Sound quality is considerably worse since last Windows 10 update

[BMan101]

I just went through a major system update on Windows 10, and now the sound quality is considerably worse. It's as if I've replaced my surprisingly good laptop speaker with one of those cheap speakers from like 15 years ago. I tried enabling Loudness Equalization in the speaker properties settings, but all that did was boost the volume, not the sound quality.

How do I get my good sound quality back? I do not want to have to undo the update; it was a HUGE update and I really don't want to spend that kind of time. Isn't there something simple I can do?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

The only suggestion I can offer would be to reinstall the W10 audio driver from your notebook's support page and restart the PC.

The W10 Creator's Update removed the correct audio drivers from 4 of my PC's, and replaced them with a generic Microsoft HD audio driver.

I had to install the applicable audio drivers from my PC's support pages, or directly from Realtek for 2 of them.

[BMan101]

I went over to the drivers and software downloads section. I entered my serial number and product number to get my PC. The only versions of Windows that show in the downloads options are 7, 8, and 8.1! I have Windows 10! What am I supposed to do now?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

What is the full model number or product number of your notebook?

The product number can be found on the same sticker as the serial number.

[BMan101]

Product number: C8P47AV

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

See if this audio driver resolves the problem.

Install and restart the PC.

This package contains the driver that enables the IDT High-Definition (HD) Audio in supported notebook models that are running a supported operating system.

http://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp63501-64000/sp63555.exe

[BMan101]

That did it! My speakers sound as good as new. Thank you!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.