How to Update Audio Output Devices
A sound card--an audio output device installed to or embedded into the motherboard--converts digital information into analog audio. The audio device, constructed of a printed circuit board, uses an analog-to-digital/digital-to-analog converter to translate data between the computer and the speakers or headphones.
Hardware devices installed to the computer use a driver to communicate with the operating system. Updating the driver for your audio output device can improve the performance of the sound card and even add features.
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Instructions
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1
Left-click the Windows-logo button located on the taskbar. Click "Control Panel." Click "Hardware and Sound."
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2
Click "Device Manager." Expand "Sound, video and game controllers." Double-click the audio device driver.
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Review the name of the driver on the "General" tab. Open a browser and navigate to the manufacturer's website.
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Click "Downloads." Locate your device in the list of products. Select your operating system from the options.
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Download the latest driver to your hard drive. Return to "Device Manager."
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Right-click your audio output device. Click "Update Driver Software." Choose "Browse my computer for driver software" from the options.
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Click "Browse." Navigate to the folder on your hard drive where you saved the driver file to.
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Left-click the file and press "Enter." Click "Next" and Windows 7 will install the latest sound driver for your audio device.
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