In this troubleshooting guide, we’ll explain the Realtek Audio Console and how to download and install it on the Windows operating system.

What Is the Realtek Audio Console?

The Realtek Audio Console app (also known as Realtek Audio Control) is a more advanced version of the Realtek HD Audio Manager. It’s a software tool that lets you configure audio devices, including microphones, headsets, speakers, and more.

With Realtek Audio Console, you can change volume parameters and audio device settings for each peripheral that you have connected. You can add playback sound effects and use advanced features like headphone virtualization and equalizers.

Realtek Audio Console contains all the features of Realtek HD Audio Manager and some more advanced tools (and a better user interface).

How to Download Realtek Audio Console on Windows 10 and Windows 11

The Realtek Audio Console comes pre-installed on Windows PCs. If you uninstall it, or a random glitch causes it to disappear or stop working, you can reinstall it from the Microsoft Store:

1. Open the Realtek Audio Control download page from the Microsoft Store website (it isn’t possible to find it directly from the Microsoft Store app).
2. Select Get in Store app.

3. Select Open Microsoft Store in the pop-up window (if it appears).
4. When the Microsoft Store opens, select Get.

5. Wait for the installation wizard to complete.

You can also download the Realtek Audio Console installation file from the official website:

1. Open the official Realtek download page.
2. Scroll down to the Windows section to find the latest driver version matching your operating system and hardware.

3. The Realtek Audio Console download will be available in your downloads folder. Below, we’ll explain how to update your drivers manually using this file.

How to Update Realtek Audio Console

If your Realtek Audio Console software is malfunctioning, you might be able to fix it by installing the latest updates. The easiest way to update the Realtek audio codecs is by updating Windows.

To do so:

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Select Update & Security.

3. Select Windows Update, then View optional updates.

4. Scroll down and look for a Realtek driver software update. If there’s one available, tick the checkbox and select Download and install to get the latest version.

Otherwise, you can update your Realtek driver version manually:

1. Right-click the Taskbar and select Device Manager.

2. Scroll down and expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click Realtek Audio and select Update driver.

4. Select Search automatically for drivers, then wait for the wizard to find and install the latest Realtek audio driver updates. If you downloaded the driver manually, select Browse computer for driver software and select the downloaded file.

How to Open the Realtek Audio Console

Once installed (or updated) you can use the Realtek Audio Console to full effect. Because it isn’t possible to find the program in the System Tray, you’ll have to navigate to its installation folder to open it.

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Program Files\Realtek\Audio\HDA\.
2. Double-click RtkNGUI64 to open Realtek HD Audio Manager.

Pro tip: The easiest way to open the Realtek Audio Console is by creating a desktop shortcut to use in the future. To do so, right-click RtkNGUI64.exe and select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).

Pump Up the Jam

There’s nothing worse than the sound on your PC suddenly cutting out. But hopefully, this tutorial has helped you get your sound card and Realtek High Definition Audio drivers working as they’re supposed to.

In this article, we’ll explain exactly what the HP System Event Utility is, what it does, and how to disable or update it depending on your needs.

What Is HP System Event Utility?

HP System Event Utility is software that comes pre-installed on Hewlett-Packard (HP) laptops and PCs. The purpose of the HP System Event Utility process is to enable special function keys and hotkeys on supported operating systems.

HP System Event Utility works alongside the HP Hotkey Support Driver to make sure that your PC recognizes specific key presses. This means that it needs to run in the background, and should use a small amount of system resources to do so.

Is HP System Event Utility Malware?

If your HP System Event Utility program is causing high CPU usage, it’s recommended that you check for malware on your device. Some malware and viruses are designed to mimic legitimate processes (like the HP System Event Utility), so you may have malware and not even know it.

However, HP System Event Utility may be causing excessive resource usage for another reason. For example, its files may have become corrupted, or there may be a temporary glitch causing it to malfunction.

If you scan your PC with antivirus software and it’s clean, we recommend that you check whether you’re using the latest version of the HP System Event Utility. We’ll explain how to do so below.

Is it Safe to Remove HP System Event Utility?

Disabling or removing the HP System Event Utility can cause many functions to stop working. If you disable it, custom keyboard shortcuts, special function keys, and other crucial system events will no longer work as designed. For example, you might not be able to adjust your volume.

