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Audio crackling, lagging - high latency issue?

Anonymous
2018-08-10T23:46:23+00:00

This problem started on my original install of windows 10, about a year after buying my laptop.  The audio would start popping and crackling.  At first in was only system sounds that would do this, but recently it started happening with everything.  Then the audio started to really drag behind video playback, to the point that 10 seconds after starting a video, they were completely out of sync.

I recently reinstalled windows on a brand new SSD, and yet the problem persists.

My theory is that this has something to do with the Realtek audio drivers, but even after fresh installs from Microsoft, Realtek site, and other places, the problem is not solved.  So maybe the drivers are inherently flawed?  I do have Windows High Definition Audio Drivers installed, but I can't seem to use them; the device manager says the hardware for them is disconnected... (!?)

My other theory is that it has to do with a high latency issue that I have: using both DPC Latency Checker, and LatencyMon, it's obvious that I have extremely high latency issues.  The main offenders seem to be ACPI.sys and some other system drivers, but disabling those doesn't seem to help, strangely.  I went through most of the drivers, disabling and re-enabling them one by one, and could not find the solution.

I have everything I can think of up to date, including through Windows Update.  My SSD and OS install are brand new, so that can't be the problem.  I've tried disabling all the line-in devices to no avail.  I've cleared the cache and site data on both my internet browsers.  IDK what else to do.

Here's some system info:

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Performance and system failures

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-08-11T01:36:06+00:00

    Do you mean the make and model of my physical sound card?  How would I find that? 

    Here's the driver info:

    I've checked, and all my drivers are up to date.  I've run the sound troubleshooter several times to no avail.  I tried rolling back the driver, and I also tried all the options in the "Browse, let me pick" step.  I cannot find any older versions of the drive besides the ones that are on my computer already.

    This behavior began in a previous install of windows, and there is no restore point earlier than 2 days ago (when I performed a clean install).

    It was not caused by Windows Update.

    I'm not going to reinstall: I did the cleanest install I possibly could, plus the OS is now on a separate SSD drive.

    I have not gone through your "Windows 10 Performance and Install Integrity Checklist" but I will do so as soon as I can.

    I have a strong suspicion that this may be hardware related.  In that case, would it be my soundcard that I need to replace?  How would I do that, and how would I know which to get.

    Thanks

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-08-10T23:54:47+00:00

    Hi Jacob. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 9 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

    If the HighDef Audio drivers won't work then it points to hardware issues with the Sound controller? What is the make and model of the Sound controller and the present version and date of the installed driver in Device Manager > Sound Controller?

    Update the sound driver from the PC maker's Support Downloads webpage for your exact model, if it is newer than the one presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button. While there compare to make sure you also have the latest BIOS, Chipset, Display, Network and all other drivers.

    Right click the volume icon in System Tray at right end of task bar, to Troubleshoot Problems.

    Run the Playing Sound troubleshooter at Start button > Settings>Update & Security>Troubleshoot.

    Try rolling back the sound driver in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button. Choose Sound controller device, then Driver tab, then Roll back if available.

    While there make sure you also have the latest Chipset, Display, Network, USB and all other drivers, comparing with the version presently installed in Device Manager.

    If no newer driver then uninstall the one presently installed in Device Manager, reached by right clicking the Start Button. Restart PC to reinstall.

    Try other and older drivers for your model Sound controller, too. For example, try the next oldest driver in the model's online Support Downloads list. To try all previous drivers installed on your system, in Device Manager choose Sound controller's Driver tab, then Update Driver, then Browse, then Let Me Pick.

    When did this behavior begin? If you have an idea you might be able to System Restore back to a point before it began: http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/computing/how-t...

    If this was caused by Windows Updates then you can check which were installed at Settings>Update & Security>Windows Update under Installed Updates, then uninstall them from the link there, and hide with the Hide Updates tool downloaded from here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/2/2/f2...

    You can also use System Restore to get before the problem began, then check for Updates with the Hide Update tool and hide them: http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/computing/how-t...

    Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

    Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

    If nothing else helps then run a Repair Install by installing the Media Creation Tool and choosing from it to Upgrade Now. This solves many problems and will also bring it up to the latest version which you need anyway and by the most stable method. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

    But remember that Factory or Upgrade installs are inferior installs which most enthusiasts won't even run because they'd expect endless issues. Consider doing the Clean Install in this link which compiles the best possible install that will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

    There is also an automated Refresh that reinstalls WIndows while shedding corrupting factory bloatware, saves your files, but doesn't clear the drive to get it cleanest: https://www.howtogeek.com/265054/how-to-easily-...

    I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

    ________________________________________________________

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