14 DAY TRIAL // A new Realtek High Definition Audio build has been made available on Microsoft’s Update Catalog, namely version 6.0.1.7177, which installs a newer firmware than Realtek’s 2.73 audio release (build 7083).
While this latest iteration is available only for Microsoft’s Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 operating systems, both 32- and 64-bit architectures, Realtek’s 7083 build is suitable not only for the aforementioned Windows OSes, but for Windows 2000, XP, and Vista platforms as well.
Realtek’s 2.73 version is provided as an .exe file (a user-friendly format) and, in order to install it, you just need to open the executable and follow the on-screen instructions.
The same characteristics don’t apply to the Microsoft-related package because it’s available as a cabinet file, therefore the installation isn’t as easy as for the 2.73 variant, but not too difficult either.
Specifically speaking, after you get the .cab file, you must go to the Device Manager, right-click on the “High Definition Audio Device” and select “Update Driver Software,” browse and select the downloaded .cab file, and agree with the installation by pressing the “Next” button.
That being said, download Realtek HD Audio Driver 6.0.1.7177 for the compatible Windows bit architecture, apply it to your system, and enjoy your newly updated sound device.