Sound keeps cutting off and on when gaming and in Discord

Charles White 5 Reputation points
2026-01-17T02:34:06.3333333+00:00

sound keeps cutting off and on when im in a game or Discord

Microsoft Edge | Audio and video playback | Windows 11
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  1. Q&A Assist
    2026-01-17T02:34:12.4066667+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    If your sound keeps cutting off and on during gaming or while using Discord, it could be due to several factors. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take:

    1. Check Audio Output Levels: Ensure that the audio output level is not constantly at 0. You can check this in the media stats of the application you're using.
    2. System Volume Settings: Verify your system volume settings to ensure they are not set too low or muted. Sometimes, app-specific volume settings can also affect audio output.
    3. Audio Device Issues: Make sure your audio output device is functioning properly. You might want to try switching to a different audio output device to see if the problem persists.
    4. Driver Issues: If the audio inputs and outputs have suddenly disappeared, reinstalling the audio driver might resolve the issue.
    5. Browser Issues: If you're using a browser for Discord, ensure that it is up to date. Sometimes, issues can arise from the browser's handling of audio.
    6. Network Issues: Poor network connectivity can also lead to audio cutting out, especially in online gaming or voice calls.
    7. Audio Processing: If you're experiencing robotic-sounding audio, this could be a sign of packet loss. Check the audio recordings captured from your device to diagnose the issue further.

    By following these steps, you should be able to identify and hopefully resolve the audio issues you're experiencing.


    References:

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  2. Gunasekar N 56,720 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-01-17T03:32:26.1666667+00:00

    Hello, thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

    Does this issue occur only when you’re playing games or when you’re using Discord? Are you able to listen to regular YouTube videos or songs in other apps without any audio distortion?

    May I please know which default audio output device is selected when you’re playing games or using Discord? Are you using any wired gaming headphones or a Y-split connector (plugged in) as your audio output device?

    You can check this by going to: Start > Settings > System > Sound > Choose your default output device.

    In addition to this, type msinfo in the search bar on the taskbar and click Enter.

    Post a screenshot of the resulting dialog box.



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