Stereo Mix Option Missing on New Dell Computers Running SoundWire

Summary: The following article provides information about why the latest XPS and Precision Laptops are missing the Stereo Mix option.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Symptoms

Cannot find the Stereo Mix option

 

If you cannot find the stereo mix option on your new XPS, or Precision laptop, you should check if your computer came with SoundWire installed. The latest models of Dell computer are moving away from Stereo Mix and changing to the Realtek SoundWire HW Audio Codec Device driver.

What is SoundWire?

SoundWire is a new Audio Interface Specification. It consolidates many of the key attributes in mobile and computer audio interfaces. It provides a comprehensive interface with scalable architecture. It can be used to enable audio features and functions in many types of devices. It supports the use of advanced amplifiers and microphones. In also optimizes speaker protection, microphone power and performance, noise cancellation and always-listening audio input.

How do I identify if SoundWire is installed?

  1. Open Device Manager:

    • Press the Windows + R keys together to open a Run window. Type devmgmt.msc and then click OK.

    • Open the Start Menu, type Device Manager and open the application from the list that appears.

    • Right-click the Start Menu and select Device Manager from the menu that appears.

  2. Go to Sound, video and game controllers and expand the category.

  3. Can you find the Realtek SoundWire HW Audio Codec Device Driver in that list?

    • If you cannot find the SoundWire driver, it does not look like SoundWire is installed.

    • If you can find the SoundWire driver, then SoundWire is installed on this computer.

SoundWire compatible computers:

  • Precision 5750, 5760 and 5770 Mobile Workstation
  • XPS 9315 and 9320 Laptop
  • XPS 9700, 9710 and 9720 Laptop
Note: More platforms are moving to this modern technology going forward.
 


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Cause

The computer is working as designed if it was shipped with SoundWire installed.


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Resolution

The computer is working as designed if it comes to you with SoundWire installed. This is the latest version of Audio driver available.

Note: If your computer is missing the Stereo Mix option but SoundWire is not installed, you need to troubleshoot your issue further. The following knowledgebase article takes you through further audio troubleshooting:


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Affected Products

Precision 5750, Precision 5760, Precision 5770, XPS 13 9315, XPS 13 Plus 9320, XPS 17 9700, XPS 17 9710, XPS 17 9720
Article Properties
Article Number: 000201963
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 16 Apr 2025
Version:  3
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