How to Fix Audio Crackling and Popping Errors in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Audio crackling and popping can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to enjoy music, videos, or calls on your Windows 11 PC. These issues usually happen because of driver problems, hardware conflicts, or incorrect settings.

Fortunately, fixing these sound glitches is often straightforward. By following a few simple steps, you can get your audio back to normal in no time.

This guide will walk you through easy-to-understand solutions, starting with the most common fixes and moving toward more advanced options if needed.

Let’s dive in and make your audio clear and smooth again.

Quick Note Before You Start

Make sure your speakers or headphones are properly connected to your PC.
Check that your audio device is not muted or set to a very low volume.
Restarting your computer before troubleshooting can sometimes resolve temporary glitches.
Ensure Windows 11 is up to date by checking for updates in Settings > Windows Update.

Step 1: Restart the Audio Services

Sometimes, the Windows audio services can get stuck or encounter errors, causing crackling sounds. Restarting these services is a simple first step.

Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
Type services.msc and press Enter.
In the Services window, scroll down and find Windows Audio.
Right-click on Windows Audio and select Restart.
Do the same for Windows Audio Endpoint Builder.
Close the Services window and check your audio again.

Why this helps: Restarting these services refreshes the Windows audio system, which can clear errors causing crackling.

Step 2: Update Your Audio Drivers

Audio drivers are the software that lets your computer communicate with your sound hardware. Outdated or faulty drivers often cause popping noises.

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Expand the Sound, video and game controllers section.
Right-click on your audio device (e.g., Realtek, Intel Audio) and choose Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers. Windows will look for and install any available updates.
Restart your computer after updating.

If Windows doesn’t find new drivers, visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website. They often provide the latest audio drivers that may fix issues.

Step 3: Change the Audio Format Settings

Sometimes, the audio format Windows uses can cause compatibility problems, leading to crackling sounds. Adjusting this setting can help.

Right-click the speaker icon in the system tray and select Sound settings.
Scroll down and click on More sound settings under the Advanced section.
In the Sound window, select your default playback device and click Properties.
Go to the Advanced tab.
Under Default Format, try selecting a lower bit depth and sample rate (for example, 16 bit, 44100 Hz (CD Quality)).
Click Apply and then OK.
Test your audio to see if the crackling has disappeared.

Why this matters: Some audio hardware works better with certain formats. Reducing the quality slightly can eliminate sound glitches.

Step 4: Disable Audio Enhancements

Windows sometimes applies audio enhancements to improve sound quality, but these can cause popping or crackling on some systems.

Go back to the Sound window by right-clicking the speaker icon and selecting Sound settings > More sound settings.
Select your playback device and click Properties.
Go to the Enhancements tab.
Check the box that says Disable all enhancements.
Click Apply and then OK.
Play audio to check if the crackling is gone.

Step 5: Adjust Power Settings for Audio

Windows power saving features can sometimes interfere with audio hardware performance, causing crackling sounds.

Press Windows + X and select Power Options.
Click on Additional power settings on the right.
Next to your selected power plan, click Change plan settings.
Click Change advanced power settings.
In the new window, expand Wireless Adapter Settings and then Power Saving Mode.
Set both On battery and Plugged in to Maximum Performance.
Click Apply and OK.
Restart your PC and test your audio.

Alternative Method: Use the Windows Troubleshooter

If the above steps didn’t help, Windows has a built-in audio troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common problems.

Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Find Playing Audio and click Run.
Follow the on-screen instructions to let Windows diagnose and fix the issue.

FAQs

Why does my audio crackle only sometimes?

Intermittent crackling is often caused by hardware conflicts, outdated drivers, or background processes interfering with audio playback.

Can audio crackling be caused by faulty hardware?

Yes, damaged cables, speakers, or headphones can cause crackling. Testing with a different audio device can help identify hardware issues.

Is it safe to disable audio enhancements?

Yes, disabling enhancements only turns off extra sound processing. You can always re-enable them if needed.

Will updating Windows fix audio crackling?

Sometimes. Updates often include bug fixes and driver updates that can resolve audio problems.

What if I still hear crackling after trying all steps?

There could be a deeper hardware or software issue. Consider professional help or contacting Microsoft support.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all these steps and your audio still crackles or pops, it might be time for more advanced troubleshooting or professional assistance.

Try using a USB sound card or external DAC to bypass your internal audio hardware.
Check your PC manufacturer’s support site for any specific audio fixes or BIOS updates.
Visit the official Microsoft support page for troubleshooting audio issues: Microsoft Fix Sound Problems.
Consider reinstalling Windows as a last resort, but back up your data first.

Conclusion

Audio crackling and popping in Windows 11 can often be fixed with simple steps like restarting audio services, updating drivers, and adjusting sound settings. These fixes address the most common causes and restore clear sound quality.

Remember to start with easy methods and move progressively to more advanced options if needed. Keeping your system and drivers updated is key to preventing future audio problems.

With patience and these steps, you can enjoy smooth audio on your Windows 11 PC once again.