Audio/Video becomes more and more out of sync during playback

Question

When playing a video, whether it is streaming online or viewing a video stored on the computer, the audio and video gradually become out of sync. During the first few minutes it isn't really noticeable, but after 5 minutes or so the audio will be a few seconds out of sync with the video, and the problem only gets worse (further out of sync) the longer the content is played.

I have had this problem since building this computer and I have already tried the following to resolve it:

• Running the audio troubleshooter
• Installing all available Windows updates
• Reinstalling Realtek Audio Drivers
• Installing all available driver updates (using "Driver Easy")
• Checking audio devices are connected correctly
• Changing between audio formats (cd, dvd, studio, etc)
• Disabling HPET

However none of these methods have gotten rid of this annoying quirk. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Hi Brodie. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator here to help you.

What browser are you using? Try another browser. I would have several browsers on your task bar so there's always one that's best for the task. I use Firefox, Edge and Chrome in that order of preference. It's easy to share bookmarks between all of them in their settings under Import Favorites from another Browser, and Firefox and Chrome let you sign in to save and/or sync your Favorites on any other device you sign into. Set the preferred browser as Default in Settings > Apps > Default Apps.

If the problem is the same in another browser, then reset the browsers following this guide:

https://www.howtogeek.com/171924/how-to-reset-y...

Run this Flash tool in all browsers to make sure it's enabled properly and latest:

https://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player.html

For Edge follow these extra steps: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/how-unblock-fla...

If those steps don't help then I'll give you all possible solutions for Sound problems in order of priority, so please try any you've already tried again in order. If you have any problems performing any steps I'll be standing by here to help you.

1. Update the sound driver from the PC or device 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.
2. Restore the Windows Audio Service which may have become disabled: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/57567-resto...
3. Next try these checklists: https://support.microsoft.com/en-in/help/402699...

https://www.howtogeek.com/443702/how-to-fix-sou...

4. Right click Volume icon in System Tray, choose Sound Settings, from the Output and Input devices dropdown menus, choose then one(s) affected to see if that helps. If not use the Troubleshoot button nearby.
5. Run the Playing Sound troubleshooter at Start button > Settings>Update & Security>Troubleshoot.
6. Try rolling back the sound drivers in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button. Choose Sound controller and other audio devices, then Driver tab, then Roll back if available.
7. If no newer sound drivers then uninstall the one presently installed in Device Manager, reached by right clicking the Start Button. Restart PC to reinstall.
8. 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.

Finally, try installing the latest Sound driver in Compatibility Mode as shown here:

https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/win...

9. 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...
10. If this was caused by a Version update (which you can confirm at Settings > System > About) then you can roll back the version in Settings>Update & Security>Recovery and then hide it until it matures using the Hide Updates Tool downloaded from here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/2/2/f2...
11. 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...
12. 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.

13. 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...

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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Answer 2

What app are you using to view the videos?

Answer 3

The problem occurs in every app/website I have tried. Whether it's Netflix, YouTube, Vimeo, etc or local video playback software like VLC or whatever the default Windows program is called (Films and TV?)

Answer 4

Hi Greg, thanks for the in-depth reply, I don't have time to run through this list right now, but I will work through it tomorrow morning and get back to you on results.

Answer 5

I'm glad to help, Brodie. Keep me posted on your progress as I will be here to help until the case is resolved.