Sound driver for 515-54G-70AG

Puraw
Puraw ACE, Member Posts: 7,524 Pathfinder
This is supposed to be the Realtek Audio driver 6.0.8699.1 UI Version 1.3.179.0 but Windows 10 18362 installed: Microsoft Audio Endpoint 18/03/2019 10.0.18362.1 the result is a very low sound volume from my Realtek speakers. Update driver did not change anything, sound settings in Windows are on maximum volume (no loudness enhancement available anymore in widows10). The Realtek Start page shows maximum volume and states that the system is working OK. Should I search for the correct Realtek sound driver and overwrite the Windows Audio Endpoint driver?

Best Answer

  • aphanic
    aphanic Member Posts: 959 Seasoned Specialist WiFi Icon
    edited July 2020 Answer ✓
    I have the exact model laptop (purchased on 21 June 20) and problem.  You say Microsoft support solved the problem.  I have no experience in addressing hardware or software issues - where do I begin? 

    Try not to post on threads that are old-ish, even if your query is related it's good netiquette to start a new one like @egydiocoelho said. If your issue doesn't get resolved with this procedure, do create a new one because more examination is needed.

    Download this package and DDU, they're two self extracting files, then disconnect from the Internet and make sure your laptop doesn't connect until all is done.

    Now, double click DDU and allow select things as per this picture, the computer will reboot (remember, no network for now):



    After the reboot, double click the package with the Realtek drivers and go through the installation, it's "Next, next, next" so it's straightforward. Reboot again, check the audio, connect to the network.

    If all is good you're done, otherwise create a new thread and link to this one stating what you have tried (the more data we have the more informed decisions we can make); hope it helps but do report back in any case.
«1

Answers

  • andylb
    andylb ACE Posts: 3,827 Pathfinder
    You must install the Acer approved Realtek driver from here, overwrite the Windows driver
    https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/support-product/7982?b=1


    Please click YES if I have answered your question

    Please click YES if I answered your question

    I am not an ACER employee
    Thank you and have a blessed day  B)

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  • Puraw
    Puraw ACE, Member Posts: 7,524 Pathfinder
    Thanks for helping me with this Andy.
    I downloaded the driver installation file from Acer support as per your instructions. I uninstalled the Microsoft Audio Endpoint driver in Device Manager then unzipped the downloaded Realtek file and ran Setup.exe in the Audio_Realtek_6.0.8699.1_W10x64 folder. It installed (so the Realtek screen stated) and it restarted Windows twice but nothing changed, when I look at my Audio Inputs Outputs I see only two items now Microphone (Realtek) and Speakers (Realtek), I lost a third item Headphones (Realtek) don't know why? Looks like Windows10 version 18362 does not like the Realtek driver, sound is still the same (have to put master volume to 100% to be able to hear music and news and now I lost ability to use my headset. Any ideas?

  • Puraw
    Puraw ACE, Member Posts: 7,524 Pathfinder
    ERRATUM
    There are two Sound Driver items in Device Manager:
    1: Audio Inputs and Outputs with Microsoft Audio Endpoint driver at the top of the list of devices
    2: Sound, video and game controllers with the Realtek Audio driver at the bottom of the list
    I just looked at the top one (1) and found the Realtek Audio driver later in (2)
    My wrong Andy, there is nothing wrong with my drivers (I hope) although I would like a much louder sound (volume now at 100%)
    I connected a Headset jack to the audio port and that works fine although Headset no longer appears in (1) Device Manager?


  • andylb
    andylb ACE Posts: 3,827 Pathfinder
    My bad, you must also download the Audio Console driver from the same page


    Please click YES if I answered your question

    I am not an ACER employee
    Thank you and have a blessed day  B)

    ★★ ACE Pathfinder 2019★★

  • Puraw
    Puraw ACE, Member Posts: 7,524 Pathfinder
    edited February 2020
    Hi Andy,
    I have that Realtek console already in Start, but it does nothing only the volume control same as Windows, Not sure if it was installed properly......

