-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
- HP Community
- Notebooks
- Notebook Audio
- Sound not working

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
10-28-2025 11:47 PM
The sound on my laptop is not working. I looked at Device Manager and there is a yellow triangle with an exclamation mark next to Realtek (R) audio. I have tried:
- Disable and enabling this
- Uninstalling and restarting to laptop
- Using the troubleshoot audio
None of these options worked.
Any suggestions?
Solved! Go to Solution.
Accepted Solutions
10-31-2025 09:32 AM
Hi @MGNB,
Welcome to the HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.
I completely understand how frustrating it is when your laptop’s sound suddenly stops working, especially when you're in the middle of something important and all you hear is silence. That yellow triangle next to Realtek (R) Audio in Device Manager is your laptop’s way of saying, “Something’s not right here.”
Let’s walk through a few steps to bring your sound back to life.
Step-by-Step Fix for Realtek Audio Issues
1. Use HP’s Audio Check Tool
HP has a built-in diagnostic tool that can automatically detect and fix sound issues.
- Visit: Fix Sound Issues | HP® Support
- Click “Launch now” under Audio Check.
- Follow the prompts to test and repair your audio system.
2. Update or Reinstall the Realtek Driver
Sometimes the driver itself is corrupted or outdated.
- Go to Official HP® Support
- Enter your laptop’s model number.
- Download the latest Realtek HD Audio Driver for your system.
- Install it and restart your laptop.
If you’re unsure of your model, I can help you identify it. Just let me know.
3. Manually Reinstall via Device Manager
If the automatic update doesn’t work:
- Open Device Manager.
- Right-click Realtek (R) Audio > Uninstall device.
- Check and delete the driver software for this device.
- Restart your laptop.
- Windows should reinstall the driver automatically. If not, use the HP link above to manually install it.
4. Check Playback Devices
Sometimes the default audio device gets switched.
- Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar > Sounds > Playback tab.
- Make sure Speakers (Realtek) is set as the Default.
- Click Configure and Test to verify sound output.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have an amazing day!
Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!
Regards,
VikramTheGreat
I'm an HP Employee.
If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.
And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.
10-31-2025 09:32 AM
Hi @MGNB,
Welcome to the HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.
I completely understand how frustrating it is when your laptop’s sound suddenly stops working, especially when you're in the middle of something important and all you hear is silence. That yellow triangle next to Realtek (R) Audio in Device Manager is your laptop’s way of saying, “Something’s not right here.”
Let’s walk through a few steps to bring your sound back to life.
Step-by-Step Fix for Realtek Audio Issues
1. Use HP’s Audio Check Tool
HP has a built-in diagnostic tool that can automatically detect and fix sound issues.
- Visit: Fix Sound Issues | HP® Support
- Click “Launch now” under Audio Check.
- Follow the prompts to test and repair your audio system.
2. Update or Reinstall the Realtek Driver
Sometimes the driver itself is corrupted or outdated.
- Go to Official HP® Support
- Enter your laptop’s model number.
- Download the latest Realtek HD Audio Driver for your system.
- Install it and restart your laptop.
If you’re unsure of your model, I can help you identify it. Just let me know.
3. Manually Reinstall via Device Manager
If the automatic update doesn’t work:
- Open Device Manager.
- Right-click Realtek (R) Audio > Uninstall device.
- Check and delete the driver software for this device.
- Restart your laptop.
- Windows should reinstall the driver automatically. If not, use the HP link above to manually install it.
4. Check Playback Devices
Sometimes the default audio device gets switched.
- Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar > Sounds > Playback tab.
- Make sure Speakers (Realtek) is set as the Default.
- Click Configure and Test to verify sound output.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have an amazing day!
Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!
Regards,
VikramTheGreat
I'm an HP Employee.
If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.
And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.
11-04-2025 02:26 PM
Hi @MGNB,
That’s fantastic to hear! 😊
I’m really glad the second option did the trick. It’s always satisfying when things finally click into place.
You’re very welcome, and thank you for the update. It truly helps to know it worked out.
Wishing you smooth performance ahead and a stress-free day! 🌟
Take care and have an amazing day!
Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!
Regards,
VikramTheGreat
I'm an HP Employee.
If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.
And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.