For this reason, we don’t recommend removing the HP System Event Utility unless it’s absolutely required. Instead, it’s better to try and update (or reinstall) HP System Event Utility to the latest version. This should remove bugs and enhance its compatibility.

How to Update HP System Event Utility

HP recommends that users update the HP System Event Utility software to version 1.4.33 or higher. To do so:

1. Open the Start Menu, type “Control Panel”, and select Control Panel.

2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a Program.

3. In the Programs and Features window, scroll down and check HP System Event Utility. If it’s version 1.4.33 or later, you don’t need to worry. If it’s a version lower than 1.4.33, head to the HP Support page and download the latest HP System Event Utility Windows installer.

How to Remove HP System Event Utility

If the HP System Event Utility is the latest version, but it’s still causing problems with your computer, then you could try removing it. While this will affect your computer’s functions, it might be better in the long run (or at least help you troubleshoot more potential fixes).

Here are a few ways to remove the HP System Event Utility:

1. Disable HP System Event Utility in Task Manager

The first thing to try is temporarily disabling HP System Event Utility and checking if the problem has gone away. This is especially useful when the HP System Event Utility Host is preventing another app from working (like online examination programs).

To temporarily disable HP System Event Utility:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. Find and right-click HP System Event Utility Host and select End Task. If the problem is resolved, then HP System Event Utility is likely at fault and you could consider removing it altogether.

3. You can also disable the HP System Event Utility from starting up with your PC. Select the Startup tab, right-click HP System Event Utility, and select Disable.

2. Uninstall Via Apps and Features

The easiest way to uninstall HP System Event Utility is via Windows’ apps list:

1. If you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11, press the Windows key + X and select Apps and Features. If you’re using an older Windows operating system (like Windows Vista or 8.1), open the Programs and Features window as above.
2. Scroll down and find HP System Event Utility in the list of programs. Select it, then click Uninstall.

3. Uninstall Using the Uninstaller

If you can’t uninstall HP System Event Utility using the first method, HP has released an executable file that uninstalls the program for you. To use it:

1. Open the folder where HP System Event Utility is installed. To find this, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. In the Processes tab, right-click HP System Event Utility and select Open file location.

3. Find and double-click the uninstaller. This usually has a file name like uninst000.exe or uninstaller.exe.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall the software.

Contact HP Support

Occasionally, Microsoft and HP users report that they are unable to uninstall HP System Event Utility because of a random error. If this happens to you, you’ll have to contact HP support at www.hp.com and explain the issue to them. Hopefully, they’ll provide a solution that gets your PC up and running once again.

We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about gutter margins in Microsoft Word.

What Is a Gutter Margin in Word?

A gutter margin is the space outside of the page margin on the left, top, or inside of the document. Its purpose is to provide extra space for binding documents such as physical books, manuals, or similar printed materials.

This added space ensures that your content remains intact with enough room for the binding.

Gutter Margin Size and Position

To determine the size for the gutter margin, check with the service that will bind the document as it may vary by company or the number of pages. If you’re doing it yourself, 0.5 inches is the average gutter margin.

While you can set the gutter margin size you need in Word, you can only choose its position when you use the Normal page setting. This allows you to pick the left or top for the gutter margin.

If you use the Mirror Margins, 2 Pages per Sheet, or Book Fold setting, you can still add the gutter margin size, but the position is on the left or inside by default. You’ll also notice that the Gutter position setting is grayed out for these document types.

Gutter Margin Feature

The gutter margin feature is available in the Word desktop application on Windows and Mac. While Word on the web and the Word mobile apps support the feature if you add it on the desktop, they do not provide the ability to add or adjust gutter margins.

When Do You Need a Gutter Margin?

As mentioned, you should use a gutter margin for printed items that are bound like books, manuals, booklets, catalogs, and related materials.

You may also add a gutter margin if you plan to print and bind the document using a ring, spiral, comb, or similar binding method. You typically see items such as training materials, study resources, portfolios, and legal documents bound this way.

The bottom line is that for any document you plan to bind, you should add a gutter margin.

How to Add a Gutter Margin in Word

You can add a gutter margin in the Word desktop application on Windows and Mac the same way.

