๐ Understanding the Problem: Why You Can’t Easily Remove Realtek HD Audio Drivers x64
If you’re trying to uninstall Realtek HD Audio Drivers x64, you may have noticed that even after using Windows’ standard uninstall tools, some files and system components still remain on your PC. This is because:
- Realtek HD Audio drivers are deeply integrated into the Windows operating system
- They often leave behind registry entries, driver cache files, configuration settings, and system services
- Leftover data can cause conflicts when reinstalling updated drivers or switching to different audio hardware
- Standard uninstall methods donโt always remove all traces of the driver package
While these drivers are essential for high-definition audio support, removing them completely โ especially before installing a new version or troubleshooting sound issues โ requires more than just clicking “Uninstall.”
In this article, weโll walk you through step-by-step methods to fully remove Realtek HD Audio Drivers x64 from your system โ including built-in Windows tools, manual cleanup, and third-party uninstallers. Each method includes a success rate rating, so you know what works best.
๐ง Step-by-Step Methods to Uninstall Realtek HD Audio Drivers x64
โ Method 1: Use Device Manager (Success Rate: 70%)
This method removes the driver directly from the device it’s associated with.
Steps:
- Press
Win + X
and select Device Manager - Expand Sound, video and game controllers
- Right-click Realtek High Definition Audio > Update driver > Uninstall device
- Check the box: Delete the driver software for this device before confirming
๐ก This is one of the most effective built-in ways to remove audio drivers cleanly.
โ Method 2: Use Programs and Features (Success Rate: 50%)
Useful if Realtek installed an application or control panel alongside the driver.
Steps:
- Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features
- Find entries like:
- โRealtek High Definition Audio Driverโ
- โRealtek Audio Driverโ
- Right-click and choose Uninstall
๐ Note: This only removes the optional front-end app โ not the actual driver file.
โ Method 3: Manual Registry & File Cleanup (Success Rate: 85%)
For advanced users who want full control over what gets removed.
Steps:
- Press
Win + R
, typeregedit
, and hit Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E96C-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
- Back up the registry first, then delete any Realtek-related keys
- Delete leftover folders at:
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\rtkhdafg.sys
C:\Program Files\Realtek
โ ๏ธ Warning: Editing the registry is risky โ always back it up before making changes.
โ Method 4: Use Command Prompt (Success Rate: 75%)
Useful if GUI-based uninstallers fail or become corrupted.
Steps:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Type:
wmic product where name="Realtek High Definition Audio Driver" call uninstall
- Confirm the action when prompted
๐ If no result appears, try running the uninstaller manually or use another method.
๐ ๏ธ Top 3 Tools to Completely Remove Realtek HD Audio Drivers x64
Tool Name | Description | Success Rate |
---|---|---|
PerfectUninstaller | ๐ช Deep scan engine; removes registry, cache, logs, and hidden components | โญ 98% |
Revo Uninstaller | Advanced forced uninstall with real-time monitoring | โญ 87% |
IObit Uninstaller | Batch uninstall support and junk file cleaner | โญ 82% |
๐ Why PerfectUninstaller Stands Out
PerfectUninstaller is the ultimate solution for removing stubborn applications like the Realtek HD Audio Drivers x64. Its intelligent scanning engine digs deep into your system to find and delete every trace โ including hidden registry keys, temporary files, and background services โ ensuring a total removal without leaving any traces behind.
๐ Download PerfectUninstaller Here
โ Summary: Best Way to Uninstall Realtek HD Audio Drivers x64
Hereโs how to choose the right method based on your experience level:
- Beginner: Use Device Manager to safely remove the driver.
- Intermediate: Combine manual folder deletion with registry edits.
- Advanced: Run Command Prompt commands and use PerfectUninstaller for guaranteed clean removal.
After uninstalling, always restart your PC to ensure all changes take effect and prevent future software conflicts.
๐ฌ Final Tip
Before installing alternative audio drivers like Realtek Universal Driver or Windows Audio Enhancements, run a deep system cleanup or use PerfectUninstaller again to ensure all traces of the old Realtek HD Audio Driver are gone โ especially to avoid performance issues or audio malfunctions.
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