To be precise, many users that upgraded from Windows 7 or 8, reported many sound issues that include sound distortion, static, lackluster quality, and many other problems. It’s needless to say that those sound problems occurred only in Windows 10 and that, allegedly, everything was performing well on the pre-upgraded system. Luckily, no matter how complicated the problem is, there’s always a silver lining, you just need a correct approach. For that purpose, we enlisted a few solutions that should relieve you of the trouble at hand and help you retrieve proper sound in Windows 10. Make sure to check them out below.
Why is my audio distorted?
There are various reasons for distorted audio on Windows 10 and 11. The major cause of the issue is faulty or outdated drivers. This can be fixed by using a dedicated tool to update and install the correct driver. Also, your PC might be giving off distorted audio because of faulty hardware. Regardless of the cause, we will show you how to fix the issue in this guide.
How can I fix distorted sound on Windows 10?
1. Reinstall drivers
In scenarios when you’re 100% positive about hardware functionality, the first thing you should investigate to solve the distorted audio issue is the sound driver. One of the easiest ways to keep your driver in top shape is to install the original version from the official website. With the steps above, the task has been made easier for you.
2. Update drivers
Outdated drivers cause all sorts of issues, including, but not limited to the distorted audio problem. Whether you are using a Bluetooth speaker or just your normal speaker, you can get Windows 10 random audio stutter once your drivers are not in top shape. Remember to restart your PC after the driver update.
3. Run Windows Audio Troubleshooter
While we’re at it, the specified Audio Troubleshooter can come in handy in fixing the computer audio suddenly distorted issue. too. Drivers can work fine, and the sound output can still present an underwhelming experience with stutters, distortion, or low quality. Disclaimer: this program needs to be upgraded from the free version in order to perform some specific actions. The Windows Audio Troubleshooting tool should, at least, give you an insight into the instigators of the problem. In a favourable scenario, it might resolve the issues, too.
4. Inspect hardware
Now, what are the chances that your Windows 10 audio is messed up and distorted because something went wrong with the hardware just after you upgraded your OS? We would say minimal. But, since Windows troubleshooting is all about the detailed, meticulous approach and step-by-step system of elimination, you’ll need to check out everything. Just in case. So, make sure that everything is properly connected depending on the type of sound system you run. Basically, double-check speakers and triple-check sound cards. The best way to do so is to connect your speakers to an alternative device and see for yourself. If the problem is present only on the current device, continue with the additional steps below. SPONSORED If you need to replace your sound card, check out this list of the best sound cards to use on Windows 10.
5. Disable the exclusive control option
Now, let’s move to system-related options that can and will occasionally affect playback and cause issues. If you keep getting distorted audio after applying the fixes above, you should consider disabling the Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device feature. This enables individual applications (both third-party and system apps) to take control of the device and override default sound settings.
6. Change the Sound format for the default Playback device
Moreover, certain users managed to resolve the distorted audio problem by simply switching to a different sound format within the Playback device settings. The only problem with this solution is that you’ll need to check multiple formats until you, so to say, hit the right note. Follow the instructions above to change the default sound format on your PC.
7. Reset Windows 10
Finally, if none of the previous steps worked in your favour to solve the distorted audio issue, it’s time to get the big guns into play. Namely, if you upgraded to Windows 10 rather than performing a clean reinstallation – certain problems might occur. With the Reset this PC option, you’ll avoid performing a clean reinstallation but the system will be renewed, nonetheless. If you’re uncertain how to do it, make sure to follow the instructions above and we should be good to go.
How do I fix distorted audio on Windows 11?
Just like on Windows 10, the distorted audio on Windows 11 issue is majorly down to outdated and faulty drivers. Also, it can be caused by problematic hardware and other glitches on your PC. Thankfully, we have a dedicated guide on how to fix distorted sound on Windows 11. So, feel free to check it out for stepwise solutions to the problem.
Why is my laptop audio glitching?
If your laptop audio is glitching, the issue might be caused by incorrect sound settings. This issue can also be caused by your hardware like the speaker and its connectivity. Lastly, another culprit to look at is a problematic driver. You can follow the steps in this guide to fix this issue. The distorted audio issue can be pretty annoying, especially if you are in the field of recording and editing. But with the solutions in this guide, you should be able to get rid of the problem for good. Also, if you were wondering how to fix distorted audio file, these solutions should come to your aid. Do you want to know how to fix Realtek sound issues on Windows 10? Then check our excellent guide to do it effortlessly. If you have any questions, alternative solutions or suggestions in regard to the sound distortion issue we addressed today, feel free to share them with us in the comments section below.
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