1. With your document open in Word, go to the Layout tab.
2. Select the Margins drop-down menu in the Page Setup group and choose Custom Margins at the bottom.

3. In the Page Setup dialog box, confirm you’re on the Margins tab.
4. Use the Gutter setting in the Margins section to set the size for the gutter margin.

5. If you’re using Normal in the Multiple Pages drop-down menu, you can also choose the Gutter position. Pick from Left or Top.

6. As you make your adjustments, you’ll see the Preview near the bottom on Windows and the right side on Mac. The gutter margin displays in a black and white checkered pattern.

7. Select OK when you finish.

When you return to your document, you’ll notice the addition of the gutter margin outside the margin.

In the screenshot below, you can see our document before (left) and after (right) adding a top gutter margin. You’ll notice extra space above the Header section, or top margin.

Remove a Gutter Margin Word

If you need to remove the gutter margin after you add it, this is easy by returning to the margin settings.

Head back to the Layout tab, open the Margins drop-down menu, and pick Custom Margins. In the Page Setup box, set the Gutter size to “0” and select OK to save the change.

To make sure your printed document is easy to read and the words aren’t too close to the binding, simply add a gutter margin in Word. For more help with your document, look at how to insert page numbers in Word as well as in Google Docs.

The issue of Razer Synapse not recognizing peripherals most often happens with the mouse and keyboard. But it can happen to any peripheral such as a headset, microphone, or any other hardware Synapse typically works with. This article will show you how to fix the problem of Razer Synapse 3 and Razer Synapse 2 not recognizing peripherals.

1. Perform Hardware Troubleshooting

There are several ways you can troubleshoot your hardware, especially when it comes to peripherals such as mouse and keyboard. You can plug them out of your computer and try them on another device with Razer Synapse software installed to see if they can be detected.

If you don’t have another PC handy, you can simply plug your peripherals into a different USB port. Make sure it’s plugged directly into your PC without using intermediary USB hubs. Also, you should check the device’s cables and USB ports for any physical damage.

Finally, Windows 10 and 11 have a hardware troubleshooter that you can use to see if there is a problem with your devices. Hardware and Devices troubleshooter is not visible from Settings. You’ll have to use the Command Prompt. Here’s how:

1. Make sure the Razer devices you are testing are connected to your PC.
2. Click a magnifying glass on your Windows 10/11 taskbar. This will open the search bar. Type cmd and select Command Prompt.

3. Type the troubleshooter command: msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic.

4. This will open Hardware and Devices troubleshooter. Click Next.

5. Wait for the troubleshooter to detect problems.

6. If the troubleshooter suggests any resolutions, select Apply this fix to execute it.

2. Reinstall Device Drivers

Another fix that reportedly works is reinstalling all Razer HID-compliant devices. This can help resolve any problems your mouse and keyboard drivers might have.

1. Press Win + X on your keyboard to bring up the Power User menu.
2. Select Device Manager from the menu.

3. Double-click Mice and other pointing devices to view the peripheral devices.

4. Right-click the Razer mouse and select Uninstall device.

5. Confirm by selecting Uninstall when prompted.

Restart your PC, and Windows will automatically reinstall the Razer device drivers you uninstalled. Any corrupted drivers that were causing problems will be replaced.

3. Update Razer Device Drivers

Perhaps your device drivers are not corrupted but simply outdated. If this is the case, you can download the latest version directly from the Razer official website or use a third-party app, such as Easy Pro, to automatically update drivers on your PC.

Here’s how to update your Razer mouse drivers from the official website:

1. Go to the Razer Support page and select PC.

2. Select Mice (or another peripheral you want to update) on the next page.

3. On the Mouse Support page, select Downloads.

4. Click on a green plus symbol next to the Mice and Mats (or any other peripheral you want the latest drivers for).
5. Find your device on the list and click Download next to it.

6. Once downloaded, click the .exe driver file to install it on your PC. Follow the on-screen instructions (if any) to complete the process.

4. Turn off the Antivirus

Some antivirus programs can prevent Razer Synapse from detecting peripherals. Windows Defender, and some third-party antivirus apps, need to be temporarily disabled to fix this issue.

Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection to temporarily disable Windows Defender.

