How to Fix 'Unknown Device' Audio Driver on HP Stream 8

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If you’re facing audio issues on your Windows 8.1 system, you’re not alone. Many users encounter problems with sound after reinstalling the operating system. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a solution that can get your audio back up and running.

First, you might have tried various drivers, such as SP70337, but if that didn’t work for you, don’t worry—there’s another option. One effective solution is to use the "Realtek High-Definition (HD) Audio Driver – sp69309." This driver often resolves common audio issues that arise after a fresh install of Windows.

Here’s how to get your audio working again:

Gather Your Drivers: Before you start, check if you have the necessary drivers saved. If you recently reinstalled Windows 8.1, you may have downloaded the Realtek driver already. It’s a good practice to archive your drivers to avoid any future hassle. If you don’t have the driver saved, you may need to download it from the manufacturer’s website.
Access Device Manager: Click on the Start menu and type "Device Manager" to open it. This tool allows you to manage all hardware drivers on your computer.
Locate Your Audio Device: In Device Manager, look for "Sound, video, and game controllers." Expand this section to find your audio device. If you see an exclamation mark next to it, that indicates there’s an issue.
Uninstall the Problematic Driver: Right-click on your audio device and select "Uninstall device." Confirm the uninstallation. This step will remove any faulty drivers that might be causing your audio problems.
Install the Right Driver: Now, it’s time to install the Realtek HD Audio Driver. If you have it saved, navigate to the location of the downloaded file and double-click on it to start the installation process. If you need to download it, head to the HP support site or the official Realtek website, find the right driver for your system, and then download and install it.
Restart Your Computer: Once the installation is complete, restart your computer. This helps apply the changes and refreshes your system.
Test Your Audio: After your computer restarts, test your audio. Play a video or music file to see if the sound works properly. If it does, congratulations—you’ve fixed your audio issues!
Check Further Troubleshooting (if needed): If you still don’t have audio, you may want to check other settings. Right-click on the sound icon in the taskbar and select "Playback devices." Make sure the correct device is set as the default.

By following these straightforward steps, you should be able to resolve any audio issues on your Windows 8.1 system with the correct Realtek HD Audio Driver. Don’t forget to keep your drivers archived for future installations, which can save you time and frustration down the road. Happy listening!