RtkNGUI64.exe using 25% of my CPU issue and solution

I had a problem with my computer's fans constantly running because RtkNGUI64.exe was using 25% CPU time continuously. The only way I was able to fix the problem was killing the process. There is a problem with killing the process though. All sound would come through the speaker even when I plug in the headphone. Unfortunately, I am working in an open environment so that is unacceptable. I finally found a solution on dell forum by cheshirecat179. Here is the link to the thread.

The problem has to do with a missing registry key (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/SRS Labs/APO). RtkNGUI64.exe looks for a the registry key and since it is not there, it keeps on trying. The solution is to add the registry key.

Here are the steps from the post:

Click the Windows Orb button thing (Start Button)
In the search bar, type regedit
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE
Right click "SOFTWARE" and left click "New", then "Key"
Name it "SRS Labs" (without quotes)  - that's one
Next, right click "SRS Labs", left click "new" then left click "Key" again
Name it "APO" (without quotes)