How to Upgrade My Sound Card Driver in Windows Vista

Some sound card problems can be resolved with driver updates.

Your computer's operating system uses small pieces of software called device drivers to control all of the hardware installed in the computer. If you experience a problem with your sound card--particularly after installing a new program or upgrading the sound card itself--device drivers may be to blame. You can have Windows Vista search the Internet automatically for an updated sound card driver to resolve this issue. Use the Windows Vista Device Manager to search for and install an updated sound card driver.

Instructions

1. Click the Windows logo in the bottom left corner of the screen, and then click "Control Panel."

2. Double-click "Device Manager." If you do not see this icon, click "Hardware and Sound" and then click "Device Manager."

3. Click the triangle next to "Sound, Video and Game Controllers" to expand the category. Right-click your sound card and then click "Update Driver Software."

4. Click "Search automatically for updated driver software." If Windows Vista finds a more recent driver for your sound card than the one currently installed, Windows downloads and installs it for you.

5. Click the "Close" button, and then close the Device Manager and Control Panel when the installation is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• If Windows Vista does not find an updated driver for your sound card--but you are sure that one is available--install the driver manually instead. Search for the updated driver on the sound card manufacturer's website. After downloading the driver, double-click it to install it on your computer.