Crackling or static sound from speakers even when sound turned off or headphones plugged in

[ArBe]

Hi all, 

this is literally doing my head in.

So for a few months I noticed that the sound was playing up a bit on my laptop - so when I played videos it first started at a certain sound level and then changed tone after a few seconds - this did not bother me too much as the volume level more or less stayed the same.

But for about 6-7 weeks I noticed this crackling or static sound coming from my speakers even when I mute them or plug in headphones. It also happens on start up. 

I have re-installed the drivers but to know avail. I also de-installed any updates that may have caused this but it persists.

Now I did notice that it seems to be connected to my "pop up" messages - e.g when I get a message on the right of my screen that there may be a new e-mail or just general pop ups that usually come with a tone...

I also noticed that disabling the Realtek speakers completely makes it go away - but then of course I have no sound at all so that only helps temporarily when I want some peace and quiet. 

I downloaded the HP Hardware Diagnostics tool but it said audio devices are working properly. The normal troubleshooter says the same.

I am not hugely technically gifted so a simple solution would be perfect without having to go itno too much geeky stuff - however if it is described to me in a step by step manner I can follow instructions:-) 

Thanks heaps in advance for any help!

[KrazyToad]

@ArBe

Welcome to HP Forums. This is a great place to get support, find answers and tips.

I have gone through your Post and I'll try my best to help

Let's reinstall the Audio driver from Device Manager

- Select the Start  button, type Device Manager, and select it from the list of results.
- Look for Audio Inputs & Outputs and expand the List
- Look for Audio driver then right-click it, and select Update Driver.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
- If these steps don't work, try reinstalling the driver: Open Device Manager, right-click the Audio driver and select Uninstall. Restart your PC and Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver.

Also update the BIOS from this Link: https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/swdetails/hp-envy-17-n100-notebook-pc-touch/8502652...

If the issue persists, you can perform a System Restore to an earlier time before the issue started

- Select the Start button, type control panel and then choose it from the list of results.
- Search Control Panel for Recovery.
- Select Recovery > Open System Restore > Next.
- Choose the restore point related to the problematic app, driver, or update, and then select Next > Finish.
 

As a last resort, I suggest you back up your data and perform a Reset and that should definitely fix it

Please refer to this Link: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c04742289 for help in performing the Reset

Keep me posted how it goes and if you need further assistance

Thank you and have a wonderful day 😊

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the "Solution Accepted" and this will also help other community members with similar issue.

[ArBe]

Thanks but that made it 10 times worse. Re- installed the driver and now the sound is not just temporary but constantly loud and static with squeaky noises and cracks even though I disabled the speakers or rather output devices completely. I am now doing a reset but the noise is constant and I am sitting in my lounge with earplugs....at the end of my tether. At least before I could just disable the output device and had no sound at all...i took a video of this too as it's doing my head in. This is the 4th time this year that I am doing a reset and I am wondering if I bought a lemon...given the problems started right after the warranty ran out....

[KrazyToad]

@ArBe

Thanks for keeping me posted

I suggest you run an Audio Test to confirm the Hardware Functionality

- Hold the power button for at least five seconds to turn off the computer.
- Turn on the computer and immediately press Esc repeatedly, about once every second. 
- When the menu appears, press the F2 key.
- On the main menu, click Component Tests and Audio

If the Test pass, you can backup your data and perform the System Recovery

- Turn off the computer.Disconnect all connected devices and cables such as Personal Media Drives, USB drives, printers, and faxes.
- Turn on the computer and repeatedly press the F11 key about once every second until the Choose an option screen is displayed, and then continue.
- On the Choose an Option screen, click Troubleshoot.
- On the Troubleshoot screen, click Recovery Manager.
- Under Help, click System Recovery.
- When Recovery Manager prompts you to back up your files, select a backup option:
- The Welcome to HP Recovery Manager screen is displayed. Read the on-screen information, and then disconnect any connected devices and cables, such as Personal Media Drives, USB drives, printers, and faxes.
- Remove media from internal drives, and remove any recently added internal hardware.
- Click Next to continue.
- When recovery preparation is complete, click Continue to proceed to the installation phase of the recovery process. The computer restarts several times during the recovery. This is normal. Do not close, shut down, or disconnect the computer while HP Recovery runs.
- Recovery Manager reformats the Windows partition and reinstalls the original software.
- After the system recovery is complete, click Finish to restart the computer. Complete the setup screens and wait until the computer finishes the setup.
- Once the setup is complete, turn off the computer, reconnect all devices and cables, and then turn on the computer.
- Before using the computer, update and protect your computer by reinstalling any virus and security software that was installed before the system recovery.
- Reinstall any software programs that were added after purchasing the computer, as well as any files that were backed up.
 

If the Test Fails, please check your private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Forums profile.

Next to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope

Thank you
 

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the "Solution Accepted" and this will also help other community members with similar issue.