Windows 10: crackling popping noise from Windows 11 desktop

I'm running Windows 11 on a Dell Alienware desktop PC. In the last month the audio developed crackling and popping sounds, perhaps because of an update from MS or Realtek. I hear the same cracking when I listen on headphone plugged into the PC. But when I stream music from my phone to the external speakers, there is no problem, so it's not the stereo system but the PC itself. I've tried changing settings in the system to no avail. I removed Realtek & its driver from my PC and reinstalled them -- nada. I'd appreciate some help!

:)

 

Crackling noise

Hi,

To better assist you regarding your concern, we would like to ask some questions:

• Is the crackling noise affecting the performance of your computer?
• Which part of your computer do you hear the crackling noise?

There are many reasons why your computer is having a noise. It can be that your computer's fan or air vent is covered with dust. Cleaning it can help you resolve your concern. It can be that your BIOS is not updated, you can update your BIOS with the help
of your computer's manufacturer.

We're looking forward to your response.

 

Crackling Noise

My Laptop (HP-14 CK0121TU) is making a crackling noise with windows 10.

It does not make the sound in Safe mod and even using Ubuntu.

I recently bought it and installed windows 10 on it. I used the key from my old Dell laptop which is broken.

I Tried Updating the sound card, Bios, firmware, and tried different sound settings.

I tried putting minimum processor up to 100% in power option.

I tried diagnosing HP support software.

But non of them worked.

The noise is only from the laptop. I don'd have it in my earbuds and even external speakers are ok. even if I use earbuds, the crackling sound is being produced from the laptop.

when the load is high, the noise goes high.

P.S. It uses SSD and the noise is definitely not from the fan. the fan is on the other side.

 

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.