Weak sound after Realtek Audio driver update to latest version

[Bapowi]

I just got an update of Realtek Audio driver to v6.0.1.8668. But now I feel like the sound output is weak. I rarely went to 100% volume before, but now even 100% sounds pretty weak, anybody experiencing the same issue? Even my phone (Samsung S8 Plus and Note9) both sound louder than the laptop, which usually the laptop sounds much louder & clearer than the phone.

My device is HP Spectre x360 - 13-ap0057tu (gem cut).

EDIT: here's the link to the video comparation between the audio of my Samsung S8+ and the laptop: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1TkGMXfU9hhxanWkzG1ZioTtdkNd62Knr (both are on 100% volume)

[Bapowi]

I tried to troubleshoot the audio and no errors were found. And then suddenly my laptop went restart by itself (no BSOD warning or anything). And after that restart, my audio is now back to normal again.

As a note, I did restart the laptop a few times after the driver update but the audio was still weak.

So I guess I can say that case' closed by this "crash" restart.

[Riddle_Decipher · Accepted solution]

@Bapowi Welcome to HP Forums Community!

Did you check with a headphone or an external set of speakers to check if that works?

Did you update to the latest drivers from the HP website?

(Click here to find and install, if you haven't)

If the issue persists, please try the below steps:

1. Go to Windows Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers section.
2. In the list of audio device drivers, look for Realtek High Definition Audio or Conexant (depending on what driver you have).
3. Right-click and select Disable. The downward arrow displays on this driver, indicating it is disabled. (NOTE: At this point, you won’t be able to play any music files.)
4. Right-click and select Update Driver Software.
5. Select Browse my computer for driver software.
6. Select Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.
7. You should see a window that says Select the device driver you want to install for this hardware. NOTE: If you see a window that says something like this is the best driver for this device, exit the window and repeat steps 4, 5, and 6.
8. In the Model box, highlight High Definition Audio Device (this is the substitute audio device driver) and click Next.
9. At the Update Driver Warning window, click Yes. You should see a confirmation window with the High Definition Audio Device displayed. Click Close.
10. In the list of audio device drivers in the Sound, video and game controllers section, you’ll notice that the High Definition Audio Device now displays instead of Realtek High Definition Audio.
11. At the prompt to reboot, click Yes.
12. Enjoy your music now with no compression

Keep me posted, as I (Or a trusted colleague) shall follow-up on this case to ensure the concern has been addressed, 

And your device is up and running again, only in case you don't get back to us, first! 

That said, If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the solution and kudos buttons, 

That'll help us, and others see that we've got the answers!

Good Luck.

[Bapowi]

Unfortunately I didn't check it with a headphone or external speakers. But what I felt the rear speakers were silent (the ones that face downside), thus the weak sound.

I have checked the driver and it's the latest version (I got it from the HP Support Assistance). Checked HP website and Windows Update and it's already the latest version.

Thanks for the troubleshoot tips. Will do it should the audio got an issue again. But as for now the issue has been fixed after my laptop crashed & restarted.

[Riddle_Decipher]

@Bapowi That's good, I'm glad the issue has been fixed if you need anything else, feel free to get back to us any time.

If you wish to thank me for my efforts, you could click on "Accept as solution" on my post as the solution should help others too.