Audio quality suddenly awful in Windows 11

Samuel Valdez 10 Reputation points
2026-03-02T20:24:52.27+00:00

My audio quality was perfectly fine yesterday, but I booted up my computer today and the audio was extremely poor quality, sounding compressed and quiet like it was coming from far away. I have tried reinstalling drivers, updating drivers, uninstalling devices, disabling audio enhancements, checking headphone cables, running troubleshooters, but nothing is fixing the problem.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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Samuel Valdez 10 Reputation points
2026-03-16T20:56:23.7633333+00:00

Hey, yeah I managed to fix it. None of the fixes mentioned here worked, but resetting the CMOS on my motherboard by taking out the battery, waiting for 2 minutes, and reinstalling seemed to fix my issue.

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  1. Lucus-V 10,770 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-03-15T22:41:33.8133333+00:00

    Hi Samuel Valdez,
    Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum. I'm happy to help.

    Your computer might have problem detecting the status of current audio device plugged in.

    In most cases, this issue can be fixed by installing "Realtek Audio Console" if you have not already done so. This is the application to manage the Realtek audio chipset built into your motherboard. You can install it by going to your motherboard's website or through the Microsoft Store.

    Disclaimer: Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.

    After installing, you might need to restart your computer. If the problem persists, please open "Realtek Audio Console" to manually set the input type.

    Please check your audio again to see if the issue is resolved.

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

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  2. Solamillo Charity 20,280 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-03-02T21:36:45.3366667+00:00

    Thank you for the prompt reply. The main reason I asked if you are using a Bluetooth headset is because, based on your description it sounds like you are on "hands-free" profile. Please try disabling Hands-Free.

    Pleas press Win + R

    Type:

    mmsys.cpl

    Go to the Playback tab

    Look for anything that says:

    -“Headset”

    -“Hands-Free”

    -“Communications”

    If you see two versions of your headphones:

    One normal

    One “Hands-Free”

    Please disable the Hands-Free one.

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  3. Solamillo Charity 20,280 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-03-02T21:19:21.38+00:00

    Thank you for the detailed information. You mentioned installing drivers, and updating BIOS. Have you installed the drivers from the official ASROCK website? https://download.asrock.com/Drivers/All/Audio/Realtek_Audio(v6.0.9448.1_RTK_22H2).zip

    Please make sure to extract, and then install then restart the computer.

    May I ask if you have inserted the jack firmly into the motherboard? Do you use any external amplifiers, or DACs for your headphones?

    Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install.

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  4. Solamillo Charity 20,280 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-03-02T20:57:55.5266667+00:00

    Hello there! I'm glad to help you today!

    Are you using a bluetooth headset? May I ask what is the make and model of your computer? If you don't know the make and model or it's a custom, may I ask if you know the make and model of the motherboard?

    Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and hit Enter.

    In the System Summary section, please provide me the three things below.

    BaseBoard Manufacturer

    BaseBoard Product

    BaseBoard Version

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