To reinstall a sound driver, uninstall the affected audio device in Device Manager, then restart Windows. Start with this built-in process; removing driver packages from Windows’ Driver Store is a separate, riskier step and usually isn’t needed. If the automatic reinstall does not restore sound, install the correct driver for your exact PC or audio-device model.
Before you uninstall the audio device
Save open work so you can restart safely. Note your Windows version and exact PC model, and identify which output device or microphone is affected. Avoid uninstalling every entry with a familiar chip-maker name: a PC may use a model-specific driver package, and the affected device is the one to target.
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If the problem began immediately after a Windows update and you see a previous driver available, try Device Manager > [affected audio device] > Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver. The button appears only when a previous driver version is available. Microsoft describes rollback as an option for update-related audio problems, not a guaranteed fix. Microsoft’s update-related audio guidance explains this route.
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Reinstall the sound driver through Device Manager
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Open Start, search for Device Manager, and open it.
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SABRENT USB External Stereo Sound Card Adapter, Plug & Play (AU-MMSA) | USB audio adapter; no drivers needed; for Windows & Mac; 3.5mm headphone & mic jacks; usb to 3.5mm jack audio adapter- PLUG IN AND HEAR SOUND IN SECONDS - USB Type-A connector with a 3.5mm stereo headphone output and a separate 3.5mm mono microphone input. No drivers, no software, no external power - the adapter is USB bus-powered and is recognized as a standard USB audio device.
- WORKS ON WINDOWS, MAC AND LINUX - Driverless on Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/7/8, Linux and Mac OSX, and compliant with the USB Audio Device Class 1.0 specification, so any system that supports class-compliant USB audio will see it. Select it as the sound output and input device after plugging it in.
- TWO JACKS, TWO JOBS - The green jack is stereo OUT for headphones or powered speakers; the pink jack is mono microphone IN for a 3.5mm mic. It does NOT support 4-pole headsets on a single combo plug, it does NOT power passive speakers, and it does NOT add surround sound - it is a stereo 2-channel adapter.
- FOR LAPTOPS AND DESKTOPS THAT NEED AN AUDIO PORT BACK - Adds a headphone and mic port to a laptop, desktop, or mini PC whose onboard jack has failed or was never there. Managed and work-issued computers can block new USB audio devices by policy - check with your IT department before ordering for a company machine.
- SABRENT SUPPORT AND WARRANTY - What is in the box: one USB audio sound adapter. Backed by a 1-year limited warranty, extended to 2 years when you register within 90 days on the manufacturer's website.
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Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
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Right-click the affected sound card or audio device and select Uninstall device.
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If offered, select Attempt to remove the driver for this device in Windows 11, then select Uninstall. In Windows 10, the corresponding checkbox may be labeled Delete the driver software for this device. Labels and checkbox availability vary by Windows version and driver package.
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MOSWAG USB to 3.5mm Jack Audio Adapter External Stereo Sound Card | Mic TRRS, no driver required, Nylon Braided, USB to Aux Compatible with Windows PC Laptop Mac Linux Speaker PS4, 7.84 Inch- 【USB external sound card audio adapter】This USB to aux adapter supports listening and speaking,Easily adds a 3.5mm TRRS aux port integrated microphone-in and audio out interface to your devices
- 【High Quality Sound】 Equipped with an advanced built-in DAC chip, this USB sound card supports both CTIA and OMIP standard headphones. This USB to Aux adapter delivers stable 16-bit/48kHz audio output and effective noise reduction, faithfully reproducing and enhancing the original sound quality. Note: The 3.5mm male microphone jack does not support TS or TRS connectors
- 【Wide Compatibility】USB to 3.5mm Jack Audio Adapter support TRRS headsets and microphones.USB male wide compatibility with Windows 10/9/8/7/Vista/XP,Linux,Mac OS X google Chromebook,Raspberry Pi, PS4,PS5 and Windows Surface 3 etc
- 【Plug and Play】USB Sound Adapter no driver required,USB headset adapter plug and play;the durable nylon braided cable of the USB audio adapter ensures stable transmission and allows you to use your 3.5mm headphones more conveniently.USB to 3.5 mm port will be automatically recognized by system in seconds
- 【Portable and Durable】USB to audio jack adapter is equipped with an aluminum shell.The nylon braided of the USB to 3.5mm jack audio adapter is more durable,smaller and lighter than other plastic shells and PVC cable USB audio adapter,ensuring a much longer lasting life
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Restart the PC. Microsoft says Windows should detect the device and prompt to reinstall its audio driver. Save your work before restarting.
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This is the standard Windows reinstall route; it removes the selected device and lets Windows rediscover it. It does not necessarily erase every copy of its driver package from the Driver Store. See Microsoft’s sound and audio troubleshooting steps.
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- Upgrade the Sound Quality: UGREEN Aux to USB adapter is the perfect solution for upgrading the sound quality of your laptop or desktop computer. With its high-resolution DAC chip, this adapter offers stunning audio quality that will completely transform your listening experience
- Crystal-Clear Sound: Experience high-fidelity audio like never before! With a built-in DAC chip, this USB audio adapter delivers rich and immersive audio. The USB Aux adapter facilitates high-resolution audio output and noise reduction up to 16bit/48kHz to enhance the original sound quality of your devices
- Plug and Play: Simply connect this sound card to your device and you're ready to go - no drivers or external power sources required. Whether you're using it for gaming, recording music, or watching movies, this adapter is sure to impress
- Wide Compatibility: The USB to audio jack is Compatible with Windows 11/10/98SE/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/7/8/Linux/Mac OSX/PS5/PS4/Google Chromebook/Windows Surface Pro 3/Raspberry Pi. So no matter what you're using, this adapter is sure to work seamlessly with your setup. (*Note: NOT compatible with PS3.)
