Overview

This document describes how to setup low latency audio on Windows using a Realtek audio card. Doing this avoids the need to use an external audio interface device.

Applicability

The following approach worked on a Lenovo laptop with Realtek audio card and Windows 11.

Instruction

1. Setup Realtek ASIO Driver

Following this article: https://www.baumannmusic.com/2021/the-official-asio-driver-for-realtek-hd-audio-dell-hp-lenovo-asus/

1. Download Realtek audio driver from DELL here https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-au/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=7776f. The filename is like Realtek-High-Definition-Audio-Driver_7776F_WIN_6.0.1.7737_A04_02.EXE

2. Unzip that executable using an unzip tool like 7-zip. There will be an ASIO subdirectory.

3. Run the installation executable in the ASIO subdirectory. This will install quickly.

This alone however is insufficient to achieve low enough latency for music production. Proceed to the next step.

2. Install Windows High Definition Audio Device Drivers

Following this article: https://neosmart.net/wiki/fix-realtek-audio-delay-lag/, install Windows High-Definition Audio Device Drivers.

1. Open Device Manager
2. Select 'Sound, Video and Game Controllers' then 'Realtek(R) Audio)'
3. Right click and select 'Update Drivers'
4. Select 'Browse my computer for drivers'
5. Select 'Let me pick from a list of available drivers'
6. Unselect 'Show compatible hardware'
7. Select 'Microsoft' from the manufacturers list on the left the select 'High Definition Audio Device' on the right. There might be more than one version - take the most recent. Click next.
8. A warning will appear saying that the driver is not recommended. Press Yes to configure installing the driver.
9. Restart the PC