laptop audio sound is cracking

[LAPTOP-0BCLL6I2]

Hello,

I am experiencing an audio crackling sound, I have tried known troubleshooting methods such as audio drive update, HP diagnostics fix, etc, but the issue has not been resolved. I would appreciate your help in fixing this noise. Thank you.  

[Max3Aj]

@LAPTOP-0BCLL6I2, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
Audio crackling can be caused by driver conflicts, power settings, or audio enhancements. Since you've already tried updating the audio driver and running HP Diagnostics, let's go through a few additional steps to help resolve this issue:

Reinstall Audio Driver (Clean Install)

Even if updated, a clean reinstall can help.

1. Press Windows + X → select Device Manager.
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click Realtek Audio (or similar) → select Uninstall device.
4. Check Delete the driver software for this device → click Uninstall.
5. Restart your laptop. Windows will reinstall the default driver.

Alternatively, download the latest audio driver from HP: Official HP® Support

Disable Audio Enhancements

Sometimes enhancements cause distortion.

1. Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar → select Sound settings.
2. Scroll down → click More sound settings.
3. Under Playback, select your audio device → click Properties.
4. Go to the Enhancements tab → check Disable all enhancements.
5. Click Apply and OK.

Change Audio Format

Try a different sample rate:

1. In the same Properties window, go to the Advanced tab.
2. Under Default Format, select 16 bit, 44100 Hz (CD Quality).
3. Click Apply and OK.

Adjust Power Settings

Ensure your system isn’t throttling audio performance.

1. Go to Control Panel → Power Options.
2. Select High Performance.
3. Click Change plan settings → Change advanced power settings.
4. Expand Processor power management → set Minimum processor state to 100%.

BIOS & Chipset Update

Outdated BIOS or chipset drivers can affect audio.

• Check for updates using HP Support Assistant or manually: HP Support Assistant | HP® Support

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[LAPTOP-0BCLL6I2]

Hello Team,

Thank you for your reply.

I have followed all the steps you mentioned, but the audio crackling issue remains unresolved. That noice is coming on right hand side only.

What is the next step on this? Please suggest. 

[Max3Aj]

@LAPTOP-0BCLL6I2, Thank you for your response. 
Since the crackling sound is only coming from the right speaker, this points to a hardware-specific issue rather than a system-wide software or driver problem. Let’s proceed with the next steps to isolate and resolve it:

Test with Headphones or External Speakers

• Plug in a pair of headphones or external speakers.
• Check if the crackling persists only on the right channel.

Result:

• If the crackling is not present in headphones → likely a hardware issue with the internal speaker.
• If the crackling is present in headphones → could be a sound card or driver issue.

Run HP Audio Component Test (Hardware Diagnostic)

Use HP's built-in UEFI diagnostics to test the speaker hardware:

1. Turn off the laptop.
2. Press the power button, then immediately press Esc repeatedly until the Startup Menu appears.
3. Press F2 to open HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI.
4. Select Component Tests → Audio.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to test both left and right speakers.

Check for Physical Obstruction or Damage

• Gently inspect the right speaker grill for dust, debris, or physical damage.
• Use a soft brush or compressed air to clean the area.

BIOS Update (if not already done)

Sometimes BIOS updates improve hardware compatibility.

Visit the HP support page for your model: Official HP® Support

Download and install the latest BIOS update.

I hope this helps!

If my response resolves your issue, please click “Accepted Solution” to help others find the answer. Also, don’t forget to click the “Yes” button to say thanks!

Take care and have a great day.

Max3Aj

HP Support