Audio popping and crackling

I have tried all of this, nothing fixed it.

so far I have ruled out:

wi-fi and or other 2.4ghz Interference (works fine on work computer at same location)

BIOS version (latest version)

broken speakers (brand new and works fine on other computer)
CPU latency (checked with LatencyMon, all green and good)

driver issues (tried everything I can think of)

And already tried:

full format of drives with re-install of windows 10

updating windows 10 fully

keeping windows 10 at current version after re-installation

changing and turning off audio enhancements

changing bitrate/ format

turning off fast boot and hibernation

setting min cpu state 100%

updating audio drivers (I am using a wireless USB headset so updating/ downgrading the realtek/ windows audio driver is pointless, and yes I've tried updating/ downgrading audio drivers for the USB headphone soundcards as well).

using different wireless USB headphones (same issue in new razer nari, and old logitech g934)

using wired aux headphones (no popping or crackling audio issues, not even with a logitech usb to aux adapter)

This happened after an windows 10 update (21H1 or 20H1 I believe, can't remember what version I kept windows at).

I have kept the "Windows Update" service disabled through services.msc, but something happened and windows did update itself automatically last monday 28. feb, this is when the issue started. Something in some windows sofware update broke USB Audio on my computer.

I don't have this issue at all on my work computer with the exact same hardware but with Windows 10 pro, latest update.

At this point I'm considering installing an earlier version of windows 10 using Rufus to check if the issue is still present.

EDIT:

I followed the steps listed in this reddit post for my razer headphone audio drivers, it helped slightly, now the audio popping is not always there, but it does sometimes return. It's pretty random after some checking.

I also found a video example on the issue, that same audio popping sound in the video is the same one I hear every ~10 seconds when audio is continuously playing.

Hi Nerevariest. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, specializing in Installation, Performance, Troubleshooting and Activation, here to help you.

1. Try all of these fixes for headphones crackling and popping until one works:

https://mysupport.razer.com/app/answers/detail/...

https://soundgearlab.com/learn/headphone-crackl...

https://www.drivereasy.com/knowledge/headphones... (Avoid the driver app, not needed, see #1)

https://audiomav.com/why-headphones-make-a-popp...

https://www.reddit.com/r/audio/comments/mi1o3u/...

https://earrockers.com/how-to-stop-headphones-f...

https://itstillworks.com/mean-headphone-crackle...

https://helpdeskgeek.com/help-desk/windows-10-a...

https://www.headphonesty.com/2020/07/hear-stati...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Se6gHSfCms

2. Update your sound drivers and BIOS/UEFI firmware from the PC or motherboard maker's Support Downloads web page, using the full model number, Serial Number or Dell Service Tag on sticker. Compare the latest drivers available for download with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button. Make sure you have the latest BIOS or UEFI firmware, Chipset, Display (Video), Sound, USB3, Bluetooth, Network and all other drivers, or else download and install the latest now.

Updating drivers from the Device Manager or Windows Update is rarely enough. The most basic thing we need to learn to maintain a PC is keep the latest manufacturer's drivers installed from their Support Downloads web page. Everything else depends on this.

Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.

______________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Motherboard is MSI z170a, and is running the most current BIOS update from here.

I have updated every driver using driver easy, and Windows 10 is running the most current update, also with optional updates. And is now 1 day old after a complete format and re-install.

This problem did occur after windows somehow decided to update itself, as I had always kept the windows update service disabled. Mostly to keep issues like this one from happening in the first place.

If there are no solutions available, I will try installing an older Windows 10 build.

Hi, my name is Anderson Souza, I hope I can help you with your issue.

First, it is important to ensure that all available updates for Windows are installed. To do this go to Start > Settings > Update and Security > Check for updates.

Apply all available updates.

On that same screen, you will see "Show optional updates", in this option you can mark optional driver updates, as the system is showing this instability, updating these drivers can help too.

After installing all OS updates, the ideal is to update your computer's BIOS as well. Is your PC a notebook? If yes, what are its make and model? If not, what is the make and model of your PC's motherboard? So we can try to find BIOS updates.

Make the suggested updates, observe your PC's behavior and let me know if the problem persists so we can check for other procedures.