Select from the Property dropdown menu. Note the VEN_14F1&DEV_... alphanumeric string; this confirms your exact Conexant chip model. Step 2: Download the Verified 7/3/2018 Package

Avoid third-party "driver downloader" software, which often contains adware. Instead, use official enterprise repositories:

Uncheck or toggle the "Immediate mode" checkbox to see if the audio profile stabilizes. Alternative Solution: The Generic Windows Driver

This article was fact-checked against driver INF metadata, WHQL logs, and real-user benchmark data from 2018–2025. For critical systems, always create a restore point before driver modifications.

If the driver is causing you to have no audio or distorted sound, hiding it may not be enough.

Released quietly in mid-2018, this driver build brought several critical improvements over older versions (6.x and early 7.x):

Reduces battery drain during audio playback. Low Latency: Critical for VOIP apps like Skype and Zoom. How to Install the Update

In mid-2018, Microsoft rolled out Windows 10 version 1803 (April 2018 Update) followed by version 1809 (October 2018 Update). These builds fundamentally changed how audio drivers interact with the kernel. Conexant, already in a transition phase (being acquired by Synaptics in 2017), failed to release timely WHQL updates.

System crashes pointing directly to the file CHDRT64.sys or SmartAudio.exe .

The March 7, 2018 update for Conexant Media 7 brings several significant enhancements to improve the overall media experience. Some of the key features of this update include:

The most effective approach is to rather than trying to force its installation. Here is a step-by-step guide to reclaim your update history.

If you are troubleshooting an old laptop, do not rely on the date alone. Go to . Compare these IDs with the driver package you found to ensure compatibility.

Open (right-click the Start button and select it). Expand Sound, video and game controllers .

Following the steps above—starting with the —will resolve the immediate issue and allow Windows Update to focus on other important security and feature updates.