How to Upgrade a Sound Driver
A sound driver is software that helps a computer's operating system use a sound card. Computers should come preinstalled with a basic sound card and sound driver, but driver upgrades are sometimes released that allow for better functionality or new features. Additionally, a newly installed sound card upgrade will require new sound drivers. Upgrading sound drivers is a good way to make sure you are getting the most of your sound hardware, and it may fix sound problems.
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Instructions
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Updating Sound Drivers Automatically
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1
Click "Start," "Control Panel," "Administrative Tools," "Computer Management" and then "Device Manager."
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2
Click on the plus (+) sign next to "Sound, Video and Game Controllers." Your sound card will be listed here.
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3
Right-click on your sound card and select "Update Driver Software" and choose "Search Automatically for Updated Driver Software." Your computer will search for and install available upgrades.
Downloading and Installing Drivers
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4
Navigate to the website of your computer or sound card manufacturer.
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5
Search the site for driver upgrades specific to your computer or sound card model. A computer manufacturer, such as Dell or Gateway, will often host driver upgrades for specific computer models, while sound card manufactures, such as Creative, will host downloads for specific sound cards. You can find details about your sound card by looking at the card in the Device Manager mentioned in Section 1, right-clicking the card and selecting "Properties."
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6
Download the appropriate driver and run the downloaded install file.
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7
Follow the instructions of the driver installation wizard and restart your computer when prompted.
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Tips & Warnings
New sound cards should come with a driver CD: simply insert the CD and run the install file to load basic drivers. You may, however, wish to search for driver upgrades, especially if the sound card is an older model.
Installing new sound drivers can potentially lead to a loss of sound or other computer problems if the drivers do not function properly. Updating drivers automatically through Windows or installing recommended drivers from a manufacturer are the best ways to avoid problems, but if you have an issue with sound loss or crashing, search for and install a new driver.
