DXDiag Sound Tab Explained
The DXDiag Sound tab shows your audio device name, driver version, driver date, and any detected problems. Open DXDiag with Windows + R, type dxdiag, and click the Sound tab. If you have multiple audio devices (HDMI audio, onboard audio, USB headset), each has its own Sound tab. Check the Notes field at the bottom for problem status.
Fields on the DXDiag Sound Tab
| Field | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Description | Name of the audio device (e.g. Realtek High Definition Audio) |
| Default Sound Playback | Whether this is the active default output device |
| Default Voice Playback | Whether this device handles Windows voice communication |
| Hardware ID | Unique hardware identifier for driver matching |
| Manufacturer ID | Manufacturer code assigned by Windows audio system |
| Product ID | Product code for this specific audio device |
| Type | WDM (Windows Driver Model) for modern audio hardware |
| Driver Name | Audio driver filename |
| Driver Version | Installed audio driver version number |
| Driver Attributes | Signed or unsigned — signed drivers are Microsoft-certified |
| WHQL Logo'd | Whether the driver has passed Microsoft's quality certification |
| Date and Size | Driver release date and file size |
| Notes | No problems found, or a description of any detected problem |
Diagnosing Audio Problems with DXDiag
When audio is not working, open DXDiag and check the Sound tab Notes field first. If it shows anything other than No problems found, that message describes the specific issue. Common problems include:
- Driver not found: The audio driver is missing or corrupted. Reinstall the audio driver from Device Manager or the manufacturer's website.
- Hardware not present: Windows cannot detect the audio device. Check physical connections or reseat the device.
- Driver is not digitally signed: A third-party unsigned driver may be causing instability. Reinstall the official driver from the manufacturer.
Complete guide to DXDiag sound driver information →