Experiencing sound crackling during Xbox Remote Play on Windows 11 can be frustrating. This issue often disrupts gameplay and affects your overall experience. Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to fix sound problems quickly.
This guide will walk you through easy-to-follow solutions to stop sound crackling, starting from the most basic to more advanced options. No technical expertise is needed, and each step includes clear explanations.
By following these instructions, you can enjoy smooth, clear audio on your Xbox Remote Play sessions. Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into fixes.
These solutions are designed specifically for Windows 11 users streaming Xbox content to their PCs.
Quick Note: Before You Begin
- Make sure your Windows 11 system is updated to the latest version. Updates often fix bugs affecting audio.
- Check that your Xbox Remote Play app is up to date from the Microsoft Store.
- Ensure your internet connection is stable, as poor network quality can cause audio issues.
- Confirm that your headphones, speakers, or audio devices are properly connected and working by testing them with other apps.
Step 1: Restart Your PC and Xbox Remote Play App
Sometimes, temporary glitches cause sound problems. Restarting your computer and the Xbox Remote Play app can clear these minor issues.
- Close the Xbox Remote Play app completely.
- Restart your Windows 11 PC by clicking Start > Power > Restart.
- Once your PC restarts, open the Xbox Remote Play app again and try streaming.
This simple step refreshes system resources and often fixes crackling sounds caused by software conflicts.
Step 2: Adjust Windows Audio Settings
Windows audio settings can sometimes cause sound distortions if not configured correctly. Adjusting these settings can improve sound quality.
- Right-click the Speaker icon on your taskbar and select Sound settings.
- Under Output, click your active audio device.
- Scroll down and click Advanced to open advanced properties.
- Change the Default Format to a lower quality setting such as
16 bit, 44100 Hz (CD Quality)to reduce crackling. - Click Apply and test the audio again.
Lowering the audio format reduces strain on your system and can prevent crackling caused by incompatible sound formats.
Step 3: Update Audio Drivers
Outdated or corrupted audio drivers are a common cause of sound issues on Windows 11. Updating these drivers ensures compatibility and smooth audio playback.
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Sound, video and game controllers category.
- Right-click your audio device (e.g., Realtek, Intel) and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow prompts to install any updates.
- Restart your PC after updating.
Keeping drivers updated fixes bugs and improves hardware communication, which helps eliminate audio distortion.
Step 4: Disable Audio Enhancements
Windows sometimes applies audio enhancements that can interfere with streaming sound quality. Disabling these can stop crackling noises.
- Right-click the Speaker icon and select Sounds.
- Go to the Playback tab, select your audio device, and click Properties.
- Navigate to the Enhancements tab.
- Check the box labeled Disable all enhancements or manually uncheck enhancements one by one.
- Click Apply and OK, then test the sound again.
This step removes any conflicting audio effects that might be causing the crackling sound during Remote Play.
Step 5: Change Power Settings to High Performance
Windows power-saving modes can limit hardware performance, affecting audio streaming quality. Switching to a high-performance plan can help.
- Press Windows + S, type Power & Sleep Settings, and open it.
- Click Additional power settings on the right.
- Select the High performance power plan. If not visible, choose Create a power plan to make one.
- Restart your PC and test Xbox Remote Play again.
This ensures your PC allocates enough resources for smooth audio streaming without interruptions.
Alternative Method: Use Wired Ethernet Connection
Wireless connections can cause packet loss or latency, resulting in sound crackling during Remote Play. Using a wired Ethernet connection provides a more stable network.
- Connect your PC directly to your router with an Ethernet cable.
- Disable Wi-Fi temporarily to force the use of the wired connection.
- Try Xbox Remote Play again to see if the audio improves.
Stable internet connectivity is crucial for seamless audio and video streaming.
FAQs
Why does my Xbox Remote Play sound crackle only on Windows 11?
Windows 11 has new system updates and drivers that might not always be fully compatible with all hardware or apps initially. This can cause sound issues that were not present in previous versions.
Can outdated Xbox Remote Play app versions cause sound problems?
Yes, older versions might have bugs affecting audio streaming. Always keep the app updated via the Microsoft Store.
Is my internet speed affecting sound quality?
Definitely. Slow or unstable internet connections can cause audio packet loss, resulting in crackling or delays during streaming.
Can third-party audio software interfere with Xbox Remote Play sound?
Yes. Audio management software or sound boosters may conflict with the Remote Play app causing distortions.
Should I reinstall the Xbox Remote Play app if problems persist?
Reinstalling can fix corrupted files or settings. It is a good troubleshooting step if other fixes fail.
When Nothing Works
If you’ve tried all the above steps and still experience sound crackling, consider these final options:
- Contact Xbox Support: Visit the official Xbox support website for personalized help.
- Reset Windows Audio Services: Open
services.msc, find Windows Audio, right-click and restart it. - Try on Another PC: Testing Xbox Remote Play on a different Windows 11 device can help isolate if the issue is specific to your system.
- Restore Windows: As a last resort, use Windows 11’s restore feature to return to a previous point where audio worked correctly.
Conclusion
Sound crackling during Xbox Remote Play on Windows 11 can usually be resolved with simple adjustments. Starting by restarting your PC, checking audio settings, updating drivers, and disabling enhancements often fixes the problem quickly.
Ensuring stable internet and using high-performance power plans further improves audio quality. When basic steps don’t help, advanced options like reinstalling the app or contacting support are recommended.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can enjoy clear, uninterrupted audio for your Xbox gaming sessions on Windows 11.