In this article, we will see how to fix the error code 0x000003F1, Install Realtek HD audio driver failure on Windows 11/10. This error usually occurs while installing the Realtek HD audio driver on a Windows computer. After experiencing the crackling sound on their computers, when users tried to install the Realtek audio driver, they received this error.
Error code 0x000003F1, Install Realtek HD audio driver failure
If you see the error code 0x000003F1, Install Realtek HD audio driver failure on your Windows 11/10 computer while installing the Realtek audio driver, use the suggestions explained below. Before you proceed, we suggest you restart your computer and try again.
- Download the installer file from the official website
- Install the driver in Safe Mode or Clean Boot state
- Install the previous version of the driver
- Update your BIOS and chipset driver
- Uninstall the currently installed driver and reinstall it
- Use the Add legacy hardware option
- Restore your system
Let’s see all these fixes in detail.
1] Download the installer file from the official website
The driver file you are using to install the driver might have been corrupted. We suggest you visit the official website of your computer manufacturer and download the latest version of the audio driver from there. Now, run this file as an administrator to install the driver. See if the error persists this time.
2] Install the driver in Safe Mode or Clean Boot state
We suggest you install the driver in Safe Mode or Clean Boot state. You cannot update drivers in Safe Mode but installation of a driver in Safe Mode is possible. Enter the Safe Mode and then run the installer file. If prompted to restart your computer after installation, select the Restart Later option and exit Safe Mode.
A third-party background application or service might be conflicting with the installer file and causing the installation to fail. Start your computer in the Clean Boot state and then run the installer file. See if the installation completes successfully this time.
3] Install the previous version of the driver
You can also try to install the previous version of the software. This step will also fix the audio issues on your computer. To do this, visit the official website of your computer manufacturer and then go to the drivers section. You will have to enter your product model or serial number to download the right compatible driver.
Expand the Realtek audio driver section to view all the previous versions. Download the earlier version of the driver. Now, install it and see if it works.
4] Update your BIOS and chipset driver
One possible cause of the issue is an outdated BIOS version and an outdated chipset driver. We suggest you update your BIOS and chipset driver (if the latest version is available). You can download the latest version of BIOS and chipset driver from the official website of your computer manufacturer.
5] Uninstall the currently installed driver and reinstall it
Usually, users install a driver without uninstalling the existing driver. This works most of the time. However, in some cases, the previously installed driver can conflict with the installation and make the installation fail. If you are following the same way to install the Realtek HD audio driver, uninstall the existing Realtek HD audio driver and then run the installer file.
To uninstall the Realtek HD audio driver, follow the steps provided below:
- Open the Device Manager.
- Expand the Sound, video and game controllers branch.
- Right-click on Realtek High Definition Audio.
- Select Uninstall device.
After uninstalling the driver, run the installer file.
6] Use the Add legacy hardware option
You can also use the Add legacy hardware option in the Device Manager to install the Realtek HD audio driver. The following steps will guide you on this:
- Open the Device Manager.
- Select your computer name in the Device Manager.
- Go to Action > Add legacy hardware.
- Click Next.
- Select Install the hardware that I manually select from a list (Advanced).
- Click Next.
- Scroll down and select Sound, video and game controllers, and click Next.
- Select Realtek from the Manufacturer list.
- Select Realtek High Definition Audio from the right side.
- Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions.
After the installation, the audio issues should be fixed.
7] Restore your system
If none of the above-mentioned solutions helped you install the Realtek HD audio driver, we suggest you restore your system to the previous point in time. While performing this action, select the restore point that was created before the audio issues started occurring.
That’s it. I hope this helps.
Similar errors:
- Error 0xE0000246, Install Realtek HD audio driver failure
- Realtek HD Audio Driver Failure, Error 0x00005b3
- Install Realtek HD Audio Driver Failure, Error Code -0001
- Install Realtek HD Audio Driver Failure, Error 0xC0000374
How do I fix a corrupted Realtek driver?
If a Realtek driver is corrupted, you can reinstall it to fix the issue. Open the Device Manager and uninstall the corrupted Realtek driver. Now, restart your computer or scan for hardware changes. If this does not work, download the latest version of the Realtek driver from the official website of your computer manufacturer and install it.
How do I install Realtek audio driver failure error code 0x00000002?
If you encounter the Install Realtek HD audio driver failure error code 0x00000002 while installing the Realtek HD driver on your system, we suggest you uninstall the currently installed Realtek HD audio driver from your system and install it by downloading its latest version from your computer manufacturer’s website.
