Win10: Win7: Laptop Speaker Crackles/Static When Playing Audio

APPLIES TO:

Microsoft Windows All Versions.

Any laptop model using Realtek driver with built-in speakers. 
SYMPTOMS:
When playing audio through a video or listening to music, the built-in speakers emit crackling or static noise. Additionally, the audio sound is not consistent and may lower or raise in volume for no reason.

RESOLUTION:
The problem appears to be related to Realtek audio driver that comes preinstalled on most laptops.  If you are using the preinstalled Realtek driver you will need to change to the Windows native audio driver.  To change your system to using the Windows native audio driver follow the steps below:

  1. Open the Device Manager.
    • Windows 7: Click on the Windows icon or press the Windows key on your keyboard if it is available. Click to select the Control Panel ->Hardware and Sound. Under Devices and Printers select Device Manager.
    • Windows 10: Click on the Windows start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard if it is available. Click on the cog icon ⚙ to open Settings. In the Windows setting dialog box type "Device Manager" (without quotes) into the search box press enter. In the Search results click the Device Manager to open. 
  2. In the Device Manager dialog box locate "Sound, video & game controllers". Click the less than icon > on the left to expand.
  3. Right click on "Realtek High Definition Audio".
  4. Select to "Update Driver Software".
  5. Click on "Browse my computer for driver software".
  6. Click "Let me pick from a list of drivers on my computer". (Put a check in the box "Show compatible hardware" if not already checked)
  7. In the list of devices, click "High Definition Audio" (the native driver). Click Next.
  8. On the Update Driver Warning box, click "Yes" to install the driver. 
  9. If prompted restart the computer otherwise retest to audio to test for resolution.

If the problem continues then test further using external speakers. 

If you still have the problem with external speakers then attempt the resolution above one more time. Then if you still have the problem search for an updated driver for your audio device. 

If the problem does not occur with external speakers then there may be a problem with the speaker hardware.
PROPERTIES: Last modified: 06/12/20  Revision: 1.1  
Keywords: speaker crackle, speaker static, Windows, Microsoft Windows 10

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