Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Normally located in C:\Program Files\Realtek\Audio\HDA or C:\Program Files (x86)\Realtek\Audio\HDA
Warning
Driver components may spawn multiple processes
Realtek uses separate processes for control UI, DSP, and audio streams
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Disabling may mute or stop audio until re-enabled; consider disabling on startup via Task Manager if not needed
What is realtek-audio.exe?
realtek-audio.exe is the executable for Realtek High Definition Audio Driver. It initiates and manages the audio hardware on many Windows machines, handling playback, recording, and DSP features through the Realtek HD Audio interface. The process participates in starting, configuring, and routing audio streams across devices.
This binary runs as part of the Realtek audio stack, often loaded by the Realtek Audio Console or Windows Audio Service. It negotiates sample rates, handles channel routing, and applies software DSP enhancements via KS interfaces.
Quick Fact: Realtek's audio driver has historically integrated DSP effects and equalization, allowing device-level enhancements across channels.
Types of Realtek Processes
- Driver Loader Process: Initializes the Realtek audio driver on system startup
- Audio Engine Process: Handles playback/record streams for all active devices
- Control Panel UI Process: Realtek Audio Console or control panel window
- DSP/Effect Process: Applies effects, sample-rate conversion, echo, and bass boost
- Mixer/Endpoint Manager: Manages output endpoints and volume/mute states
- Background Utility: Background services supporting hardware detection and updates
Is realtek-audio.exe Safe?
Yes, realtek-audio.exe is safe when it is the legitimate Realtek HD Audio driver component installed from Realtek or your PC manufacturer.
Is realtek-audio.exe a Virus or Malware?
The realtek-audio.exe is not a virus when located in the proper Realtek folders and signed by Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
How to Tell if realtek-audio.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Realtek\Audio\HDA\RealtekHDAudio.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Realtek\Audio\HDA\RealtekHDAudio.exe. Other paths are suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show 'Realtek Semiconductor Corp.' as signer.
- Resource Usage: Typical usage is low unless audio is actively processing. Unusually high CPU with no audio activity is suspicious.
- Behavior: The process should be active only when audio is in use or UI is opened. Persistently running when no audio tasks are present is a red flag.
Red Flags: If realtek-audio.exe is found outside Realtek folders (e.g., Temp or AppData), shows no digital signature, or consumes CPU constantly even with no audio activity, scan with reputable antivirus and update drivers from official Realtek sources.
Why Is realtek-audio.exe Running on My PC?
realtek-audio.exe runs as part of the Realtek HD Audio stack to manage playback, recording, and device configuration. It may be active when sound is in use or when the Realtek UI starts.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Audio Playback or Recording: Any app playing sound or capturing audio triggers the Realtek audio engine to run.
- Realtek Audio Console Auto-start: Windows can launch the Realtek Audio Console at login, starting the audio subsystem.
- Background DSP and Enhancements: DSP effects, equalization, noise suppression run in background to improve audio quality.
- Multiple Audio Devices: Switching between speakers, headphones, or HDMI audio can spawn processes to manage routes.
- Driver Updates or System Changes: Windows Update or driver reinstall can reinitialize the Realtek audio components.
Can I Disable or Remove realtek-audio.exe?
Yes, you can disable realtek-audio.exe. It will stop audio processing when you don't use audio, but you may lose sound until you re-enable or install a different driver.
How to Stop realtek-audio.exe
- End Audio Processes: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) → Processes tab → end Realtek-related processes (e.g., RtHDVCpl, RealtekHDAudio).
- Close Realtek Audio Console: Close the Realtek Audio Console if open.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Realtek components (Realtek Audio Console).
- Disable Audio Services: services.msc → Realtek Audio Universal Service → Set Startup type to Manual/Disabled.
- Consider Uninstall: Windows Settings → Apps → Realtek Audio Driver → Uninstall. Note: this may disable onboard audio.
How to Uninstall Realtek Audio Driver
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Realtek High Definition Audio Driver → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Realtek High Definition Audio Driver → Uninstall
- ✔ Install a different audio driver from your PC manufacturer if needed
Common Problems: Audio Issues and Performance
If realtek-audio.exe causes audio problems or high resource use, try the following.
Common Causes & Solutions
- High CPU from DSP effects: Open Realtek Audio Console and disable unused effects; reduce sample rate; turn off loudness equalization.
- Stuttering or crackling: Update audio drivers; set default format to 16-bit 44100 Hz; disable exclusive mode.
- No sound after updates: Reinstall Realtek drivers; roll back Windows audio driver; reboot.
- UI not opening: Repair or reinstall Realtek Audio Console; ensure services running.
- Conflicts with HDMI audio: Disable or switch default playback device to Realtek or HDMI accordingly.
- Outdated driver: Download latest Realtek HD Audio driver from the PC manufacturer or Realtek site and install.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Realtek Audio Console to disable enhancements
2. Update driver via Windows Update or Realtek site
3. Restart audio service
4. Set playback device to correct output
5. Run Windows Troubleshooter for audio
Frequently Asked Questions
Is realtek-audio.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate realtek-audio.exe from Realtek is not a virus. However, always verify the file path and digital signature in the file properties. If the file is missing the Realtek signer or is in an unusual folder, scan for malware.
Why is realtek-audio.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU can occur if DSP effects are enabled for multiple devices or a problematic playback app is active. Open Realtek Audio Console and disable unnecessary enhancements, update the driver, and check for conflicting software.
Can I delete realtek-audio.exe?
You can uninstall the Realtek HD Audio Driver via Windows Settings or Control Panel. Deleting the file manually is not recommended; removing the driver will disable onboard audio until reinstalled.
Can I disable realtek-audio.exe?
Yes, you can disable audio processing by stopping related services and startup items, or uninstalling the Realtek driver. This will disable sound until another driver is installed.
Why is there no sound after Windows update?
Windows updates can replace or conflict with audio drivers. Reinstall Realtek HD Audio Driver from your PC vendor or Realtek, and reboot. Ensure the correct playback device is selected.
How do I update Realtek drivers?
Visit the PC manufacturer's support page or Realtek's download site, download the latest Realtek High Definition Audio Driver, and install following on-screen prompts. Reboot after installation.