Sometimes users do not need a sound card in the system (especially if it is a built-in sound card, and the system has a separate one of higher quality). In this case, in order to avoid hardware conflicts, it is better to disconnect the unused device.
Instructions
Step 1
The easiest (and safest) way to disable the on-board sound card is in your motherboard's BIOS. To do this, go to the BIOS settings menu (usually by pressing the DEL key while the computer is booting) and go to the "Integrated Peripherals" section (for AWARD BIOS). There, set the item "AC97 Audio Select" to "Disabled", save the settings and restart your computer.
Step 2
If for some reason you do not want to touch the BIOS settings or want to disable the additionally installed sound card, then for the Windows operating system it is better to do this as follows:
Step 3
Right-click on the "My Computer" icon, select "Properties".
Step 4
Go to the "Hardware" tab, click the "Device Manager" button.
Step 5
Find the sound card you want to disable, right-click on it and select "disable".