After disabling the antivirus, launch Razer Synapse to see if it detects your keyboard and mouse. If this works, add Razer Synapse to the exclusion list in Windows Security (or alternative software you might be using). This will allow you to turn the antivirus back on without blocking the Synapse software.

5. Use Synapse’s Repair Option

You can try Synapse’s repair option to fix the software not detecting devices. Lots of users reported this is how they managed to resolve the issue.

1. Open the Run box by pressing the Windows key + R on your keyboard.
2. Type appwiz.cpl and click OK.

3. Find Razer Synapse on the list of programs, and right-click it. Select Change.

4. When the Razer window opens, select the Repair option.

5. Be patient while Synapse finds and repairs any potential issues. This might involve downloading and reinstalling missing or corrupted modules.

When it’s finished, launch Synapse and log into your account. See if it now detects your mouse and keyboard.

6. Uninstall Razer Synapse and Reinstall It

Corrupted files are not specific only to drivers. They can show up anywhere, even in the Synapse modules and files. This can potentially lead to Synapse failing to detect Razer peripherals. The solution to this problem would be thoroughly uninstalling and reinstalling Razer Synapse software. Make sure to do it properly so that no leftover data could be corrupted and influence how Synapse works.

Follow these steps to reinstall Razer Synapse:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to bring up the run box.
2. Type appwiz.cpl and click the OK button. This will bring up Programs and Features.

3. Find Razer Synapse in the list of programs and right-click it. Select Uninstall.

4. When prompted by Razer, select Uninstall.

5. Select all Razer software and click the Uninstall button in the lower right corner.

6. Razer will ask you if you really want to remove their software. Select Yes, Remove.

Even after you complete uninstalling Razer Synapse, you’ll have to make sure to delete all the remaining files that might be hidden. Here’s how:

1. Go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Razer.
2. Click Hidden items in the ribbon to ensure all the files are displayed. If you are a Windows 11 user, click the three dots, then go to Options > View > Check Show hidden files, folders, and drives.

3. Delete all the files in the Razer folder. Select them with your mouse, and press the DEL button on your keyboard.
4. Go to C:\ProgramData\Razer and ensure the Hidden items option in the ribbon is checked.

5. Delete all the files in this Razer folder too.
6. Reboot your computer.

Now you can install Razer Synapse from the official website, just like you did the first time. After the installation, see if the software detects your Razer products.

Does your Razer device show up in Razer Synapse after applying any of these fixes? If you’re still having issues, read our detailed guide on how to fix a USB device not recognized in Windows.

However, Spotify’s auth:74 error can also pop up for several other reasons, such as a corrupt application cache or broken network settings.

This guide will provide multiple solutions to help you eliminate the auth:74 error so you can log back into Spotify on your Windows PC without issues.

Force-Quit and Restart Spotify

It’s a good idea to kick things off by force-quitting the Spotify app on your Windows computer. Usually, that helps clear temporary issues impacting the login process. Just:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Task Manager.
2. Highlight Spotify among the list of processes.
3. Select the End task button.

After you do that, relaunch Spotify, attempt to sign back in, and check if the error recurs. If it does, continue with the rest of the instructions.

Restart Your Computer

Rebooting your computer can resolve broader system-related issues preventing Spotify from signing you in. Just open the Start menu and select Power > Restart.

Run Spotify as Administrator

Running Spotify as an administrator gives the program more control over your computer, allowing it to bypass restrictions causing the auth:74 error. To do that:

1. Force-quit Spotify via the Task Manager.
2. Open the Start menu and search for Spotify.
3. Select Run as administrator.

Check Your Firewall Settings

If restarting Spotify or launching it as an administrator failed to make the auth:74 error disappear, it’s time to shift your focus to your computer’s firewall settings. If you use third-party anti-malware software, check its firewall for a way to allow the Spotify app to communicate with the internet.

However, if you rely on the built-in Windows Firewall for network security, here’s what you must do to check if Spotify has unrestricted access to the internet:

1. Press Windows + R, type control firewall.cpl into the Run box, and select OK.
2. Select Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall on the left of the Windows Defender Firewall window.
3. Select the Change settings button.
4. Scroll down and make sure the box next to Spotify Music or spotify.exe is checked. Next, ensure both boxes under the Private and Public columns are active.
5. Select OK if you made any modifications.

