Help

Question

Hello,

Recently my laptop is having audio issues (Crackling, Popping), I first assume that it may be software issues, so I reinstalled Realtek and also tried the older drivers but the problem persist. I also tried reinstalling windows 10 and still the same, not sure what's going on.

I googled online and saw people explanining that it may be latency issues, so I downloaded LatencyMON and tested it.

Here are the results and the report, much to my bewilderment.

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CONCLUSION

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Your system appears to be having trouble handling real-time audio and other tasks. You are likely to experience buffer underruns appearing as drop outs, clicks or pops. One or more DPC routines that belong to a driver running in your system appear to be executing for too long. At least one detected problem appears to be network related. In case you are using a WLAN adapter, try disabling it to get better results. One problem may be related to power management, disable CPU throttling settings in Control Panel and BIOS setup. Check for BIOS updates.

LatencyMon has been analyzing your system for 0:01:00 (h:mm:ss) on all processors.

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SYSTEM INFORMATION

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Computer name: GOH

OS version: Windows 10, 10.0, version 2009, build: 19044 (x64)

Hardware: Nitro AN515-44, Acer

CPU: AuthenticAMD AMD Ryzen 7 4800H with Radeon Graphics

Logical processors: 16

Processor groups: 1

RAM: 15741 MB total

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CPU SPEED

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Reported CPU speed: 2895 MHz

Note: reported execution times may be calculated based on a fixed reported CPU speed. Disable variable speed settings like Intel Speed Step and AMD Cool N Quiet in the BIOS setup for more accurate results.

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MEASURED INTERRUPT TO USER PROCESS LATENCIES

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The interrupt to process latency reflects the measured interval that a usermode process needed to respond to a hardware request from the moment the interrupt service routine started execution. This includes the scheduling and execution of a DPC routine, the signaling of an event and the waking up of a usermode thread from an idle wait state in response to that event.

Highest measured interrupt to process latency (µs): 2582.80

Average measured interrupt to process latency (µs): 13.527046

Highest measured interrupt to DPC latency (µs): 1057.30

Average measured interrupt to DPC latency (µs): 5.611334

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REPORTED ISRs

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Interrupt service routines are routines installed by the OS and device drivers that execute in response to a hardware interrupt signal.

Highest ISR routine execution time (µs): 242.167530

Driver with highest ISR routine execution time: Wdf01000.sys - Kernel Mode Driver Framework Runtime, Microsoft Corporation

Highest reported total ISR routine time (%): 0.003581

Driver with highest ISR total time: Wdf01000.sys - Kernel Mode Driver Framework Runtime, Microsoft Corporation

Total time spent in ISRs (%) 0.003985

ISR count (execution time <250 µs): 4231

ISR count (execution time 250-500 µs): 0

ISR count (execution time 500-1000 µs): 0

ISR count (execution time 1000-2000 µs): 0

ISR count (execution time 2000-4000 µs): 0

ISR count (execution time >=4000 µs): 0

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REPORTED DPCs

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DPC routines are part of the interrupt servicing dispatch mechanism and disable the possibility for a process to utilize the CPU while it is interrupted until the DPC has finished execution.

Highest DPC routine execution time (µs): 1036.497064

Driver with highest DPC routine execution time: ndis.sys - Network Driver Interface Specification (NDIS), Microsoft Corporation

Highest reported total DPC routine time (%): 0.034837

Driver with highest DPC total execution time: dxgkrnl.sys - DirectX Graphics Kernel, Microsoft Corporation

Total time spent in DPCs (%) 0.064550

DPC count (execution time <250 µs): 40631

DPC count (execution time 250-500 µs): 0

DPC count (execution time 500-10000 µs): 367

DPC count (execution time 1000-2000 µs): 1

DPC count (execution time 2000-4000 µs): 0

DPC count (execution time >=4000 µs): 0

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REPORTED HARD PAGEFAULTS

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Hard pagefaults are events that get triggered by making use of virtual memory that is not resident in RAM but backed by a memory mapped file on disk. The process of resolving the hard pagefault requires reading in the memory from disk while the process is interrupted and blocked from execution.

NOTE: some processes were hit by hard pagefaults. If these were programs producing audio, they are likely to interrupt the audio stream resulting in dropouts, clicks and pops. Check the Processes tab to see which programs were hit.