    Information just gives the version (same as what you sent me) and device advanced settings shows a analog headset that is greyed out; absolutely useless program.
    In case Realtek console was not installed properly I downloaded it and tried to install it but that failed, W10 security does not like the script, I ran "Install_UWP.cmd" as admin. that is the only file that you can run when unzipped (no setup.exe) and got the following error:

    So either there is an issue between Microsoft and Acer or the Realtek drivers are not W10-18 compatible. Do you know how to use that Unblock-File cmdlet in Windows PowerShell (I think that is what the message above is referring to). Weird that nothing is mentioned about sound enhancement anywhere in Acer's manuals or the Acer Quick Access apps in Start, Reviews for this laptop (older version) tout an ear deafening sound and Acer flyers mention ultimate sound quality and power, my HP mini from 10 years back with only 1 tiny speaker is louder (albeit mono)! Am I the only user of this model complaining about the low volume, do you know?
    Cheers


  • Puraw
    Puraw ACE, Member Posts: 7,524 Pathfinder
    I set expectations too high for a mid range priced laptop, both screen (IPS 1080) and sound could be sharper and louder, I concluded that everything is working to specs. and I love the Quad speed (i7), backlit keyboard and "precision" touchpad of Acer. Windows10 18362 Home (64 bit) is in full control of the third party drivers and setup.exe. cab and cmd no longer work, resembles more like Apple OS these days.

  • Puraw
    Puraw ACE, Member Posts: 7,524 Pathfinder
    Microsoft support sorted it out for me, both video and Audio drivers were not properly installed and the MX250 driver was outdated. Have a nice white background now (was off-white) and a control panel that works. Sound is better (much louder) with a loudness enhance option that I did not see before. Poor service from the Acer retailer in the Philippines.

  • Montague1162
    Montague1162 Member Posts: 6

    Tinkerer

    I have the exact model laptop (purchased on 21 June 20) and problem.  You say Microsoft support solved the problem.  I have no experience in addressing hardware or software issues - where do I begin? 
  • @Montague1162 Ideally, you should create a new topic and add me by placing an @.
    Oi! Eu não sou sou a cortana! Mas estou aqui para ajudar! Hi! I'm not the cortana! But I'm here to help!
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  • Puraw
    Puraw ACE, Member Posts: 7,524 Pathfinder
    I have the exact model laptop (purchased on 21 June 20) and problem.  You say Microsoft support solved the problem.  I have no experience in addressing hardware or software issues - where do I begin? 
    Hi
    Let me know what exactly your problem is (drivers/sound/display) and did you compare your sound/games/display drivers version (type: Device Manager in Search  box) with https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/support-product/7982?b=1&pn=NX.HNBSP.002&sn=NXHNBSP0029340F26E7600 in the Drivers section? Did you already upgrade Windows (manually)? what version of Windows are you running (W10 x64 Home, single language, 1909 build 18363.900)? Do you have a SSD or just a HDD like I have?
    If your drivers have exactly the same version as Acer Support (ignore the dates) you are in good shape unless something got corrupted or not installed properly. The loudness sound complaints I mentioned in February improved gradually after each Windows upgrade that came with Intel and Realtek sound driver updates. Do you have Intel UHD Graphics Control Panel installed (check Start menu)? This Wednesday (in Asia) will be the next Windows upgrade that may have some OEM driver updates too, I would start with that and don't download yet Feature upgrade 2004 before you are 100% satisfied with your present 1909 version.

  • aphanic
    aphanic Member Posts: 959 Seasoned Specialist WiFi Icon
    edited July 2020 Answer ✓
    I have the exact model laptop (purchased on 21 June 20) and problem.  You say Microsoft support solved the problem.  I have no experience in addressing hardware or software issues - where do I begin? 

    Try not to post on threads that are old-ish, even if your query is related it's good netiquette to start a new one like @egydiocoelho said. If your issue doesn't get resolved with this procedure, do create a new one because more examination is needed.

    Download this package and DDU, they're two self extracting files, then disconnect from the Internet and make sure your laptop doesn't connect until all is done.

