White noise/static from headphones and speakers

Hi Nick,

I would like to ask these questions to assist you in a better way with this issue.

1)       What is the exact model number of your Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop?

2)       Does this happen with both the earphones and the external speakers which you connect through the 3.5 mm jack?

3)        Are you able to hear this noise from the inbuilt laptop speaker?

4)       Did you install the latest audio driver updates for the computer model from the Dell website and check the status?

This could be due to some issues with the audio drivers preinstalled on the computer. I would suggest you to try the following methods and check if that resolves the issue.

Method 1: Run the Playing Audio Troubleshooter

The Playing Audio Troubleshooter is an automated tool which checks for any common issues with the audio devices and its services. It also checks if the audio device on the computer is disabled and provide the detailed report of the audio device status.

a)       Press “Windows Logo” + “W” keys from the keyboard.

b)       Type “Troubleshooting” in the search bar and press “Enter”.

c)       In the “Troubleshooting” window, click on “View All” on the left pane.

d)       Click on “Playing Audio”.

e)       Click on “Advanced” and then click on “Run as Administrator”.

f)        Click “Next” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

Please check the troubleshooting report and let’s know the details. You may also try the suggestions given by the troubleshooter and check if that resolves the issue. If the issue persists, then try updating the sound card drivers on the computer from the Dell website and check if that helps.

Method 2: Update the Audio Drivers

Step 1: Check the Windows updates for any latest driver updates.

Check in Windows updates if any driver updates are available. If so, install the same and check if it helps.

a)       Press “Windows Logo” + “W” keys from the keyboard.

b)       Type “Updates” in the search bar and click on “Install optional updates” from the left pane.

c)       From the “Windows Update” window, click on “Check for Updates” on the top left corner, to receive a fresh list of updates and then install all the updates listed there.

If there are no driver updates via Windows Update, then try the next method to update it from the Dell website.

Step 2: Update Driver Software from the Dell website

Go to the Dell or the Sound Card manufacturer’s website and search for the latest Windows 8 compatible driver available for the Sound Card model and then install it by following the instructions given in the website.

Hope this is helpful. Please get back to us with the troubleshooting results.

Thank you, it says the system manufacturer is "Dell inc." and the system model is "Inspiron 3537"

As for the jack, there are no other electronic devices, cables or anything in contact with it, nor the headphone/speaker wires. I've also tried to update the audio drivers from the manufacturer's site, that being Dell, but I couldn't locate them.

I really wish this was a problem I could just get used to, but I rely too much on using ear/headphones.

Thank you Rajesh, here are the answers to your questions.

1)  Strangely, I can't find the product/model number on the laptop. I'm sure it's supposed to be on the underside on a sticker, but my laptop doesn't have any on it.

2)  Yes, it happens with both and it's also worth noting that the sound of the static doesn't change no matter what the level of volume. As long as it's above 0, then you can hear the same level of static through both headphones and speakers.

3)  No, you can't hear it from the inbuilt speakers. It can only be heard through whatever is plugged into the jack.

4)  Yes, I've just double checked to make sure and they are up to date.

As for the trouble shooting results. My computer found no issues at all with the sound, but the static still persists.

Is it possible that the jack itself is faulty, even though it has been in use for less than 12 hours since I noticed the problem?

Hi Nick,

Thank you so much for replying with the relevant information.

Now, let’s try uninstalling and reinstalling the Windows 8 compatible audio drivers from the Dell website and check if that resolves the issue. You may follow these steps and let’s know the result.

Uninstall and Reinstall the Audio Drivers.

Step 1: Uninstall the Audio Device Drivers

a)       Press “Windows Logo” + “X” keys on the keyboard.

b)       Click on “Device Manager” from that list.

c)       Search for the Audio device from the device list, right click on it and then select “Uninstall”. On the un-installation window, if you have an option: “Delete the driver software for this device” you may select that and then remove the corrupted drivers from the computer.

d)       Follow the on-screen instructions to complete it and the restart the computer if prompted.

After the restart, please open the Device Manager again and then click on the “Scan for hardware changes” button. Check if Windows 8 detects the Audio device and installs an appropriate driver automatically. If the issue still persists, then try the next step.

Step 2: Reinstall the Windows 8 Compatible Audio Driver from the Dell Website

You may please click on the link given below and then download and install the Realtek ALC3223 High-Definition Audio Driver for your computer model by following the instructions given in the website.

***Realtek ALC3223 High-Definition Audio Driver***

Hope this resolves the issue. Please get back to us with the results.

Hi Nick,

Thank you so much for getting back to us with the updates.

You may find the make and model of your laptop from then "System Information" feature of your computer. To access the "System Information", you may follow these steps:

a) Press "Windows Logo" + "R" keys on the keyboard and type "msinfo32" in the "Run" command box and press "ENTER".

b) This will open the "System Information" window and you should be able to find the laptop manufacturer's name next to "System Manufacturer" and model number next to "System Model".

As you have mentioned, this issue could also be due to either a faulty audio jack or if something is blocking the connection within the audio jack. This might also happen, if there are some static interference from the other electronic devices or cables next to or in contact with the audio jack or the earphones wire. However, you may try updating the audio drivers from the manufacturer's website and check if the issue persists. If you are unable to find the drivers, then please get back to us with the make and model information of your laptop. We'll be glad to assist you further with this issue.