How to update a sound card driver in Windows Vista and in Windows XP

Article ID: 166774 - View products that this article applies to.
This article was previously published under Q166774
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INTRODUCTION

This article describes how to update a sound card driver in Windows Vista and in Windows XP.

This article is intended for a beginning to intermediate computer user.

You may find it easier to follow the steps if you print this article first.
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Windows Vista

To update the sound card driver, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click System.
  2. Click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager.
    If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type the password, or click Continue.
  3. Click Sound, video, and game controllers to expand.
  4. Under Sound, video, and game controllers, double-click the entry for your sound card, and then click the Driver tab.

    Note If a Driver tab is not present, the entry that you clicked under Sound, video, and game controllers may not be the correct entry for your sound card. Try clicking any additional entries listed under Sound, video, and game controllers.
  5. Click Update Driver Software.
  6. Follow the Update Driver Software Wizard to update the sound card driver.
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Windows XP

To update the sound card driver, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click System.
  2. Click the Hardware tab.
  3. Expand Sound, video, and game controllers.
  4. Double-click the sound card, and then click the Driver tab.
  5. Click Update Driver.
  6. Follow the Hardware Update Wizard to update the sound card driver.
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MORE INFORMATION

If you receive a message that the device is not working correctly, the sound card is not listed, or you must obtain driver software, contact your sound card manufacturer for more help. You may also have to contact the computer manufacturer if you find that the steps to update the sound card driver do not work.

For information about your hardware manufacturer, visit the following Web site:
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/vendors/en-us
(http://support.microsoft.com/gp/vendors/en-us)
Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.

Music and sound help with Windows 7
(http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/help/music-sound)

No audio in Windows Vista
(http://support.microsoft.com/gp/no_sound)

No audio device error message in Windows Vista
(http://support.microsoft.com/gp/no_sound)

Sound problems in Windows XP
(http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307918)
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Properties

Article ID: 166774 - Last Review: September 23, 2011 - Revision: 7.0
APPLIES TO
  • Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2, when used with:
    • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
    • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition
  • Windows Vista Ultimate
  • Windows Vista Enterprise
  • Windows Vista Business
  • Windows Vista Home Premium
  • Windows Vista Home Basic
  • Windows Vista Starter
  • Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition
  • Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit Edition
  • Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition
  • Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit Edition
Keywords: 
kbresolve kbpubtypekc kbhowto kbmm kbsound KB166774
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