Realtek Audio device Code 10 cannot start and unable to update

So - I backed up some essentials and wiped everything using the "Reset this PC" tool. I chose to remove all personal files and folders as well as cleaning drives completely. I then followed Greg's guide at https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows\_10-performance/windows-10-performance-and-install-integrity/75529fd4-fac7-4653-893a-dd8cd4b4db00 and encountered no issues whatsoever. My installation appears to be problem-free.

Despite all updates being installed, all drivers I could think of being good to go and a seemingly healthy installation of Windows, I CANNOT install my sound driver and the pc simply will not let it run. Even if I manually install the audio console app it fails to install with an unknown error. And it certainly doesn't work without it (still code 10 device cannot start for my realtek driver). Is my board defective? Because at this point it seems like it's just incapable of working and is physically broken despite being a fairly new pc build (less than 2 years old).

OK, that explains your Device Manager. I guess all is normal in it except the internal sound card refuses to install properly. You seem to have seen it in BIOS, so it hasn't become unplugged. Also, I doubt Windows could give it a code 10 without seeing it.

(1) Are there any hardware tests that can be done in BIOS?

(2) Did you see the reviews of "Realtek Audio Console" in the Store? It's horrid, & many of them got the error you did trying to install it...!...

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/realtek-audio-control/9p2b8mcsvpln?SilentAuth=1&wa=wsignin1.0&activetab=pivot:reviewstab

Realtek Audio Control

(3) I say...

(a) Make a Windows system image backup. Want instructions?

(b) Then try the clean install.

(c) Definitely make do without that app afterward.

The clean install will fetch drivers on its own, but see Greg's post for precautionary measures. When asked, input your Microsoft account password. That will make activation automatic, provided you are installing the same Edition (Home, Pro, etc.) as you've got now. The only other password I was asked for was my WiFi password (which is written on the router). A few drivers may need to be updated afterward. I think - darn it - it was my Realtek that needed that. Get them from your site, if it happens to you.

Maybe first (before the clean install) try installing the audio from the INF the way JosephT71 said earlier, namely unpack it & click it's Setup.exe.

His Asus VP278 is his monitor --- which has its own speakers.

The "High Definition Audio Device" is a generic Microsoft audio driver for his graphics card --- which outputs audio via HDMI.

Yes, this was my understanding as well. It is the monitor and that is sound kind of hdmi audio driver for the graphics card. I wasn't sure if it was causing some kind of conflict? Either way Im thinking I'll clean install tonight, if anyone has any tips on what order to install stuff from the clean install I'd appreciate them as I know what I need to have on here but I don't want to mess anything up in regards to drivers this time.

His Asus VP278 is his monitor --- which has its own speakers.

The "High Definition Audio Device" is a generic Microsoft audio driver for his graphics card --- which outputs audio via HDMI.

If you're willing to do a clean install, I won't dissuade you. Follow Greg's URL or post questions after reading it...

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-windows_install/clean-install-windows-10/1c426bdf-79b1-4d42-be93-17378d93e587

Clean Install Windows 10

Mine is a different computer, but your Device Manager looks weird enough in comparison to justify a clean install. It has only one audio output (which I guess belongs to the Steinberg CI1)...

And it appears to have three audio devices where I'd expect only two -- one internal & one external.

Those top two of yours are alternative drivers for one audio device. They shouldn't both show up for a single device, unless maybe you are showing hidden devices (View menu item). But it doesn't look as if you are. And I don't get the second one even when I do.

After the clean install, definitely do not install that Steinberg until all is well without it. Then see what happens afterwards.