How to Fix Realtek Not Working in Windows 11 (Mic, Headphones & Wi-Fi)

Reinstall Realtek Drivers Using Device Manager

5 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

1/5

METHOD

Method 1

Overview

If your Realtek audio or Wi-Fi is acting up, it’s often due to old or glitchy drivers. Reinstalling gives you a clean slate.

Method 1 of 5

Next Method

Open Device Manager

Press Win + X → Select Device Manager.

Method 1 of 5

Step 1 of 5

Expand the Correct Category

Choose Sound, video, and game controllers for audio issues or Network adapters for Wi-Fi.

Method 1 of 5

Step 2 of 5

Uninstall Driver

Right-click your Realtek Audio or Wi-Fi adapter → Select Uninstall device.

Method 1 of 5

Step 3 of 5

Delete Driver Software

Check the box for Delete the driver software for this device, then click Uninstall.

Method 1 of 5

Step 4 of 5

Restart Your PC

Windows will auto-install fresh drivers.

Quick tip: If Windows doesn’t do it for you, grab the driver directly from your laptop brand’s support site. Avoid generic ones—they can be flaky!

Method 1 of 5

Step 5 of 5

Turn On Realtek Devices in BIOS

4 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

2/5

METHOD

Method 2

Overview

Realtek devices rely on background Windows services. If those crash, your gear might ghost you.

Method 2 of 5

Next Method

Restart Your PC

As it boots, spam F2, F10, or Del (varies by brand) to enter BIOS.

Method 2 of 5

Step 1 of 4

Find Advanced Settings

Navigate to Advanced Settings or Integrated Peripherals.

Method 2 of 5

Step 2 of 4

Enable Realtek Device

Look for Onboard Audio or Wi-Fi Adapter and set it to Enabled.

Method 2 of 5

Step 3 of 4

Save & Exit

Press F10 to save changes and restart.

FYI: If your BIOS feels ancient, update it from your manufacturer’s website. It might fix weird compatibility issues!

Method 2 of 5

Step 4 of 4

Restart Windows Audio & Wi-Fi Services

4 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

3/5

METHOD

Method 3

Overview

If your Realtek Wi-Fi refuses to connect, messy network settings could be the culprit.

Method 3 of 5

Next Method

Open Services

Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

Method 3 of 5

Step 1 of 4

Find Services

Scroll to Windows Audio (for sound) or WLAN AutoConfig (for Wi-Fi).

Method 3 of 5

Step 2 of 4

Restart Service

Right-click the service and hit Restart.

Method 3 of 5

Step 3 of 4

Step 4

Set to Automatic

Open Properties, set Startup type to Automatic, and reboot.

Still stuck: Run the Windows Troubleshooter (Settings > System > Troubleshoot) for a quick diagnosis.

Method 3 of 5

Step 4 of 4

Reset Network Settings (Wi-Fi Fix)

4 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

4/5

METHOD

Method 4

Method 4 of 5

Next Method

Open Settings

Press Win + I and go to Network & Internet.

Method 4 of 5

Step 1 of 4

Navigate

Click Advanced network settings > Network reset.

Method 4 of 5

Step 2 of 4

Reset

Hit Reset now and confirm.

Method 4 of 5

Step 3 of 4

Restart

Reboot your PC to apply changes.

Note: You’ll need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords and set up VPNs/proxies again afterward.

Method 4 of 5

Step 4 of 4

Set Realtek as the Default Audio Device

4 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

5/5

METHOD

Method 5

Overview

Windows may be overlooking your Realtek microphone or headphones and using a different device instead.

Method 5 of 5

Open Settings

Press Win + X and select Settings.

Method 5 of 5

Step 1 of 4

Go to Sound

Navigate to System > Sound.

Method 5 of 5

Step 2 of 4

Set Output

Under Output, pick Realtek Audio or your speakers.

Method 5 of 5

Step 3 of 4

Set Input

Under Input, choose Realtek Microphone.

No Realtek listed: Right-click in the sound settings and enable Show Disabled Devices to unhide it!

Method 5 of 5

Step 4 of 4

Additional Tips

Disable Third-Party Audio Enhancements: Some apps like Dolby, Nahimic, or DTS can conflict with Realtek—disable them in Control Panel → Sound → Playback → Properties → Enhancements.

Use a Powered USB Hub for External Realtek Devices: If using a Realtek USB sound card or Wi-Fi adapter, plug it into a powered USB hub to avoid low power issues on laptop ports.

Manually Assign a Static Channel for Realtek Wi-Fi: If Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting, set a static channel (1, 6, or 11) in your router settings instead of auto-selection to reduce interference.