How to Disable Onboard Sound

There are several methods for disabling the on-board audio using the PC platform running any version of the Windows operating system. The on-board sound device can be disabled in the system BIOS prior to start up or by utilizing the device manager in Windows. Macintosh computers do not provide the same level of access to system devices, which makes it difficult, if not impossible, to disable the on-board sound on the Mac platform. This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to disable an audio device in Windows 7, Vista and Windows XP operating systems.

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 Steps

Disable the On-Board Audio from the System BIOS for All Versions of Windows

1. 1
   Access the BIOS prior to start up. Depending on what system you are running and which BIOS version you have, there will be variations in how to access and make changes to your system's BIOS. All BIOS versions will have a key assigned that must be pressed immediately after the power is turned on.
   
   
   
   • Identify the assigned key for accessing the system BIOS. The most common keyboard keys assigned for opening the system's BIOS are the delete key, F1, F2, F11 and the escape key. There is usually a prompt at the bottom of the screen just after the system is powered up that tells the user which key has been assigned for opening the system BIOS.
   • Use the assigned key to access the BIOS screen. Once you have identified the key, restart your computer and tap the key several times when the system powers up. The BIOS screen will open.
2. 2
   Disable the on-board sound from the BIOS. The disable on-board audio option is typically located on the Integrated Peripherals section of the BIOS menu. Scroll to the right using the directional arrows on your keyboard to locate the Integrated Peripherals section.
   
   
   
   • Locate the primary audio device in the Integrated Peripherals menu. The name of the audio device in the list of peripherals will vary, but will typically include the word "audio" or "AC97."
   • Disable the audio device by using the directional arrows to navigate to the category options. Selecting "disable" and press the enter key on your keyboard.
3. 3
   Exit the BIOS. You automatically will be taken back to the Standard Settings menu. Use the directional arrows to navigate to the "Save Settings and Exit" option and press enter. The on-board audio is disabled and your system will boot-up automatically.
   
   
   

Disable the On-Board Audio while Logged into Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7

1. 1
   Access the device manager. There are numerous methods for accessing the device manager in all versions of Windows.
   • Select Computer Management in the control panel or open the start menu and click "Run."
     
     
     
   • You can also use the search feature under the programs menu. Type "computer management" in the empty field and press enter.
     
     
     
2. 2
   Locate the on-board audio using the Device Manager. Select the Device Manager from the folder options in the pane on the far left. Scroll down the list of options in the Device Manager folder and click the plus sign next to the option titled "Sound, Video, and Game Controllers" to open the list of audio and video devices installed.
3. 3
   Disable the on-board sound device. Right click on the audio device to be deactivated and select "Disable" from the pull-down menu. The on-board sound device has been disabled.