Realtek High Definition Audio Codec (Windows Vista / Windows 7 / Windows 8 32-bit) logo

Realtek High Definition Audio Codec (Windows Vista / Windows 7 / Windows 8 32-bit)

By Realtek Semiconductor Free Editors' Rating

Key Details of Realtek High Definition Audio Codec (Windows Vista / Windows 7 / Windows 8 32-bit)

  • Update your onboard HD sound from Realtek to the latest driver release
  • Last updated on 06/29/15
  • There have been 0 updates within the past 6 months
  • The current version has 0 flags on VirusTotal badge_icon

Editors' Review

Download.com Staff Apr 30, 2014

Realtek's free High Definition Audio Codec pack enables stereo digital audio at resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz, as well as 5.1-channel Dolby Digital audio. Though it's essentially a package of drivers, it installs like a Windows program and may require a reboot. Realtek HD Audio Codec is available in separate downloads for 32-bit or 64-bit Windows Vista, 7, and 8 systems with Realtek controllers.

Pros

Audiophile-quality digital audio: No matter the source, you'll get super-high-quality digital audio. We streamed audio at up to 320kbs from Spotify and other sources. Even MP3s sounded better.

Dolby HT4: Dolby Home Theater 4 settings include Movie, Music, and Game modes with up to six presets, or you can turn Dolby off in the Properties dialog.

Multiple output options: We could select and configure Realtek Digital Output options for all our digital connections and output jacks, including optical, USB, and internal ATAPI.

Cons

Realtek HD controllers only: Not all motherboards use Realtek audio chips, and not all Realtek controllers are HD-compatible. Fortunately, the codecs won't install on the wrong system.

Watch the installation: There are other programs added automatically during the standard installation. Choosing the Custom installation option let us decline "extras" we didn't want.

System compatibility: While Realtek HD Audio Codec works with Realtek controllers, some motherboard implementations may not be fully compatible and require proprietary audio drivers instead.

Bottom line

If your PC has a Realtek HD audio controller, Realtek High Definition Audio Codec will help you get the most out of it. Chances are, your Realtek controller may already have this codec, courtesy of Windows Update. If it doesn't have it, get it!

Full Specifications

What's new in version R2.79

Version R2.79 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.

General

Release June 26, 2015
Date Added June 29, 2015
Version R2.79

Operating Systems

Operating Systems Windows, Windows Vista 32-bit, Windows 7 32-bit, Windows 8 32-bit
Additional Requirements None

Popularity

Total Downloads 6,930,041
Downloads Last Week 137
Report Software

Related Software

Realtek High Definition Audio Codec (Windows 7 / 8/ 8.1/ 10 64-bit)

Free
Realtek High Definition Audio Codec (Windows 7 / 8/ 8.1/ 10 64-bit)
Realtek High Definition Audio Codec (Windows 7 / 8/ 8.1/ 10 32-bit) logo

Realtek High Definition Audio Codec (Windows 7 / 8/ 8.1/ 10 32-bit)

Free
Realtek High Definition Audio Codec (Windows 7 / 8/ 8.1/ 10 32-bit)
IDT High Definition Audio CODEC logo

IDT High Definition Audio CODEC

Free
IDT High Definition Audio CODEC
Realtek AC'97 Driver (Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/2003) logo

Realtek AC'97 Driver (Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/2003)

Free
Realtek AC'97 Driver (Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/2003)

User Reviews

3.4/5
141 User Votes
5 Star
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star

Developer's Description

Realtek HD audio driver package. The package includes: driver setup program, drivers for Windows Vista / 7 / 8 / 8.1 32-bit.
Promo image for CNET Shopping

Get the best price on everything

Shop your favorite products and we’ll find the best deal with a single click. Designed to make shopping easier.