How to Install a Sound Driver

A sound card processes sound information for the computer and subsequently sends it to other audio devices such as headphones, microphone, and speakers connected to the machine. Just like other hardware devices, a sound card needs a driver to provide a software component to the device. A driver functions by issuing commands to the sound card which is then used by many multimedia applications for music composition, education, entertainment, games, and editing audio and video software. Installing a new sound card also requires the sound driver to be reinstalled as well so that the audio can function properly.

Materials Needed:

- Sound card
- computer motherboard
- device driver
- computer mouse

Step 1

You have to find out what type of sound card is installed in the computer. You can check this out by looking for the 'My Computer' icon then right-clicking on it. Choose 'Properties' then under properties, click on the 'Hardware' tab.

Step 2

Choose Device Manager and then locate the Sound, Video and Game controller option.

Step 3

Once you have found out what model or kind your sound card is, then you can download the appropriate driver for the Operating System. The sound card may also have an installation CD or floppy disc included upon its purchase. You may use that to install the driver.

Step 4

If you do not have the CD or disc, you can search for the manufacturer website to download the right driver. All you have to do is to perform a search for the sound card model that you have in your computer.

Step 5

If the sound card is built in the motherboard, the description under the Device Manager might be less detailed. You can refer to the computer manual or to the manufacturer’s website to download the driver for onboard audio.

Step 6

After downloading the driver, run the executable file. The file may come in a ZIP folder and all you have to do is right-click on the file to extract or unzip all the files. Locate the EXE file and run it. The installation process will begin from where you will be presented with a list of options but usually, you would just need to click 'Next' a few times without changing any of the options.

Step 7

When the wizard has finished, you will be alerted by a message saying the installation has been completed. The computer may start automatically but you can also restart the PC yourself to make sure the sound card is configured appropriately. After rebooting, the driver is successfully installed in the system.