Fix distorted or crackling audio in Windows
Applies To
If audio sounds distorted, crackling, or poor quality in Windows 11, audio enhancements, unsupported audio formats, driver issues, or stopped audio services may be affecting sound output. Use the steps below to restore clear audio.
Audio enhancements can cause distortion or crackling on some devices.
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Select Start > Settings >Â System > Sound.
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Under Output, select your audio device.
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Select Audio enhancements.
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Turn off enhancements, then test your audio.
An unsupported or incorrect audio format can reduce sound quality.
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Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
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Under Output, select your audio device.
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Select Advanced.
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Under Default format, choose a different format.
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Test your audio.
Outdated or corrupted audio drivers can cause distorted sound.
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Select Start, search for Device Manager, and open it.
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Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
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Right‑click your audio device and select Update driver.
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Restart your PC.
If the issue continues, uninstall the audio driver and reinstall the latest version from the device manufacturer’s website.
Restarting audio services can resolve temporary sound issues.
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Select Start, type services.msc, and press Enter.
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Right‑click Windows Audio, then select Restart.
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Right‑click Windows Audio Endpoint Builder, then select Restart.
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Test your audio.​​​​​​​
Support for Windows 10 has ended on October 14, 2025
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
If audio sounds distorted, crackling, or low quality in Windows 10, enhancements, audio format settings, driver problems, or audio services may be affecting playback. Follow these steps to improve sound quality.
Audio enhancements may cause sound distortion on some systems.
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Right‑click the Volume icon on the taskbar.
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Select Sounds.
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On the Playback tab, select your audio device.
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Select Properties.
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Open the Enhancements tab.
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Select Disable all enhancements, then select OK.
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Test your audio.
Changing the audio format can improve sound quality.
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Right‑click the Volume icon on the taskbar.
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Select Sounds.
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On the Playback tab, select your audio device.
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Select Properties.
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Open the Advanced tab.
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Under Default format, select a different format.
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Select OK, then test your audio.
Driver issues can cause distorted or crackling sound.
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Select Start, search for Device Manager, and open it.
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Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
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Right‑click your audio device and select Update driver.
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Restart your PC.
If the issue continues, uninstall the audio driver and reinstall the latest version from the device manufacturer.
Restarting audio services can restore normal sound.
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Select Start, type services.msc, and press Enter.
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Right‑click Windows Audio, then select Restart.
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Right‑click Windows Audio Endpoint Builder, then select Restart.
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Test your audio.​​​​​​​
If you are facing a different audio issue, refer to Fix Audio/Sound problems in Windows.
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