.

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click on Check for updates.
3. Install any updates that are available and restart your laptop.

 

3. Roll Back to Previous Driver

If the new driver has caused the problem, rolling back to the previously working driver can help.

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click on Realtek Audio and select Properties.
4. Go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver.

 

4. Run the Windows Audio Troubleshooter

This can help identify and fix issues.

1. Open Settings > System > Sound.
2. Scroll down and find Troubleshoot under Advanced sound options.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

 

5. Check Audio Settings

Ensure your audio settings are correctly configured.

1. Right-click on the Speaker icon in the taskbar and select Open Sound settings.
2. Make sure your Realtek audio device is set as the default device.
3. Check under Playback tab in Audio settings and ensure the correct output device is selected.

 

6. Reinstall the Driver

Sometimes a clean install can resolve issues.

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click on Realtek Audio and select Uninstall device.
4. Restart your laptop and Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.

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

[MargotCh]

HP didn't have an updated driver for my Omen. It also told me that support for me had elapsed as my insurance ended in December 2024 and recommended me to look for a new HP one. It ended with me telling them what I thought of them. When you are over 80 you have not got over £2000 to spend, just like that.

I got some sound back by using a very old Altec Lansing usb set of speakers, and used that as the default device in Audio Sounds and clicked 'do not allow' to Realtek. The new Bluetooth speakers still cannot connect though recognised.

Still furious and I'm thinking of buying an MSI one instead next. 

[Hawks_Eye]

@MargotCh 

I hear you!. When a trusted device suddenly stops working and support feels out of reach, it’s not just inconvenient—it’s infuriating. 

You’ve done a brilliant job finding a workaround with your Altec Lansing USB speakers. That kind of resourcefulness is exactly what keeps things moving when official support falls short.

Now, about the Realtek issue—there is a potential fix that’s helped others in your situation:

🎧 Try This Clean Realtek Driver Install (Windows 11)

Uninstall the current Realtek driver:

• Press Windows + X, choose Device Manager.
• Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
• Right-click Realtek Audio and select Uninstall device.
• Check “Delete the driver software for this device” if prompted.

Reboot your PC.

Download and install this updated Realtek driver:

• HP Realtek Audio Driver (sp131797.exe)

Reboot again after installation.

This driver has worked for other HP users on Windows 11 who lost audio after updates.

🔊 Bluetooth Speaker Troubleshooting

Since your Bluetooth speakers are recognized but not connecting:

• Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices.
• Remove the Bluetooth speaker, then re-pair it.
• Make sure Bluetooth Support Service is running:
  • Press Windows + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
  • Find Bluetooth Support Service, right-click > Start (or Restart).

You’ve already done more than most would—and you deserve a system that works as hard as you do. Let’s keep pushing until it does.

Regards,

Hawks_Eye