Device Manager shows an "Unknown Device" or "Multimedia Audio Controller" with a yellow exclamation mark. The hardware ID is ACPI\VEN_ESSX&DEV_8336 .
Many ES8336 drivers from smaller OEMs are not digitally signed. To install them, temporarily disable Driver Signature Enforcement. Go to and select the option to disable signature requirements upon reboot. 2. Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) Dependency
The ES8336 needs the Intel SST driver to function. Before installing the Everest driver, ensure the "Intel(R) Smart Sound Technology (Intel(R) SST) OED" and "Intel(R) Smart Sound Technology (Intel(R) SST) Audio Controller" are installed under System Devices. 3. Manual Update via "Have Disk" Acpi Essx8336 1
The ES8336 is a "soft" codec. Unlike older Realtek chips that handled most processing on the chip itself, the ES8336 relies heavily on the CPU's firmware to route signals. This makes the software configuration as important as the physical chip. Without the exact configuration file from the laptop manufacturer, the system knows the chip is present (the ACPI ID) but cannot communicate with it.
The solution usually involves a multi-step driver installation if this hardware ID appears in Windows Device Manager. Standard Windows Updates often do not find the correct driver for this specific hardware ID. 1. Driver Signature Problem Device Manager shows an "Unknown Device" or "Multimedia
Choose and point to the .inf file in the downloaded folder. Solutions for Linux Users
If audio is still silent, add a boot parameter. Edit the GRUB configuration and add snd_intel_dspcfg.dsp_driver=1 or 3 to the GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT line. Use of UCM Files Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) Dependency The ES8336
Audio works through Bluetooth or USB headphones, but not through built-in speakers or the 3.5mm jack. Troubleshooting Windows Installation