- Compact and Portable: UGREEN Aux to USB adapter is constructed with durable ABS material that makes it easy to take on the go. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your audio experience - get your hands on the UGREEN Aux to USB adapter today
If Windows does not restore sound
Install the driver for your exact model
Go to the official support site for your PC manufacturer, search using the exact computer model, choose the Windows version installed on the PC, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for its audio driver. For a separate audio device, use that device maker’s official support page instead. Microsoft recommends the manufacturer’s current device-specific driver if Windows’ automatic reinstall does not resolve the issue. The correct package depends on the computer’s hardware; do not assume a driver for one brand or chipset suits every PC.
Try Windows Update
Windows Update is another documented way to obtain driver updates. Open Settings > Windows Update and check for updates; available driver updates may vary by device. Microsoft’s audio-driver guidance also describes updating through Device Manager and using the manufacturer’s driver.
Rank #4
- USB Stereo Sound Card: This biaze USB audio adapter is ideal to replace your faulty sound card or audio port. It extends the 3.5mm mono microphone input and speaker-headphone output via the USB port, allowing you to connect small speakers, headphones, microphones, dual-plug headphones and more
- Dual functions Audio Interface: Support listening + speaking. Support CTIA standards jack. Support Android earphones. Support Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, Mac OS X, Linux, Google Chromebook, Windows Surface 3 pro, Raspberry Pi and PS4 PS5 etc
- Crystal-Clear Sound: Experience high-fidelity audio like never before! With a built-in DAC chip, this USB audio adapter delivers rich and immersive audio. The USB Aux adapter facilitates high-resolution audio output and noise reduction up to 16bit/48kHz to enhance the original sound quality of your devices
- Plug and Play: Simply connect this sound card to your device and you're ready to go - no drivers or external power sources required. Whether you're using it for gaming, recording music, or watching movies, this adapter is sure to impress
- Compact and Portable: Aux to USB adapter is constructed with durable ABS material that makes it easy to take on the go. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your audio experience - get your hands on the Aux to USB adapter today
Consider the generic Windows audio driver
If the normal reinstall and the manufacturer’s package have not helped, Microsoft documents selecting the generic Windows audio driver through Device Manager as a fallback. Device-specific features may differ from those provided by an OEM driver. Follow Microsoft’s instructions for choosing it rather than installing an unrelated package.
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Check the output, microphone, and remaining symptoms
After the restart or driver installation, play audio through the intended speakers or headphones and test the microphone you actually use. Confirm Windows has selected the expected output and input devices. If sound remains distorted or crackles, reinstalling the driver may not address the cause: Microsoft also recommends trying a different default audio format, disabling audio enhancements, and restarting the Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder services. Its distorted or crackling audio guidance covers those checks.
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- 2 in 1 USB Audio Adapter: UGREEN USB to 3.5mm jack audio adapter supports both listening and talking. In-line control and microphone function allows you to chat while gaming. This USB Aux adapter enables you to connect headphones, headset, speakers with 3.5mm jack to your PC through the USB A port. [*Note: The 3.5mm adapter can support the connection of a single microphone for use. Please note that the 3.5mm male microphone's attribute requirement is TRRS]
- 24bit 96KHz High Quality Sound: Built-in advanced smart chip, USB sound card supports CTIA and OMIP standard headsets. The USB to Aux adapter facilitates high-resolution audio output and noise reduction up to 24bit/96kHz (others are 16bit/48kHz)to enhance the original sound quality of your PC devices. Note: Microphone does not support 24bit 96KHz, only headphones can
- Built to Last: With aluminium alloy shell, the Aux to USB adapter is more durable and portable than other plastic USB audio adapter. Nylon braided design of USB to audio jack adapter ensures stable audio transmission. 10000+ bend tests prove that USB headset adapter can prevent damage caused by tangling and scratching
- Broad Compatibility: This USB external sound card is compatible with Windows 11/10/98SE/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/7/8, Linux//Raspberry Pi, MacBook Pro 2019, MacBook Air 2018, PS5/ PS4, Switch 2, Google Chromebook, Windows Surface Pro 3. *Note: Does not support Apple headphone line control
- Plug and Play: No driver is required, just plug and play. USB bus-powered, no external power is required for this convenient sound card. *Note:Supports regular headphones with a resistance of less than 50 ohms, but does not support high-resistance headphones
A driver reinstall is not a guaranteed fix for every audio fault. The problem may involve Windows audio services, device selection, an update-related incompatibility, or hardware. If the problem followed an update, rollback is worth checking when available; for other symptoms, use the relevant Microsoft troubleshooting steps above.
Why deleting a driver package is not the routine clean install
Uninstalling a device and permanently removing its driver package are different actions. Windows can rediscover and reinstall a connected device after uninstall. Removing a package from the Driver Store is a more complete cleanup, but if no matching replacement is available, the device may be left without a driver.
Microsoft Learn documents package removal through Device Manager and permanent Driver Store removal with PnPUtil. Reserve that advanced route for a specific troubleshooting need, with the correct replacement package ready, and follow Microsoft’s device and driver-package instructions. Do not delete arbitrary audio-driver entries as a first step.
Windows 10 support context
Windows 10 continues to work, but Microsoft states that free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes ended on October 14, 2025. That date does not change the uninstall-and-restart steps, but it matters when considering ongoing support for a Windows 10 PC. See Microsoft’s audio-driver page and its update-related audio guidance.
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