Process with highest pagefault count: brave.exe

Total number of hard pagefaults 1

Hard pagefault count of hardest hit process: 1

Number of processes hit: 1

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PER CPU DATA

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CPU 0 Interrupt cycle time (s): 2.184094

CPU 0 ISR highest execution time (µs): 242.167530

CPU 0 ISR total execution time (s): 0.035723

CPU 0 ISR count: 3808

CPU 0 DPC highest execution time (µs): 1036.497064

CPU 0 DPC total execution time (s): 0.522896

CPU 0 DPC count: 34131

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CPU 1 Interrupt cycle time (s): 1.036460

CPU 1 ISR highest execution time (µs): 42.192746

CPU 1 ISR total execution time (s): 0.002820

CPU 1 ISR count: 348

CPU 1 DPC highest execution time (µs): 530.264249

CPU 1 DPC total execution time (s): 0.049380

CPU 1 DPC count: 1564

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CPU 2 Interrupt cycle time (s): 0.736635

CPU 2 ISR highest execution time (µs): 0.0

CPU 2 ISR total execution time (s): 0.0

CPU 2 ISR count: 0

CPU 2 DPC highest execution time (µs): 397.455268

CPU 2 DPC total execution time (s): 0.012372

CPU 2 DPC count: 1177

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CPU 3 Interrupt cycle time (s): 0.622209

CPU 3 ISR highest execution time (µs): 0.0

CPU 3 ISR total execution time (s): 0.0

CPU 3 ISR count: 0

CPU 3 DPC highest execution time (µs): 397.224870

CPU 3 DPC total execution time (s): 0.012467

CPU 3 DPC count: 916

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CPU 4 Interrupt cycle time (s): 0.460667

CPU 4 ISR highest execution time (µs): 0.0

CPU 4 ISR total execution time (s): 0.0

CPU 4 ISR count: 0

CPU 4 DPC highest execution time (µs): 351.425907

CPU 4 DPC total execution time (s): 0.009365

CPU 4 DPC count: 975

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CPU 5 Interrupt cycle time (s): 0.506558

CPU 5 ISR highest execution time (µs): 0.0

CPU 5 ISR total execution time (s): 0.0

CPU 5 ISR count: 0

CPU 5 DPC highest execution time (µs): 287.936442

CPU 5 DPC total execution time (s): 0.005045

CPU 5 DPC count: 467

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CPU 6 Interrupt cycle time (s): 0.301865

CPU 6 ISR highest execution time (µs): 0.0

CPU 6 ISR total execution time (s): 0.0

CPU 6 ISR count: 0

CPU 6 DPC highest execution time (µs): 248.037651

CPU 6 DPC total execution time (s): 0.005484

CPU 6 DPC count: 657

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CPU 7 Interrupt cycle time (s): 0.29660

CPU 7 ISR highest execution time (µs): 0.0

CPU 7 ISR total execution time (s): 0.0

CPU 7 ISR count: 0

CPU 7 DPC highest execution time (µs): 145.030052

CPU 7 DPC total execution time (s): 0.003161

CPU 7 DPC count: 372

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CPU 8 Interrupt cycle time (s): 0.246091

CPU 8 ISR highest execution time (µs): 0.0

CPU 8 ISR total execution time (s): 0.0

CPU 8 ISR count: 0

CPU 8 DPC highest execution time (µs): 632.300173

CPU 8 DPC total execution time (s): 0.003381

CPU 8 DPC count: 313

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CPU 9 Interrupt cycle time (s): 0.231206

CPU 9 ISR highest execution time (µs): 0.0

CPU 9 ISR total execution time (s): 0.0

CPU 9 ISR count: 0

CPU 9 DPC highest execution time (µs): 209.411054

CPU 9 DPC total execution time (s): 0.001119

CPU 9 DPC count: 133

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CPU 10 Interrupt cycle time (s): 0.198315

CPU 10 ISR highest execution time (µs): 0.0

CPU 10 ISR total execution time (s): 0.0

CPU 10 ISR count: 0

CPU 10 DPC highest execution time (µs): 88.502591

CPU 10 DPC total execution time (s): 0.000459

CPU 10 DPC count: 91

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CPU 11 Interrupt cycle time (s): 0.193296

CPU 11 ISR highest execution time (µs): 0.0

CPU 11 ISR total execution time (s): 0.0

CPU 11 ISR count: 0

CPU 11 DPC highest execution time (µs): 73.536788

CPU 11 DPC total execution time (s): 0.000347

CPU 11 DPC count: 57

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CPU 12 Interrupt cycle time (s): 0.180308

CPU 12 ISR highest execution time (µs): 0.0

CPU 12 ISR total execution time (s): 0.0

CPU 12 ISR count: 0

CPU 12 DPC highest execution time (µs): 4.207254

CPU 12 DPC total execution time (s): 0.000060

CPU 12 DPC count: 17

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CPU 13 Interrupt cycle time (s): 0.172439

