Troubleshooting Realtek HD Audio Manager Not Opening on Windows 10

The absence of the Realtek HD audio manager from your system tray or desktop might seem like a straightforward issue at first glance. However, this problem can often be attributed to various factors related to either the operating system itself or more likely due to driver compatibility issues.

In recent versions of Windows 10 and later, particularly with the release of Fall Creators Update (1709) and subsequent updates, Realtek has made significant changes in how their audio drivers are installed and managed. As a result, some users might encounter difficulties locating or even opening the Realtek HD Audio Manager.

Here's an step-by-step guide to help you resolve this issue:

1. Enable Hidden Devices

- Right-click on Start (Windows logo) and select Device Manager.

- In the device manager window, under 'View', checkmark ‘Show hidden devices’ at the bottom of the dropdown menu.

2. Uninstall Realtek Audio Drivers and Re-Install

If you have already installed any version of Realtek drivers before, it is recommended to completely uninstall them first:

a) Press Windows + R keys together on your keyboard.

b) Type ‘appwiz.cpl’ in the Run window and hit Enter.

c) In the Programs & Features/Programs and Packages window, search for 'Realtek Audio Driver' or any variation of it (it might be listed under Realtek HD Audio Manager as well).

d) Right-click on each result that includes ‘Realtek’ in its name and select Uninstall.

e) Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

3. Re-Install Latest Version of Realtek Drivers

Once all instances of Realtec audio drivers have been completely removed, follow these steps:

a) Download & Install 64-bit or 32bit version depending on your operating system (32-bit for 64 bit OS too):

- Visit the official Realtek website: https://www.realtek.com/en/Support

- Under ‘Driver’ dropdown menu select the correct driver according to your Windows version and architecture.

b) Double-click on the downloaded executable file (.exe or .msi), and follow all instructions prompted by the installer until it completes successfully.

4. Restart Your Computer

After completing these steps, restart your computer once more to ensure that any changes made take effect. Upon booting up again, you should be able to find Realtek HD Audio Manager listed in your Start menu or system tray without any issues.

If after following all of the above instructions and restarting your PC multiple times, you still encounter problems with opening Realtek HD audio manager, it may indicate a deeper issue requiring further troubleshooting at either hardware level (sound card itself) or even performing an OS reinstallation as last resort.

Realtek hd audio manager not opening