Fix: Realtek High Definition Audio Error 0xC0000374 on Windows 10

You may be here because your Realtek sound card has given you an error 0xC0000374 when trying to install some important drivers. This problem generally occurs with an error message that looks similar to Install Realtek HD Audio Driver Failure, Error 0xC0000374.

If you constantly experience a Realtek High Definition Audio error, it may be time to take action. This problem is common for those who have a computer with Windows 10 and have upgraded from Windows 8 or Windows 7.

What Causes Realtek HD Audio Driver Failure

Many different reasons may result in this sound/audio error. However, in some cases, this issue can be caused by a dead sound card. In this case, there isn’t a software solution that will be able to fix the problem. The only option is to replace the sound card.

Related: Realtek High Definition Audio Issue on Windows 10

Fix Realtek High Definition Audio Error 0xC0000374

This problem usually happens because of the Realtek HD Audio driver system crashes and errors. It’s easily solved, but it can become frustrating especially if you need to fix it on the go.

Before you try the solutions, here are a few things you need to know –

1. Those who were unlucky enough to upgrade their computers to the latest version and soon experienced the Realtek audio error would need to update their drivers manually.
2. If the driver doesn’t fix the problem, then one could also try reinstalling the sound card driver from the manufacturer’s website.
3. One other thing that might help is uninstalling and then re-installing the driver updates.

To fix Realtek High Definition Audio Error 0xC0000374, use the following methods –

• Reinstall Realtek HD Audio Manager
• Deactivate Microsoft UAA Bus Driver
• Update Realtek driver using Device Manager
• Add Legacy hardware

1. Reinstall Realtek HD Audio Manager

It seems that your system has been compromised by a tainted driver that caused this error. To fix this error, uninstall the Realtek HD Audio Manager and install it again. Before you download the new driver, you must check the driver version and remove the duplicate audio drivers to avoid conflicting versions.

• Open the Start menu and search for the Device Manager.
• Then select the result from the top of the list.
• Now scroll down and expand Sound, video, and game controllers from the list in Device Manager.

• Right-click on the Realtek High Definition Audio audio driver.
• Select Uninstall device from the menu list.
• Then check to Delete the driver software for this device and click the Uninstall button.
• Switch to the View tab and click on Show Hidden Devices from the option list.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the procedure.
• Find out if there are duplicate audio drivers. Right-click on it and select Uninstall.

After you complete the above process, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Then navigate to the Realtek HD Audio Manager official page and download it. After that, click on the executable file to start its installation.

2. Deactivate Microsoft UAA Bus Driver

Further, we suspect the UAA driver can also be the main culprit behind this issue. As a result, the UAA drivers have to be removed. Here are the steps you need to follow

• Use the Windows + X hotkey to open the power user menu.
• Select the Device Manager option. You will be redirected to a window called the Device Manager.
• Next, select the System Devices option and then expand it.
• Right-click on the Microsoft UAA Bus Driver for High Definition Audio option and then select Disable.
• Click on the Yes button to confirm it.
• Now press the Win+I keys to open Windows Settings.
• Go to Apps > Apps & Features.
• Click on the Realtek High Definition Audio driver and select the Uninstall option.
• Then open Device Manager again.
• Right-click on the disabled Microsoft driver.
• From the menu list, select the Uninstall button.
• Now that you have done this, restart your device.
• Run the installer to complete the process.

3. Update Realtek driver using Device Manager

Another method you can use to fix this error is to update the Realtek driver using the Device Manager. To do so, do the following.

• Press the Windows+R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Inside the text box, type devmgmt.msc and press Enter. This will open Device Manager.
• Scroll down and expand the Sound, video, and game controller options.

• Then right-click on Realtek High Definition Audio and select the Update driver option from the option list.
• In case your computer has the latest driver setup file, select the Browse My Computer for drivers option.
• Now click on the Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer option to show available drivers compatible with the device.
• Search and select the latest driver and then click the Next option.

4. Add Legacy hardware

Even if you are still unable to update the Realtek drivers, don’t worry. Open the Device Manager and use the Add Legacy hardware option using the following steps –

• Right-click on the Start menu and select the Device Manager option.
• Now search for Sound, video, and game controllers and then click it once found.
• Click next on the Action tab.

• Select the Add Legacy hardware option from the menu list.

• Click on the Next button and then select the Search for and install the hardware automatically (Recommended) option.
• Now click the Next button and then install the driver manually.

Hopefully, completing the steps above will help you resolve audio driver issues and improve sound quality.

Read Next:

1. Fix- Realtek High Definition Audio Issue on Windows 10
2. How to Fix Realtek Audio issues in Windows 11