Installing Windows or Linux on a Chromebook often breaks the audio system because the factory Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) hardware requires specialized, open-source drivers to function outside of ChromeOS. Independent developer CoolStar bridges this gap by creating custom SST audio drivers for modern Chromebook processors.
CoolStar recently updated their audio drivers for Chromebooks running Windows, including the and SOF drivers . These drivers are essential for getting sound working on Intel-based Chromebooks (like Skylake, Kaby Lake, and newer) that use Intel Smart Sound Technology. Key Driver Updates
Using outdated audio drivers can lead to several problems, particularly after Windows updates. You should look for a "new download" if you experience: Microphone not working during video calls. Audio skipping or distorting. coolstar sst audio driver new download
Select your specific Chromebook processor generation from the menu.
| CPU Generation | Driver Type | Notes | |----------------|-------------|-------| | Broadwell | n/a (open-source) | Use csaudiosstcatpt from GitHub | | Skylake | AVS | Celeron, Pentium, i3, m3 eligible for discount | | Apollo Lake | AVS or SOF | Either works | | Kaby Lake / Amber Lake | AVS | | | Gemini Lake | SOF | | | Comet Lake | SOF | | | Tiger Lake / Jasper Lake / Alder Lake | SOF, TB4 | Thunderbolt 4 and SOF available as bundle | Installing Windows or Linux on a Chromebook often
If your payment has been processed but your CoolStar account shows a $0 balance, do not panic.
: The driver follows the Windows Driver Model (WDM) architecture, ensuring it fits into the standard Windows audio stack for 64-bit systems. Availability and Installation These drivers are essential for getting sound working
: Ensure your specific Chromebook model (board name) is supported for audio. You can verify this on the Supported Devices Enable Developer Mode & UEFI
: Some newer drivers, specifically for USB4 or Alder Lake-N devices (like Pujjo or Anraggar ), only support Windows 11 and do not work on Windows 10.