Inspiron 7566, Windows 7, Realtek ALC3246 issue

Now when I installed audio driver for WIN7 (Audio_Driver_16WW8_WN32_6.0.1.7904_A02.EXE) from Dell website which is provided for my system by the service tag

Hello. It is true that Dell provides that driver for the Inspiron 7566, but it is a Windows 10 driver. Dell has released 2 versions of the Realtek driver for the Inspiron 7566, but both are for Win10.

is it possible to install MAXX audio somehow?

I don't know if it would help to install the version directly from the Realtek site and see if that affects the installer. If not, you could experiment with Win7 Realtek drivers from older Dell laptops and see if one of them will install.

1.Go to the Realtek downloads selection page. http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/
2. On the page click on "High Definition Audio Codecs".
3. Check "I accept" and then "next".
4. (optional) In the column named "Description" find the file named README and download it. That has the instructions for installing or updating.
5. In the column named "Description" select your operating system and whether it is 32bits or 64bits from the top 2 choices in the list.
6. In the column named "Download" click on one of the server names to download the driver.

hi jimco,

I've done what you suggested, but that sadly didn't changed anything.

The limitation seems to be that Windows 7 is not supported on your model.

Why do you want to have the MaxxAudio program? Perhaps there is some other software that will perform the tasks you require.

The reason for using Maxx Audio was for the combined audio port.  The ability to turn off the pop up message is not available in that utility.

The Realtek Audio Manager in Win 7 should have the same capabilities and allow for the popups and additional music settings..  Look around that panel and click on everything.  Some of the settings options are a little hard to find.

Saumart, another poster decided to answer for you, and said that you need MaxxAudio because your audio port will not work without it. Please let me know if that is the reason you are trying to install it.

I just wanted to have better sound, because without MAXX audio sound quality was very dull and plain. Comparing what was with windows10 and windows 7. Since it looks near to impossible to have OEM software I just found myself some 3rd party software doing the job. Maybe one day there will be update drivers provided, but for now...

Edit: By the way I just checked the audio port and yes it is not working, I cannot use headphones. 

Forgot to mention that if the native driver does not restore jack functionality, you can use a cheap usb audio jack, for when you want to use headphones or external speakers. A usb jack has its own audio hardware codecs and uses a native usb audio driver.

But note that the usb jack is not meant for a combo headset with 1 plug. It is designed for headphones (one plug), or traditional headsets (2 plugs).

Glad using a driver from a different model worked.

Thank god I won't be needing that thing jimco posted.

Ha ha. Didn't mean to scare you with it. :emotion-5: