What Audio Driver Does Windows XP Use?

There are thousands of audio devices available for a computer. Some are built into the motherboard, and some are add-on cards that can be installed in a machine. Still more plug into a USB port. Every single one of them require a compatible device driver.

The XP Audio Stack

One thing that all of these devices have in common is that their drivers need to interface with the audio stack in Windows. The audio stack is what takes a command from a program and sends it to the sound driver.

Audio Chipsets

Fortunately, while there are thousands of devices, the number of different audio chipsets is relatively small, in the low hundreds. Sometimes, a driver for a specific chipset is usable on any device that uses it.

Windows Update

If an Internet connection is available, Windows Update should be able to find a driver for a specific device.

Manufacturer Website

The audio device manufacturer's website should also have a driver for the device. On pre-built computers, laptops and for motherboards, check with the manufacturer of that component.

Universal Audio Architecture

Sound cards certified by Microsoft as compatible with Windows Vista support Universal Audio Architecture. This means that there is a basic driver that supports any device designed to UAA specs. This driver is included with Windows XP Service Pack 3.

If You Can't Find a Driver

If drivers for the device cannot be found, it may be simpler to replace it. As of November 2009, low-end sound cards can be found for less than $20, both online and in retail stores.

References

• Windows Update Explained
• UAA High Definition Audio Class Driver Version 1.0a