Windows 10: PSA: May 2020 update (v2004) - Audio pops/clicks, performance stutter

There is something seriously wrong with Win10 v2004 (drivers, audio stack, etc.)!

I strongly recommend NOT to upgrade until this is fixed, or at least ensure that you don't delete the backup (Windows.old) so that you can go back.



After installing the update I began to notice frequent audio pops/clicks and stutter during gaming and during some audio/video playback.

Checking LatencyMon showed a huge number of DPCs for HDAudBus.sys and increased average interrupt to process latency when my PC was idling with Voicemeeter Banana running. The DPCs for HDAudBus.sys slowed dramatically after exiting Banana.

However, even with Banana not running, audio pops/clicks were still occurring.



I tried various Realtek drivers and even uninstalled them via DriverStore Explorer so as to use only MS's basic audio driver but the same symptoms persisted.

I got fed up with it so I "downgraded" back to v1909 and everything's back to normal.



Do you guys have any similar problems after updating to v2004?



PS - VB Audio said that it's unlikely there's a problem with Voicemeeter and that it's probably a Windows driver or audio stack issue. I'm using an Asus Maximus X Hero WiFi mb.



DPC count after 1min with Banana running.



DPC count after 1min WITHOUT Banana running.

submitted by /u/howiejc
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:)

 

Windows 10 audio clicks,pops,stutters. storport latency issues? HELP?




Looking at the trace you provided, you are running into problems with your storage subsystem generating a lot of ISRs/DPCs.

From the picture above we can see that your RAID driver, which appears to be Intel's RapidStore driver, is creating these excessive spikes of DPC and ISR routines.

Your two options for this driver are:

1.) Switch away from the Rapid Storage driver and to Microsoft's default AHCI driver. Which is what I would suggest you try first, as it is more heavily tested and will auto-update as you update Windows from now on.

• Set safe mode as the default boot option temporarily via msconfig.
• Reboot -> continuously tap F12 to get into the BIOS options -> Go to BIOS settings -> System Configuration
• Switch "SATA operation" from "RAID" to "AHCI" -> Save changes and reboot
• Once you are back into Windows, run msconfig again and uncheck Safe Boot.
• Reboot once more.

2.) Attempt to update the Rapid Storage driver.

Here is Intel's latest release of the driver, download "SetupRST.exe" on the left side of the web page, and run the installer.

Dell's latest "approved" version for you laptop is from 2012, and I would not recommend that you install it.

Other things to look into:

• I would also suggest you look into getting a cheap SSD, your 250GB Hitachi Travelstar won't be doing you many favors regarding performance. I understand the laptop is old, but you can always move your SSD to a new laptop.
• Upgrade to the latest BIOS for your E6400. You are on A20, and the latest release is A34. There have been a number of stability and potential performance improvements released since A20.

 

Audio stuttering Help

Thank you for replying.

Unfortunately, this did not solve my problem. I did everything the instruction said but the audio stuttering is still there.

 

Windows 10 Audio Stutter

Hello Dave,

Since after performing the recommended troubleshooting steps, we highly recommend contacting your device manufacturer for further assistance regarding your audio stutter concern.

Regards.