Check Your Proxy Settings

If you’re on a network using a proxy server, the Spotify app should automatically detect your proxy settings by default. However, if the error persists, you should manually set up the application with the relevant proxy information.

Alternatively, if you’re on a trusted network without a proxy, it’s a good idea to configure Spotify to stop looking for proxy settings.

To manage your proxy settings in Spotify:

1. Attempt to sign into Spotify and select Proxy Settings within the auto:74 error message.
2. If you use a proxy server, switch from Auto-detect settings to HTTP, SOCKS4, or SOCKS5 option and fill in your proxy details. If you don’t use a proxy, select No proxy.
3. Select Restart App.

Disable Virtual Private Network

VPNs (or virtual private networks) can cause regional mismatches when Spotify attempts to communicate with its servers during login. If you use a VPN, try deactivating it. Here’s how:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Settings.
2. Select Network & internet and choose VPN.
3. Turn off the switch next to your VPN configuration.

Check the Hosts File

The auth:74 error code could also result from your system’s Hosts file blocking Spotify’s connection to its servers. This is usually the case if you’ve altered the Hosts file in Windows to prevent Spotify ads.

To inspect and remove any Spotify-related entries from the Hosts file:

1. Launch Notepad via the Start menu.
2. Open the File menu in Notepad and select Open.
3. Navigate to the following location:

Local Disk C > Windows > System32 > drivers > etc

4. Set document discovery to All files, highlight the Hosts file, and select Open.
5. Scan the file for lines that mention Spotify and Fastly (Spotify’s content delivery network) and delete them. Examples include:

• 0.0.0.0 weblb-wg.gslb.spotify.com
• 0.0.0.0 prod.b.ssl.us-eu.fastlylb.net

6. Select File > Save As if you had to make any modifications.
7. Save the modified Hosts file to your desktop.
8. Right-click the Hosts file on your desktop and select Copy.
9. Revisit the location of the original Hosts file via File Explorer—Local Disk C > Windows > System32 > drivers > etc.
10. Right-click a vacant area and Paste. If you don’t see an overwrite prompt, right-click the original Hosts file and select Delete.

Clear the Spotify Cache

The Spotify cache stores temporary data to help the Spotify app run faster. However, over time, it can fill up with redundant data, leading to various errors. You can’t clear the Spotify cache via the application interface because you can’t log in, so you must rely on File Explorer instead.

If you use the standard version of Spotify from the Spotify website:

1. Press Windows + R, type appdata, and select OK.
2. Go to Local > Spotify.
3. Right-click the Storage folder and choose Delete.

If you use the Microsoft Store version of Spotify:

1. Press Windows + R, type appdata, and select OK.
2. Go to Local > Packages > SpotifyAB.SpotifyMusic_zpdnekdrzrea0 > LocalCache.
3. Delete the Spotify folder.

Reset Network Settings

Resetting the network settings in Windows can resolve network-related issues from causing login errors in Spotify. The process erases saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, including VPN configurations, so you must set them from scratch afterward.

To restore the network settings in Windows to factory defaults, you must:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Settings.
2. Select Network & internet.
3. Select Advanced network settings.
4. Select Network reset.
5. Select Reset now.

Remove and Reinstall Spotify

Reinstalling Spotify clears persistent errors by ensuring you have a fresh copy of the application on your system but at the cost of your music downloads.

To delete your current Spotify installation:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Apps and Features/Installed apps.
2. Select Spotify Music and choose Uninstall.
3. Select Uninstall to confirm.

After uninstallation, reinstall Spotify via the Spotify website or the Microsoft Store and check if the error recurs.

Switch Spotify Versions

Switching between Spotify versions—from the Microsoft Store app to the standard desktop application or vice versa—is another fix that might resolve the auth:74 error. There are no feature differences between the versions, so try that out and check if you can sign in without trouble.

Log In and Start Chilling

Spotify’s “Error Code: Auth 74” on Windows is not unfixable. Through various methods like restarting your system, checking the firewall settings, or even reinstalling the application, you can tackle this issue head-on and log in to the app again. Reach out to Spotify Support if none of the fixes above work.