Windows 10: audio crackling

my audio on my desktop pc is crackling, was intermittent but getting worse

:)

 

Troubleshooting Crackling and Popping Audio Issues on PC (Windows Interaction Only)

Hello,

For the past few days, I've been trying to fix persistent audio issues where I constantly hear popping and crackling sounds whenever I interact with Windows. This issue occurs, for example, when pausing or unpausing a video, or when a Windows notification plays. However, I've noticed that the problem only arises when interacting with Windows. There is no crackling or popping when playing video games or using applications like Spotify.

Here are the steps I've already tried to resolve the issue:

• Completely reinstalled Windows multiple times
  
• Removed and reinstalled drivers (video, audio, etc.)
  
• Changed power settings
  
• Tried different headsets (the issue persists regardless of the hardware but doesn't occur when connected to a different PC)
  
• Tried multiple audio jacks and USB ports
  
• Updated BIOS
  
• Tried sfc /scannow / DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  
• Changed audio format
  
• Disabled any enhancements
  

Despite these efforts, the crackling and popping audio persist, but only when interacting with Windows, not in games or other applications (For Example Spotify) but it still occurs when for example pausing video in browser etc.. . If anyone has further suggestions or solutions, I'd greatly appreciate it.

 

Audio Crackling

Recently, I've noticed that the audio with my speakers and headphones is "crackling". It doesn't seem to matter what the volume is set at, nor what program I'm running. If I'm playing a game, the audio crackles. If I'm listening to music, the audio crackles.
I've tried downloading/updating my audio drivers, but nothing seems to help.

 

Crackling audio. Skyrim + other games

USB headphones have never been kind to me. They always hiss, pop and crackle. The fact that you can hear it when no audio is being played suggests it's a power /connection issue.

Do you have any 3.5mm or RCA based headphones you can try?