WHAT IS AUDIO DEVICE IN COMPUTER

What Is the Meaning of Audio Output Devices?

The term “audio output device” refers to any device that attaches to a computer for the purpose of playing sound, such as music or speech. The term can also refer to a computer sound card

Speakers

Speakers are the most common type of audio output device.On laptops and other mobile computing devices, speakers are usually built in. External speakers can attach to a computer using a variety of audio plugs, or they can attach using a USB connection. Some external speakers require a separate energy supply, and must be plugged into the wall or a power strip.

Headphones

What is an Audio Driver?

An audio driver is a type of computer file used by a computer’s operating system (OS) to recognize and properly interact with an audio device. It usually refers to a driver used for sound cards  within a computer, but can also be used in reference to drivers necessary for especially complex sound systems or audio input devices as well. An audio driver may come with a piece of audio hardware or may be downloaded or updated through the Internet.

Drivers are, in general, software files installed onto a computer to help devices and other types of hardware run properly with a computer. In order for an OS installed on a computer to recognize everything else connected to that computer and work with those things properly, drivers identify various components for an OS and help it all work effectively. An audio driver is simply a specific type of driver that focuses on audio devices and helping an OS recognize and work with such devices.

Audio devices can come in a number of forms, though typically a sound card or similar input or output device is involved. Sound cards may often be built into a computer system as part of a motherboard usually referred to as onboard sound, or they can be separate components that need to be installed into a system. A sound card is usually used to allow a computer to process audio information and output that information through speakers as auditory sound.

The OS on a computer uses an audio driver to recognize a sound card and allow the computer to utilize all the options and features a sound card can provide. An OS can also sometimes have audio driver files installed during installation of the OS, to allow a number of different devices to operate at least in basic ways with a computer. Devices will typically have specific drivers made for use with the device, and installing this type of audio driver allows the OS on a computer to fully access and work with a device.

These drivers will usually come with an audio device on a disc and can be installed during the physical installation process of the device. Many manufacturers of audio devices will also frequently update and improve the audio drivers used by their devices. These updated drivers can usually be downloaded from the website of a manufacturer and can fix problems with device software or include new features that take better advantage of the hardware or device.

To fix audio problems in your computer,do the following:

Step 1: Run the sound problems troubleshooter

Automatically identify and fix audio errors with the Windows sound troubleshooting tool.

1. Right-click the notification area speaker icon , and then select Troubleshoot sound problems.
2. Select the device you want to troubleshoot, and then click Next to start the troubleshooter.
3. If a recommended action displays, select Apply this fix, and then test for sound.

Step 2: Check device and driver status in Device Manager

An outdated audio driver can cause sound errors and issues. Use Device Manager to check if the audio device is disabled, and then install an available driver update.

1. In Windows, search for and open Device Manager.
2. Double-click Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click the audio device, and then select Update Driver.
4. Click Search automatically for updated driver software to check for and install a driver.
   • If an updated driver installs, restart the computer if prompted, and then test for sound.
   • If an updated driver is not available, continue to the next step to reinstall the existing driver.
5. Right-click the audio device again, and then select Uninstall to open the Uninstall Device window.
6. Select Delete the driver software for this device, and then click Uninstall.
7. In the top menu bar, click Action, and then select Scan for hardware changes to reinstall the device.
8. Test for sound.
   • If there is no sound, right-click the Sound icon in the notification area, select Playback devices, and then reconnect your audio device if it is not listed. Once listed, click the device name, click the Sounds tab, select a sound, and then click Test.
   • If the device is not listed in Playback devices, restart the computer, and then check if the device displays in the list.
   • If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 3: Check the playback device setup and connection

Check playback device status in the sound settings and check the device connection to the computer.

1. Right-click the notification area speaker icon , and then select Playback devices.
2. Confirm the device is listed and has a green check mark. This indicates it is the default device. If necessary, right-click the device name, select Set as Default Device, and then test the device.
   • If you can use the device, the issue is resolved.
   • If the device is not listed, continue to the next step.
3. Check the device connection to the computer.
   • For cable connections, make sure the device connects to the correct port, and that the connection is secure. Additionally, reconnect the device in case the computer did not detect it when you previously connected it.
   • For wireless connections, make sure the device is configured and paired to the PC.NOTE: Some desktop computers do not have built-in speakers. Headphones or external speakers are required to hear audio. If the error is resolved but there is still no sound, test with a different playback device and check your specifications for any additional sound requirements. For additional help, go to HP PCs – Connecting a Bluetooth Device or HP PCs – Resolving Headphones and Headset Problems.

Step 4: Run an audio hardware diagnostic test

Use the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows tool to perform an Audio Playback Test. This checks the functionality of the audio subsystem, including audio controllers and codecs.

1. Go to HP Hardware Diagnostics to install the latest version of HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows.
2. After the installation completes, search Windows for ‘HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows’, right-click the app in the results, and then select Run as administrator to open the tool.
3. Click Component Tests, click Audio, and then select Audio Playback Test.
4. Click Run once, and then select an audio output device to run the test.
   • If the audio test fails, write down the 24-digit failure ID code (also available in the Test Logs), and then contact HP Customer Support, or service the computer.
   • If the audio test passes but the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 5: Use Microsoft System Restore or HP System Recovery

If the audio error persists, use Microsoft System Restore or HP System Recovery to fix the problem.

• Go to HP PCs – Using Microsoft System Restore (Windows 10, 8) to restore your computer to a previous state when sound was working.
• If Microsoft System Restore does not resolve the issue, go to HP PCs – Performing a System Recovery (Windows 10)..
• If the error still displays, service the computer.

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