    Now, double click DDU and allow select things as per this picture, the computer will reboot (remember, no network for now):



    After the reboot, double click the package with the Realtek drivers and go through the installation, it's "Next, next, next" so it's straightforward. Reboot again, check the audio, connect to the network.

    If all is good you're done, otherwise create a new thread and link to this one stating what you have tried (the more data we have the more informed decisions we can make); hope it helps but do report back in any case.
  • Puraw
    Puraw ACE, Member Posts: 7,524 Pathfinder
    Hi @aphanic
    I updated my Realtek drivers following your instructions:
    I have now version 6.0.8904.1, that was: 6.0.8699.1
    I reinstalled Audio Console_Realtek_1.3.179.0_W10x64 as that was uninstalled by DDU.exe
    Results:
    No difference in my sound quality or volume, still need to put my volume to 80% to play back a classical music MP3 file, but at least my Realtek sound system will be compatible with the new Windows 2004 feature upgrade (I hope).
    Thanks

  • aphanic
    aphanic Member Posts: 959 Seasoned Specialist WiFi Icon
    edited July 2020
    Puraw said:
    I reinstalled Audio Console_Realtek_1.3.179.0_W10x64 as that was uninstalled by DDU.exe

    Results:
    No difference in my sound quality or volume, still need to put my volume to 80% to play back a classical music MP3 file, but at least my Realtek sound system will be compatible with the new Windows 2004 feature upgrade (I hope).
    Thanks
    You're welcome  ;).

    Unrelated, but check for an updated audio console in Microsoft Store (check for updates), I didn't include it because it's automatically updated from there. Its version should be 1.9.214.0. And yep, it's compatible with 2004 (it's what I'm running right now).

    I have an Idea regarding listening to those files, but it may require changing the player. Because what I'm about to propose is benign, give it a try and see if there's any improvement, if there is we'll find out a similar setting for your audio player or something to keep it working for you.

    Download MPC-BE (it's a video player, I'm running the current beta), once installed and opened go to View -> Options -> Audio -> Sound processing and enable auto volume control and boost. I have those settings enabled by default to be honest, and although I also use MPC-BE for audio I think there are equivalent audio options in other players. I remember XMPlayer back in the day ship with auto normalization support.



    EDIT: I left the whole drivers package I'm using in my A515-54G, in case it's of any use as well: A515-54G Driver Pack
  • Puraw
    Puraw ACE, Member Posts: 7,524 Pathfinder
    edited July 2020
    @aphanic
    Cannot find Realtek Audio Console version 1.9.214.0 or even any Realtek Audio app in the MSFT Store.
    My Realtek Audio Console version is 6.0.8904.1/1.3.179.0. 


    Note that it has the new version audio driver I just installed. Apparently you need a link from Realtek or Acer to get any Realtek Audio Console from the MSFT Store, you cannot just browse the MSFT Store for this app.

    If you know how to get the Realtek link to MSFT Store let me know, there is also a version 1.9.215.0......


    I have been looking at MP3 volume boosters before but never saw MPC-BE, may give that a try.

    Not related but what were your issues upgrading to 2004, I have been waiting for newer INTEL GPU drivers as I fear many driver issues with 2004: I have an integrated INTEL as well as a dedicated Nvidia GPU and it takes very little to break those drivers (like Windows10 1909 Fast Startup).

  • aphanic
    aphanic Member Posts: 959 Seasoned Specialist WiFi Icon
    edited July 2020
    Puraw said:
    @aphanic
    Cannot find Realtek Audio Console version 1.9.214.0 or even any Realtek Audio app in the MSFT Store.
    My Realtek Audio Console version is 6.0.8904.1/1.3.179.0. 


    Note that it has the new version audio driver I just installed. Apparently you need a link from Realtek or Acer to get any Realtek Audio Console from the MSFT Store, you cannot just browse the MSFT Store for this app.

    If you know how to get the Realtek link to MSFT Store let me know, there is also a version 1.9.215.0......


    I have been looking at MP3 volume boosters before but never saw MPC-BE, may give that a try.

    Not related but what were your issues upgrading to 2004, I have been waiting for newer INTEL GPU drivers as I fear many driver issues with 2004: I have an integrated INTEL as well as a dedicated Nvidia GPU and it takes very little to break those drivers (like Windows10 1909 Fast Startup).

