How to Check a Computer Sound Device

Computer Devices

By Gregory Hamel

Computer sound devices, or sound cards, are hardware components that translate data into audible sound that can be output to speakers, headphones and other devices. Some audio devices also allow for audio input through a microphone. It can be useful to know what sound devices you have installed, especially if you plan to upgrade your sound card, or the software drivers for the sound device.

Instructions

Check Sound Card in Device Manager:

Step 1
Click "Start," "Control Panel," and double-click "Administrative Tools," then "Computer Management."

Step 2
Click on the "Device Manager" option on the left side of the window.

Step 3
Find "Sound, video and game controllers," and click on the plus (+) symbol to see a list of your installed devices. All of your sound devices should appear in the list. You can view more detailed information by right clicking on the device and selecting "Properties." You can also attempt to automatically update the driver by using the "Driver" tab in the preferences window.

Use dxdiag to Check Sound:

Step 1
Click "Start," then "Run."

Step 2
Type "dxdiag," and press "OK."

Step 3
Click the "Sound" tab on the diagnostic window that appears. There will be a sound tab for each sound device you have installed.

Tips & Warnings

If your sound device is not working properly, try installing a new driver. If your sound device stops working after installing a new driver, use the "Roll back driver" option under the driver tab of the properties menu in the device manager.

Resources

Sound Card Troubleshooting Flow Chart

Computer Devices