If your speakers have stopped working or you suddenly can’t hear anything, it might be your IDT High Definition Audio Codec causing all the trouble. Don’t panic—we’ve got two super easy ways to fix it.
This guide is for people who just want their sound back without diving too deep into tech mumbo jumbo. Let’s get started!
What Is the IDT High Definition Audio Codec?
It’s the software driver that helps your computer process sound. Without it working properly, your audio might disappear or sound weird. The good news? You can usually fix it with a few clicks.

Method 1: Let Windows Do the Work
Sometimes Windows Update messes things up. But don’t worry—you can fix it by letting Windows choose a driver that works better.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows Key + X and click Device Manager.
- Find Sound, video and game controllers.
- Right-click on IDT High Definition Audio CODEC and choose Update driver.
- Select Browse my computer for drivers.
- Click Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
- You’ll likely see two options. Choose High Definition Audio Device (NOT the IDT one).
- Click Next, then Yes on any warnings.
Your computer might need a restart after this. Do it. Then check if your sound is back!
Still quiet? Try our second method.
Method 2: Reinstall the Codec Manually
If the auto-fix didn’t help, you can uninstall and reinstall the driver yourself. It sounds scarier than it is. You’ve got this!
Here’s what to do:
- Open Device Manager again.
- Find IDT High Definition Audio CODEC, right-click it, and select Uninstall device.
- In the pop-up box, check Delete the driver software for this device.
- Click Uninstall.

Now restart your computer. When it boots up, Windows might try to reinstall the driver. If it doesn’t, go back to Device Manager:
- Click Action from the top menu.
- Select Scan for hardware changes.
- Windows should now find and install the default High Definition Audio Device.
If not, you can also download the latest driver from your PC manufacturer’s website. Just be sure to grab the one made for your system model and Windows version.
Bonus Tips to Avoid Audio Issues
- Keep Windows updated—but always double-check your driver versions afterward.
- Don’t download drivers from sketchy websites. Stick to the official sites.
- If your system has a custom audio driver from Dell or HP, sometimes it’s best to reinstall that instead.

Conclusion
And there you have it! Two simple ways to fix your IDT High Definition Audio Codec problems. First, let Windows pick another driver. If that fails, uninstall the old one and reinstall it fresh.
Hopefully, by now, your speakers are back to blasting your favorite tunes or helping you binge-watch that series with crisp, clear audio.
Happy listening!