    My bad, I forgot about the audio console, I should have mentioned it in the initial post :(. When you don't install any, as soon as you're connected to the Internet Windows will install the appropriate version off its store, but it's one of those apps that don't appear when searched for them. I'll upload a bundled version of the console over here so you can give it a try, 1.9.214.0 is the one for those drivers (the're tied).

    Let me know if it doesn't allow you to install it over the one you have, another option could be to uninstall that one and reinstall it from the "Owned" section of the Microsoft Store, maybe it installs 1.9.214.0 on its own (untested, I tested it on mine and that's the version it installs, but I had it previously).

    As for the graphical drivers I have good news, since a couple of releases, Intel allows the installation of the drivers you can download off of their Download Center over the ones the manufacturer of the machine provides without losing customizations the manufacturer may have made. The only requirement is that the drivers provided by the manuf. have to be DCH drivers (which they are for the A515-54G). The procedure then would be as follows: Install Acer drivers -> Download regular ones from Intel's Download Center (they're also in the pack I posted) -> Install those without uninstalling the ones from Acer:

    Note: Installing this Intel generic graphics driver will overwrite your computer manufacturer (OEM) customized driver. OEM drivers are handpicked and include customized features and solutions to platform-specific issues. The generic Intel driver provides users the latest and greatest feature enhancements and bug fixes that OEMs may not have customized yet to address platform-specific needs. Users can check for matching OEM versions at OEM websites.

    After that, should you want/need newer drivers you can just install the ones from the Download Center. I have to say I have had good results installing the ones from the Download Center directly in this machine as well, but it's anecdotal I guess, the official way is to install first the manuf. drivers.

    I'm also running the latest NVIDIA graphical drivers directly off their site (I wanted 2004's hardware based scheduling enabled), I have fast startup disabled because I dual boot, but I'll give it try and report back in case something goes wrong. However, sticking to Acer, there are newer versions available for other laptops. Like v442.62.

    In any case, if you ever run into trouble regarding graphic drivers I have found DDU to be quite the tool. It will remove a botched installation and allow you to cleanly install again (it was meant for graphics as per its name, but they're expanding to audio as well).

    EDIT: Fast startup seems to work fine with the drivers I have installed.
  • Puraw
    Puraw ACE, Member Posts: 7,524 Pathfinder
    @aphanic
    That Realtek Audio Console 1.9.214.0 download went fine (I first uninstalled the old Console), how did you attach the zip file to your post (just curious)?
    I don't see any difference in the new Console menus and the sound is the same, maybe a bit louder when set to "Movie".
    I don't think that the latest Intel GPU package (VGA_Intel_26.20.100.6911_W10x64) from Acer Support contains DCH drivers, I tried to install those (DCH) before from Intel Support without any luck but will download your RAR package and may try that before getting the 2004 upgrade feature. I find my screen a bit dim (live in the country on a farm) for IPS panel and that Intel UHD control panel is of no use to me.

    (This control panel was not installed by Acer Philippines, I had to download it via Intel from MSFT Store). I am not using the Nvidia GPU at all, no apps that can use it except Edge Chromium. There was no a515-54 model on sale only 54G when I purchased my laptop in February (I am not a gamer).
    I would like to use Fast Startup in 2004, did you get any Event errors or warnings after a full boot later?
    Is your Elan-MSFT Precision Touchpad also super sensitive (picking up "ghost" gestures), makes no difference setting it to low or high sensitivity? 


  • aphanic
    aphanic Member Posts: 959 Seasoned Specialist WiFi Icon
    Puraw said:
    That Realtek Audio Console 1.9.214.0 download went fine (I first uninstalled the old Console), how did you attach the zip file to your post (just curious)?

    I just drag & dropped it but I think the icon to attach files (limited formats though) is the one 2 steps to the right of the emoji face).

    Puraw said:
    I don't see any difference in the new Console menus and the sound is the same, maybe a bit louder when set to "Movie".

