Fixed: AMD High Definition Audio Device Not Plugged In

If you see “AMD High Definition Audio Device not plugged in” in Windows, it usually means the audio driver is installed but Windows thinks the device is disconnected, often due to a power management setting or a driver glitch. The fix is to disable the device’s ability to turn off to save power, update or reinstall the driver, and check your sound output settings. This article explains why the error appears and walks you through each solution step by step.

What Is the AMD High Definition Audio Device?

The AMD High Definition Audio Device is the audio controller built into AMD graphics cards (and some AMD chipsets). It sends sound over HDMI or DisplayPort to a TV, monitor, or AV receiver. When you plug in a display with speakers, Windows should automatically switch audio to that device. The “not plugged in” message appears when Windows detects the controller but no audio-capable display is connected, or when the driver fails to recognize the connection.

This is different from your motherboard’s onboard audio (like Realtek). The AMD audio device only works when a compatible display is connected and set as the default playback device.

Why Does Windows Say “Not Plugged In”?

Common reasons include:

• Power saving: Windows may turn off the audio device to save power, and it doesn’t wake up properly.
• Driver issue: Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible AMD audio drivers.
• Display not connected: The monitor or TV is off, unplugged, or using a cable that doesn’t carry audio (e.g., DVI).
• Wrong default device: Windows is set to use a different audio output, so the AMD device appears inactive.
• BIOS/UEFI setting: Some systems disable onboard audio or the GPU’s audio function.

If you are using a monitor with built-in speakers, make sure the monitor’s volume is not muted and that you selected the correct input (HDMI/DP).

How to Fix It: Step-by-Step Solutions

Try these in order. Most users resolve the issue with the first or second step.

1. Disable Power Saving for the Device

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click AMD High Definition Audio Device and select Properties.
4. Go to the Power Management tab.
5. Uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”
6. Click OK and restart your PC.

2. Update or Reinstall the Driver

1. In Device Manager, right-click the AMD audio device and choose Update driver.
2. Select Search automatically for drivers. If no update is found, try Uninstall device (check “Delete the driver software for this device”) and then restart. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.
3. Alternatively, download the latest AMD chipset or graphics driver from AMD’s official website and run the installer, which includes the audio driver.

3. Check Sound Settings

1. Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select Open Sound settings.
2. Under Output, make sure the correct device is selected (your monitor or TV).
3. Click Sound Control Panel on the right, go to the Playback tab, and check if the AMD device is listed. If it is grayed out, right-click it and select Enable.
4. If the device shows “Not plugged in,” right-click and choose Show Disabled Devices and Show Disconnected Devices to see all options.

4. Check Physical Connections

• Make sure your monitor is powered on and connected via HDMI or DisplayPort.
• If using an HDMI-to-DVI adapter, note that DVI does not carry audio.
• Try a different cable or port on the GPU.
• If your monitor has multiple HDMI ports, try another one.

5. Restart the Windows Audio Service

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Find Windows Audio, right-click it, and select Restart.
3. Do the same for Windows Audio Endpoint Builder.

When the Error Appears Even with a Monitor Connected

If you have a monitor with speakers and the error persists, the issue is likely driver-related. First, try updating the driver as shown above. If that doesn’t work, uninstall the device and let Windows reinstall it. If the problem continues, check if your GPU’s audio is disabled in the BIOS. Restart your PC, press the key to enter BIOS (usually Del or F2), and look for “Onboard Audio” or “HD Audio” settings. Make sure it is set to Enabled. Note that some motherboards have a separate setting for “HDMI Audio” or “GPU Audio”.

Another possibility is that your monitor is connected to a different GPU (e.g., integrated graphics) while the AMD audio device belongs to a discrete GPU. In that case, the AMD device will never be used. Connect your monitor to the GPU that has the audio device you want to use.

What If the Device Is Missing Entirely?

If you don’t see the AMD High Definition Audio Device in Device Manager at all, it may be hidden. In Device Manager, click View and select Show hidden devices. If it still doesn’t appear, the driver may not be installed. Install the latest AMD graphics driver, which includes the audio driver. If you have an AMD CPU with integrated graphics, make sure the chipset drivers are installed as well.

Also, some GPUs have multiple audio devices (e.g., one for HDMI and one for DisplayPort). They may appear as separate entries. Make sure all are enabled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the AMD audio device show “not plugged in” even though my monitor has speakers?

This usually means the audio driver is not communicating properly with the display, or the display is not reporting that it has audio capability. Try a different cable, update the driver, and ensure the monitor is set to the correct input. Also, check if the monitor’s speakers are enabled in its own menu.

Can I just disable the AMD High Definition Audio Device?

Yes, if you are not using HDMI or DisplayPort audio, you can disable it in Device Manager. This will not affect your regular speakers or headphones connected to the motherboard. However, if you later want to use a TV or monitor with speakers, you’ll need to re-enable it.

Does the “not plugged in” error affect gaming performance?

No. The audio device has no effect on GPU performance. It only handles audio output. You can safely ignore the error if you are using other speakers.

Why does the error come back after every reboot?

This often happens because the power management setting resets or because the display is not detected at boot. Reapply the power management fix and make sure your monitor is turned on before you start the PC. If it persists, update the driver and check for Windows updates.

Is there a difference between AMD High Definition Audio and Realtek Audio?

Yes. AMD High Definition Audio is for audio over HDMI/DisplayPort from your graphics card. Realtek (or other) audio is for the analog jacks on your motherboard (headphones, speakers, mic). They are separate devices and can be used simultaneously.

How do I know if my monitor supports audio over HDMI?

Check the monitor’s specifications. Most modern monitors with built-in speakers support HDMI audio. If your monitor doesn’t have speakers, it will still show the AMD device as “not plugged in” because no audio-capable device is connected. In that case, use the monitor’s headphone jack (if present) or connect speakers to your PC.

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