An audio driver is a type of computer file used by a computer’s operating system (OS) to properly recognize and interact with an audio device. It usually refers to a driver used for sound cards in a computer, but can also be used to refer to drivers needed for particularly complex sound systems or audio input devices. An audio driver may come with a piece of audio hardware, or it may be downloaded or updated over the Internet.
Audio drivers are software used in conjunction with sound cards.
Drivers are typically software files installed on a computer to help devices and other types of hardware work properly with a computer. In order for an operating system installed on a computer to recognize everything else connected to that computer and work with those things correctly, drivers identify various components of an operating system and help it work effectively. An audio driver is simply a specific type of driver that focuses on audio devices and helps an operating system recognize and work with those devices.
Audio devices can take many forms, but are typically a sound card or similar input/output device. Sound cards can often be integrated into a computer system as part of a motherboard, often referred to as integrated sound, or they can be separate components that need to be installed in a system. A sound card is typically used to allow a computer to process audio information and output that information through speakers as auditory sound.
A computer’s operating system uses an audio driver to recognize a sound card and allow the computer to use all the options and features that a sound card can offer. Sometimes an operating system may also have audio driver files installed during the operating system installation, to allow many different devices to work at least in a basic way with a computer. Devices generally have specific drivers made for use with the device, and installing this type of audio driver allows a computer’s operating system to fully access and function with a device.
These drivers usually come with an audio device on a disc and can be installed during the physical installation process of the device. Many audio device manufacturers also frequently update and improve the audio drivers used by their devices. These updated drivers can usually be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website and may fix problems with your device software or include new features that make better use of your hardware or device.