    Probably not, I think it's just a frontend to control the driver, but for some reason different versions of the driver install different versions of the UI utility. When installing from the Store there seemed to be plenty and something selected 1.9.214.0 when those drivers were installed 🤔.

    Puraw said:
    I don't think that the latest Intel GPU package (VGA_Intel_26.20.100.6911_W10x64) from Acer Support contains DCH drivers, I tried to install those (DCH) before from Intel Support without any luck but will download your RAR package and may try that before getting the 2004 upgrade feature. I find my screen a bit dim (live in the country on a farm) for IPS panel and that Intel UHD control panel is of no use to me.

    They are, DCH releases began somewhere in the last 25.x releases and there weren't standard driver releases past that for Intel. NVIDIA still releases both versions of their drivers to this day.

    Puraw said:
    I am not using the Nvidia GPU at all, no apps that can use it except Edge Chromium. There was no a515-54 model on sale only 54G when I purchased my laptop in February (I am not a gamer).

    I use it for some compute tasks with CUDA, but aside from that it's dormant. The integrated one from Intel, although weak compared to dedicated graphic cards is plenty enough for me too. I got mine because it was at a really good price and I was looking for a new laptop, I think some plain -54 submodels were available too, but for some reason they were the same price or more expensive, so I got this one.

    Puraw said:
    I would like to use Fast Startup in 2004, did you get any Event errors or warnings after a full boot later?

    Visually, no problems with fast start even after a normal reboot (reboots force things to start normally if I'm not mistaken; but I didn't check the Event Viewer for errors, what should I look for?

    Puraw said:
    Is your Elan-MSFT Precision Touchpad also super sensitive (picking up "ghost" gestures), makes no difference setting it to low or high sensitivity?

    And this is where our machines differ, maybe the screen panel is different as well (pic below). Mine is Synaptics made, I have no ghosting issues but since the hardware is different I'm of no help 🤷🏼‍♂️.

    My screen is PANDA made, but I had trouble finding info on it. It doesn't seem to be fully into the IPS family, maybe VA? What I saw, but don't recall where, was that it had a pretty bad PWM flickering (as in low frequency, may induce headaches on prolonged usage) at 10% or less brightness, and an overall unimpressive max. brightness; but I tend to work indoors or with indirect sunlight so I'm fine:



    I've seen A515-54Gs and A515-54s with TN panels, so we're in the lucky group. I understand using different components depending on availability or pricing at the time of manufacturing, but I think consistency on their specs and QA should be just as important. It's night and day working on TN vs IPS, and the same for gamers, TN panels with their sub-par viewing angles have much better response times.
  • Montague1162
    Montague1162 Member Posts: 6

    Tinkerer

    @Montague1162 Ideally, you should create a new topic and add me by placing an @.
    I thank you for the input - I'm really a fish out of water here.
  • Montague1162
    Montague1162 Member Posts: 6

    Tinkerer

    aphanic said:
    I have the exact model laptop (purchased on 21 June 20) and problem.  You say Microsoft support solved the problem.  I have no experience in addressing hardware or software issues - where do I begin? 

    Try not to post on threads that are old-ish, even if your query is related it's good netiquette to start a new one like @egydiocoelho said. If your issue doesn't get resolved with this procedure, do create a new one because more examination is needed.

    Download this package and DDU, they're two self extracting files, then disconnect from the Internet and make sure your laptop doesn't connect until all is done.

    Now, double click DDU and allow select things as per this picture, the computer will reboot (remember, no network for now):



    After the reboot, double click the package with the Realtek drivers and go through the installation, it's "Next, next, next" so it's straightforward. Reboot again, check the audio, connect to the network.

    If all is good you're done, otherwise create a new thread and link to this one stating what you have tried (the more data we have the more informed decisions we can make); hope it helps but do report back in any case.
    Thanks for the input - I barely have any idea of what I'm doing.
  • aphanic
    aphanic Member Posts: 959 Seasoned Specialist WiFi Icon
    edited July 2020
    Montague1162 said:
    Thanks for the input - I barely have any idea of what I'm doing.
    No problem, we're here to help and we've all have been fish out of water at some point or another ;)