CPU 13 ISR highest execution time (µs): 0.0

CPU 13 ISR total execution time (s): 0.0

CPU 13 ISR count: 0

CPU 13 DPC highest execution time (µs): 3.706390

CPU 13 DPC total execution time (s): 0.000028

CPU 13 DPC count: 11

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CPU 14 Interrupt cycle time (s): 0.173239

CPU 14 ISR highest execution time (µs): 0.0

CPU 14 ISR total execution time (s): 0.0

CPU 14 ISR count: 0

CPU 14 DPC highest execution time (µs): 4.978584

CPU 14 DPC total execution time (s): 0.000053

CPU 14 DPC count: 13

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CPU 15 Interrupt cycle time (s): 0.202876

CPU 15 ISR highest execution time (µs): 1.652850

CPU 15 ISR total execution time (s): 0.000113

CPU 15 ISR count: 75

CPU 15 DPC highest execution time (µs): 46.480138

CPU 15 DPC total execution time (s): 0.000516

CPU 15 DPC count: 105

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Here are my System Information.

Any help will be greatly appreicated, thank you.

Answer 1

Zack, did you complete all steps which should have found and fixed the Sound problem and if not gone over WIndows most thoroughly to find and fix all problems? The reason I ask is usually someone who completes the steps has found something they reply about.

I you've completed all those steps without finding the problem then I'll give you hardware tests to try to save having to pay a shop $150 minimum:

1. Test the memory using WIndows Memory Diagnostics by typing it is Search, open as Administrator and run.

If problems are found then test the RAM overnight to stress it with the best bootable test memtest86, following this guide to test both sticks and slots:

https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/how-to-test...

2. Test the hard drive or SSD with diagnostics:

https://www.lifewire.com/free-hard-drive-testin...

https://mashtips.com/ssd-health-test-and-perfor...

HP and Dell have hardware diagnostics triggered by tapping the ESC or F12 keys respectively as you power on.

Best is to use the HDD/SSD manufacturer's own if there is one, otherwise use Seatools bootable long test: http://blog.nowherelan.com/2013/04/04/boot-seat...

Follow this up with a full Disk Check: https://allthings.how/how-to-run-chkdsk-in-wind...

3. Stress test the rest of your hardware:

https://techguided.com/best-tools-to-stress-tes...

Feel free to ask back any questions. Report back results for more steps if necessary.

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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.

Answer 2

Hello,

Thank you for your reply and assistance.

I have actually browsed some of the links you pasted here before this, and unfortunately they didn't work. (Power Management, Audio Settings, Command prompts, BIOS settings.)

I have recently read on another forum stating that NVIDIA HD Audio may be causing some conflicts with other drivers, and uninstalling that seems to do the trick. But it didn't work for me as I also have a internal AMD GPU with their audio software installed.

My Bios is the latest version and my realtek drivers as well, I don't think there is hardware issues as I have recently brought my laptop to a repair store for a diagnosis of other issues which were resolved.

I will just use my laptop for now and see how things go. If all out fails, I will do a clean installation of windows 10 or bring to a store for diagnosis and repair.

Thank you so much for your help.

Answer 3

Hi Zack. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, here to help you.

1. Try these fixes for sound crackling and popping in WIndows 10:

https://techcult.com/fix-windows-10-audio-crack...

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/fix-audio-crackl... (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro, PC Repair Tool and Reimage ads)

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

https://winbuzzer.com/2022/02/18/how-to-fix-aud...

https://thegeekpage.com/audio-sound-popping-on-...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjxzBIHrXUM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFcBC36mXeY

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.

2. Update the sound driver from the PC or device maker's Support Downloads webpage for your exact model, Serial Number or Dell Service Tag. Go into Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button, compare to make sure you also have the latest BIOS, Chipset, Display, Network and all other drivers.

If necessary try installing the driver in Safe Mode with Networking (so you have internet), or Safe Mode, accessed by one of these methods: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf...

Try rolling back the sound drivers Choose Sound controller and other audio devices, then Driver tab, then Roll back if available.

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.

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...

3. Restore the Windows Audio Service which may have become disabled: https://troubleshooter.xyz/wiki/fix-audio-servi...
4. Next try these checklists:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/help/402699...

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

5. Also reset the prompt to ask for which device was plugged in here:

https://windowsreport.com/you-just-plugged-unpl...

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Audio/En...

https://www.dell.com/community/Windows-10/How-g...

6. 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.
7. Run the Playing Sound troubleshooter at Start button > Settings>Update & Security>Troubleshoot.
8. 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.

9. 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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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.