My PC is not recognizing built in Audio such as Realtek.

Because Realtek is absent from Device Manager, rescan for the onboard hardware first and then install the Windows 11 audio package supplied specifically for your PC model—not a generic Realtek download.^1^

1. Rescan for the missing onboard device

Since Windows Update, firmware updating, and the audio troubleshooter have already been completed, proceed directly to Device Manager:

1. Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
2. Select View > Show hidden devices.
3. Check both:
   • Sound, video and game controllers
   • Audio inputs and outputs
4. Select Action > Scan for hardware changes.
5. If Realtek or another onboard audio controller appears:
   • If Enable device is available, select it.
   • Otherwise, right-click it and select Uninstall device.
   • If offered, select Attempt to remove the driver for this device.
   • Restart the PC.

After restarting, the expected result is that the onboard controller appears under Sound, video and game controllers, followed by the built-in speakers and microphone under Audio inputs and outputs.

Do not uninstall the Bluetooth devices merely because they are the only audio entries shown; they are separate from the missing onboard controller.

2. Install the PC manufacturer’s audio package

If scanning does not restore the device:

1. Identify the exact PC model:
   • Press Windows key + R.
   • Enter msinfo32 and press Enter.
   • Note System Manufacturer and System Model.
2. Open that manufacturer’s official support site.
3. Search for the exact model and Windows 11.
4. Download and install its latest audio driver/package.
5. Restart the PC—not Shut down—and check Device Manager again.

Manufacturer packages can be newer or more appropriate for the hardware even when Windows reports that updates are current. Microsoft specifically recommends the PC manufacturer’s driver when an audio device is missing or its driver is incompatible.^1^

3. If the problem followed a recent update or driver change

Because the audio worked yesterday, use a rollback only if a relevant change occurred immediately before the failure.

• Recent Windows update: Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates, then remove the latest applicable update.
• Available restore point: Search for Create a restore point, open System Restore, and select a restore point from before the audio disappeared.

System Restore rolls back system files, drivers, registry settings, and installed programs without affecting personal files.^2^ Back up important data before using recovery options. Microsoft lists update removal and restore as less-disruptive choices before resetting Windows.^3^

4. If the OEM installer cannot detect the audio hardware

If the manufacturer’s installer reports that no compatible audio hardware exists, or the device remains absent after scanning and rollback, the next useful distinction is whether the hardware is visible outside the current Windows installation.

• Run the PC manufacturer’s built-in hardware diagnostics, if provided.
• Check the manufacturer’s firmware setup for an onboard audio setting, but do not change unrelated settings.
• If diagnostics also cannot detect onboard audio, contact the PC manufacturer for hardware service.
• If diagnostics detect it but Windows does not, consider Microsoft’s reinstall current Windows version repair option before Reset this PC. On supported Windows 11 versions, this can reinstall Windows without affecting files, applications, or settings.^3^

Avoid Reset this PC until the model-specific driver, rollback, and repair-reinstall paths have failed; reset is substantially more disruptive.

References

1. Fix missing or undetected audio output device in Windows
2. Backup, restore, and recovery in Windows | Microsoft Support
3. Recovery options in Windows | Microsoft Support