11 Ways To Stop Windows Audio Keeps Crackling

Windows playback and audio services run according to the hardware attached to the PC. Windows audio playback can be a bit of a hassle. You may have noticed that your audio keeps crackling and popping up, even when you’re not doing anything strenuous with your computer. 

This can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you’re trying to listen to something. So what’s the deal? Why does this keep happening? Is there any solution for these noises? This post will examine what could be causing this issue and how to fix it.

Why Windows Audio Keeps Crackling & Popping Up?

These issues are either due to faulty hardware or software. The main roots of this problem lie in corrupted drivers, outdated device firmware, issues with the hardware, or even an incorrectly installed audio device. Thankfully, there are a few solutions that you can try if you’re facing this issue on your Windows PC.

11 Ways To Stop Windows Audio Keeps Crackling

Unplug and Replug the Crackling Device

If you are sure about the device causing the clicking device (speakers or headphones), unplug them from the computer port. When it’s done, replug it back into the port. It will restart the device entirely, allowing it to detect new firmware.

Some devices install their driver each time you connect them, especially USB-supported audio devices. Unplugging/repluging the device may resolve the issue, as your device drivers may be broken or outdated.

Test Your Hardware With Other Devices

This is the best method to verify whether any hardware is faulty. Once you have identified the device making the sound, remove it from your computer and try to connect it to another computer. Your device is faulty if it makes the same clicking and popping sound. 

A faulty device has only one option: it must be replaced to avoid the issue. However, if the same problem is not occurring in the other device, you can safely assume that your underlying audio device is fine, and there might be an issue with Windows itself.

Test A Different Audio Device on the Same Computer

If you are sure about the hardware, you must test another device on the same computer to ensure that your computer is causing the problem. This process needs another device with different drivers and firmware. If you have it, connect the other audio device to your computer. 

If the problem persists, your computer’s hardware or firmware is at fault. It will ensure that your computer does not cause the issue and might just be a firmware update issue. 

DPC Latency

DPC latency measures the time it takes for your computer to process incoming and outgoing sound signals. If you have a low DPC latency, audio interrupts are processed quickly. But if it’s high, your device is causing the popping sound in the windows.

• Download the DPC Latency Checker and install it on your computer.
• Run the application and start the analysis.

• If the bar is green, your output device has no issue, but if the graph is red, it means your device is faulty.

Change the Minimum Processor State to 100%

The minimum processor state is an essential part of the power plan in Windows. It is a useful tool that allows you to control how much power your computer consumes when unused. It could restrict the power that is transferred to the sound card. Here’s how you can change it:

• Go to the start menu, type the control panel, and open it.
• Change the icons to “Large” and select “Power Option.”

• You will find the “Change plan settings”; click open it.

• Now, navigate to “Change advanced power settings.”

• In advanced settings, navigate to “Processor power management” and “minimum processor state.”

• If you use a laptop, set the “On battery” to 80% and “Plugged” to 100%.
• If you are using a computer, then set it to 100%.

Change the System’s Sound Hertz

A difference in the hertz of your output device and the system settings will cause a noticeable clicking and popping sound. You have to match the hertz of your computer system with the output source (speaker) hertz.

• Go to the speaker icon on the lower right corner of the desktop and right-click on it. 
• Select “Sound” from the file. 

• Go to the “Playback” section, right-click on the speaker (Output device), and open properties.
• Navigate to the advanced tab and change the hertz according to your output device. 

Turn Off Spatial Sound

There are many different sounds that you can find on your Windows computer, including system sounds and other audio alerts. Some of the most common system sounds you may encounter include the Windows startup sound and sounds for things like shutting down your computer and copying files.

• Right-click the speaker icon in the desktop’s lower right corner to access it. 
• From the file, choose “Sound.”

 

• Right-click the speaker under “Output device” in the “Playback” section and open properties.
• Click “Spatial sound” and select “Off” from the list.

Disable Exclusive Mode

In Windows, the exclusive mode audio configuration prevents any outside input from interrupting the output of an audio device. But this mode often malfunctions and produces the clicking and popping sound on the window. Here’s how to disable exclusive mode in Windows: 

• To access it, right-click the speaker icon on your desktop and select “Sound” from the file menu. 
• To access properties, right-click the speaker in the “Playback” section and open properties.

• Go to the “Advanced” tab and find the “Give exclusive mode a priority” option here. Disable it by removing the tick.

Disable ATI HDMI Audio

If you were using HDMI or ATI but are facing a popping sound issue, the problem is ATI HDMI audio. You have to disable it to make your output device work properly again. Here’s how to disable it:

• Go to the sound settings by clicking “Sound” in the speaker’s file menu.
• Now, navigate to the “HDMI” output device and right-click on it. Once the file is open, select disable.

Test Another Headphone Port

Sometimes, one sound output port can be faulty, or its settings may not be correct. To rule this out as a cause of your issue, try using another port on another device. The ports may get dusty and cause short circuits. That is why trying another port may resolve the issue.

Using a laptop, you can use a USB headphone jack converter. It is one of the best replacements for the headphone jack on a laptop. Moreover, your sound quality will also be stable due to the high voltages in the USB port.

Inspect Your Hardware

We hear these sounds often when we are using headphones. A loud sound system may also create such sounds. These systems need more voltage to run than the typical voltages from the computer. So, what’s going on? You will have to inspect your hardware first. Here are a few tips:

• If you are using any other speakers besides headphones or big speakers, disconnect them from your PC. 
• Plug out your headphones and plug them in if you have cable headphones with a standard headphone jack.
• Check your sound card hardware. Sound cards often get older and default. 

Conclusion

If you are experiencing clicking and popping sounds on your Windows computer, there are a few possible causes and solutions. These can include issues with the output device, audio settings, and hardware. To resolve the issue, you may need to try the above-described methods. Hopefully, it will resolve your issue permanently.