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Start by checking whether the problem affects one game or all sound on your PC. If it is game-specific, check that game’s volume and output routing; if other apps are affected too, troubleshoot the Windows output device, enhancements, drivers, and connection. Change one thing at a time so you can tell which step helps.
First, find out whether the problem is one game or all audio
Play another game or a system sound, then compare what happens. Windows app-volume and output settings can affect one game even when other sounds work. Microsoft’s Windows sound troubleshooting guide covers app volume and output selection.
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If only one game cuts out or sounds wrong
- Open Windows Volume Mixer and make sure the game is not muted and its volume is turned up. Steam also recommends checking the game’s level there.
- Confirm the game is routed to the output device you intend to use.
- If the Windows settings are correct but the problem persists, check that game’s own audio settings and support page.
If several apps or system sounds are affected
Check that Windows is sending audio to the intended device. Your PC may list several outputs, such as speakers, a headset, a USB DAC, or HDMI audio from a monitor. Select the one you want and test it before moving on.
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For crackling or distortion, test enhancements and audio format
Microsoft notes that “Audio enhancements can cause distortion or crackling on some devices.” Turn off enhancements for the selected output and test the sound. If distortion continues, open that device’s Advanced settings, select a different available default format, and test again. These are reversible checks, not a recommendation that one format is best for every setup. See Microsoft’s steps for distorted or crackling audio.
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Update or reinstall the audio driver, then restart audio services
- Check Windows Update for audio-driver updates. Restart the PC if Windows asks you to.
- If the sound is still distorted or crackling, identify your sound device and get the latest driver from your PC or audio-device manufacturer. Microsoft documents uninstalling the current driver and reinstalling the manufacturer’s latest version as a troubleshooting option in its audio-driver guidance.
- Restart the Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder services, as described in Microsoft’s distorted-audio instructions.
Use Windows Update or the device maker’s support page rather than a generic driver-download site or driver-updater utility.
If you use USB audio, isolate the port and connected devices
For a USB headset, DAC, microphone with audio output, or external sound card, try another USB port. If behavior changes by port or the device disconnects intermittently, test for a connection or device conflict. Steam’s USB connection and contention guidance recommends disconnecting nonessential USB devices, then reconnecting them one at a time to see whether the symptoms return. This is a diagnostic test, not proof that the audio device is defective.
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Steam’s sound troubleshooting advice also recommends checking the Windows Volume Mixer and drivers. Its snd_legacy_surround 1 instruction applies to Source games only; it is not a general Windows or all-games fix.
For Bluetooth audio, check the connection and selected output
Make sure Windows still has the Bluetooth headset selected as the output. If quality is low or the connection drops, follow Microsoft’s Bluetooth-connected-but-no-sound troubleshooting. The appropriate checks can depend on the Windows release and headset, so do not assume a single profile setting fixes every model.
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Decide what to test next
- Only one game still fails: Recheck that game’s Volume Mixer level and output routing, then consult its settings and support page.
- Several apps still fail: After checking output selection, enhancements, drivers, audio services, and the relevant connection, test an existing alternate output if available.
- You suspect the audio device: If possible, test it on another computer before deciding it needs replacement.
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