Audio crackling, static or popping sounds in Windows 11

If while you’re using your Windows 11/10 PC, you hear audio crackling, static, stutter, or popping sounds emerging from the audio output device/speakers, then one of these fixes is sure to help you.

Audio crackling, static, or popping sounds in Windows 11/10

If you hear audio crackling, static, stutter, or popping sounds in Speakers in Windows 11/10, you need to take a look at the following areas to be able to fix this audio issue:

1. Set Processor power management to 100%
2. Update Audio drivers
3. Change sound format
4. Disable ATI HDMI Audio
5. Run DPC Latency checker.

Let’s examine the descriptions of the processes involved with each of the listed solutions.

1] Set Processor power management to 100%

Do the following:

• Right-click on the battery icon on the Taskbar.
• Select Power Options.
• Click Change plan settings for your power plan.
• Click Change advanced power settings link.
• Scroll down and expand the Processor Power management section and also expand Minimum processor state.
• Change the Minimum Processor state to 100%
• Click Apply > OK to save changes.

Now check if you’re still hearing the popping sound from your computer’s speakers or headphones if you have one plugged in. If the issue persists, continue with the next solution.

FIX: Sound Distortion issues on Windows.

2] Drivers causing crackling audio? Update Audio drivers

Update your Audio drivers to the latest available version. Follow one of the methods below to update your device drivers:

1. You may check for Driver & Optional Updates via Windows Update to update your drivers
2. You may visit the manufacturer’s site to download the drivers.
3. Use a free driver update software
4. If you have the INF driver file already on your computer then:
   • Open Device Manager.
   • Click the driver category to expand the menu.
   • Then choose the relevant driver and right-click on it.
   • Select Update Driver.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the audio driver update.

If you recently updated the audio driver and then this issue started, then maybe you want to roll back the driver to the previous version and see if that helps.

FIX: Windows Sound & Audio problems & issues.

3] Change the sound format

Do the following:

• Press Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog.
• In the Run dialog box, type mmsys.cpl and hit Enter.
• Click on your speaker having a green tick on it to select it and then click Properties.
• Click on Advanced tab.
• Choose 16 bit, 44100 Hz (CD Quality) from the dropdown.
• Click Apply > OK.

Check if the popping sound issue is resolved. If not, continue with the next solution.

FIX: Headphones not detected or working properly.

4] Disable ATI HDMI Audio

Sometimes ATI HDMI Audio device can be the reason for the audio popping out from your device; disabling the device ensures it is not the culprit.

Here’s how:

• Press Windows key + X to open the Power User Menu, then press M key to open Device Manager.
• Expand Sound, video and game controllers category.
• Right-click on ATI HDMI Audio device and select Disable.

If the issue is still unresolved after this, continue with the next solution.

FIX: Strange audio problems coming from your computer speaker.

5] Run DPC Latency checker

High latency can be a contributing factor to many audio problems, including popping sounds.

The DPC Latency Checker helps monitor your system and provides the reason for the high latency.

To run DPC Latency Checker software, simply download the tool and install it.

After the tool scans your system, if you see green bars only, then your system is in proper condition. But, if you spot red bars, then a device is causing some issues and the tool will also show you the name of the device that is failing.

This post will help you if your Audio sounds funny and distorted like chipmunks.

I hope this helps!