How do I find what computer sound card I have?

There are many different ways to determine which type of sound card is utilized by your computer. The following sections show many alternative methods that should yield similar results, just with varying levels of information detail.

Manufactured Computers

For those of you who have an OEM machine, (e.g. Dell, HP, Sony, or Apple) visit the manufacturer's site and then do a search of your computer's model number.

Using the Windows Key shortcut

1. Press Windows Key + Pause.
2. In the window that appears, select Device Manager.
3. Click the Arrow next to Sound, video and game controllers.
4. Your sound card is in the list that appears.

Through the search box

Microsoft Windows users can determine their sound card by following the steps below.

1. Click the Start Button in the lower left-hand corner of your screen; or navigate to the Start Screen (Windows 8).
2. Locate the Search Box in the lower left-hand corner of the window that appears; Windows 8 users may just start typing.
3. Type dxdiag and press Enter.
4. You sound card is listed under one (usually the last) of the sound tabs at the top of the window.

Other methods for determining the sound card type

Looking at the Sound Card

Another method of determining the sound card manufacturer or model is by opening your computer case and physically examining the sound card. Commonly, the sound card manufacturer and model is printed on the card itself. If the information you need is not printed on the card, you may use an FCC identification number to search its specifications.

Alternative Search Method

In the Windows Search Box, type System Information and press Enter. Click the +next to Components, then Sound Device.