IRQL not less or equal when changing volume of headphones

Question

Hello Microsoft, I am asking this question as I have a problem, whenever I connect headphones to my computer. I have both over-ear headsets I connect via "standard usb" and then "smaller headsets" I connect via "USB type C". I have Windows 11 with all the "latest updates" installed.

The problem happens when I change the volume of the headset/headphones in Windows. It happens randomly. I can change the volume 8 times where nothing happens, and then suddenly I change the volume the sound stops working, I have to disconnect and connect the headphones to get the sound to work again.

And now the problem has even extended itself. Now sometimes randomly when I change the volume of the headset/headphones, the sound will "buzzz" extremely loud, and after 5 seconds i get a blue screen with the message: "IRQL not less or equal". This ONLY happens when changing the volume of connected headphones to the pc, and I don't know what to do. I can listen to music for 5 hours, and then change the volume in a third-party software like Spotify or YouTube where "nothing" happens.

It only happens when changing the volume by using Windows.

Best Regards

Mathias T.

Answer 1

Sorry but I don't agree.

I had a similar situation where I had a Gigabyte graphics card. They had 2 year old graphic card drivers on Gigabyte's website, where I had problems with games that did not work.

And then I was told by AMD support, to download the latest drivers from their official website where it was a completely new driver that works for all AMD graphics card manufacturers. Manufacturers seem to stop caring about drivers after the product is 2-3 years old.

But back to the thread.

None of the Realtek drivers work. Both from Acer's website and Realtek's website. I think I don't really need them as the sound is played by Nvidia driver. I have now uninstalled the Nvidia driver and reinstalled it. I will now test it and see if it works.

I also download the latest chipset drivers, no problems so far with it.

Answer 2

The drivers from the support page for your PC are the most compatible versions of the drivers never install Realtek drivers from the Realtek website, because each PC manufacturer customizes the Realtek audio drivers specifically for their hardware.

Answer 3

Hi again, i intsalled both drivers.

However the Realtek Audio drivers on Acer's office website are obsolete and from "2021". After i installed Realtek audiodrivers from their website, i had no sound whatsoever. Even on my speakers. I needed to remove the Realtek drivers to get my sound back.

Answer 4

Go to the support page for your system on the manufacturers website, then form there, download and install the version of chipset and audio drivers they provide, then restart your PC.

Answer 5

Hmm the BSOD and buzzing problem seems to be gone.

But still, randomly, the sound just cut off, when changing volume in Windows. Does the minidump specify what it could be?

It's only when changing the volume, very strange.

And one more important thing. "Very strange". When using a wireless headset with a Wireless USB adapter it just works fine.

It Only happens when using a wired USB headset.