The HD Audio Manager isn't exactly required. It allows users to get more out of their PC's Realtek HD Audio Driver and your PC's audio at large. The Realtek HD Audio Manager, on the other hand, is more of a management interface and control panel for the driver.
On Windows, the Realtek HD Audio Driver powers your PC's audio card and is a necessity for your computer audio to properly function. The HD Audio Manager software comes as a 2-in-1 package with the Realtek HD Audio Driver. The Realtek HD Audio Manager is present on almost all Windows PC, but not all users are aware of its existence on their devices. Compared to the default Windows Sound Settings, the Realtek HD Audio Manager boasts of more advanced audio and playback device management capabilities. The Realtek HD Audio Manager is not a crucial software to have on your Windows computer, but it can help to boost your PC's sound system.