Excessive CPU usage (25% continuous) from "Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation"

[Brad1054]

Just got a brand new HP Spectre X360.  Noticed the fan is running continuously for just modest web/text editing usage.  Checked Task Manager and see an excessive CPU usage (~25% continuous) from "Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation".  Some forums said to disable audio effects from any audio devices - I tried to turn off any that I could find from Realtek or Bang and Olufsen but didn't make any impact.

Any suggestions?

[Flower_Bud]

@Brad1054

Thank you for posting on HP Forums,

Flower_Bud is at your service.

As I understand, the cooling fan is noisy on your computer, 

No worries, as I'll be glad to help you, that said, I'll need a few more details to dissect your concern & provide an accurate solution:

What is the product number of your device? Use this link to find it: http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c03754824 

(Ensure you do not share any of your personal information such as serial, phone number, email ID, etc...).

Let's try these steps to resolve the issue: Click here

Updating your Notebook computer BIOS

Keeping notebook air vents clear and clean

Increasing the efficiency of the notebook to reduce heat

Using Windows Task Manager to identify corrupt processes

Selecting power save settings to shut off your computer when it is not in use

Let me know how that pans out

I hope you have a good day ahead,

If I have helped you resolve the issue, feel free to give me a virtual high-five by clicking the 'Thumbs Up' icon below,

Followed by clicking on "Accept as solution" from the drop-down menu on the upper right corner,

Thank you for posting in the HP Support Forum.  Have a great day!

[Brad1054]

This is not helpful.  Did you not read my post carefully????

I already know there is a corrupt process consuming 25% of the CPU, which is obviously causing the computer to run hot.

And this help page says to identify the corrupt process and then: "To find more information about a process, search the Internet using the process name that displays in the Windows Task Manager. Look for information that mentions the issue through other reports and suggests steps for resolving the issue."

This is not helpful, I already searched the internet and cannot find a solution to stop the "Windows Audio Isolation Graph" problem.  Can you not help me?

[Brad1054]

Update:  I thought I found a (temporary) fix for the problem:

Under Task Manager, in the "Startup" tab, disabling "HD Audio Background Process" and restarting the computer stops that process from running (and consuming so much CPU bandwidth).

But then a few minutes later, this process came back alive.  I'm not sure what started the process.

Is there is a solution for fixing that piece of software/driver????

[EvMig]

I also have such a problem. I restart the service "Windows Audio" every time. But this is a temporary solution...

[Brad1054]

Yesterday I uninstalled the Realtek Audio Driver (from the Device Manager in Control Panel).  When I uninstalled it, I specifically selected to the "Delete the files" associated with it (sorry, I don't remember the exact click sequence or button naming).  I then went to HP's site and downloaded a complete new Realtek driver file package and installed it. 

So far, for at least several hours, this seemed to have solved the problem.  The "Windows Audio Device Graph..." process has not returned to hog a 1/4 fo the CPU.  Fingers crossed...

[Brad1054]

Unfortunately deleting and reinstalling the driver did not work in the long run. 

The task/process continues to reappear, at random times.  I cannot figure out if one specific piece of software is triggering that "Windows Audio Device Graph..." process, but once it is started it continues to run nonstop, taking 25% of the CPU.

Any help from HP here????   I can't believe that a very expensive brand new, high-end laptop has a debilitating audio driver issue...very poor.

[Echo_Lake · Accepted solution]

@Brad1054
Thank you posting back. 

Let's try this steps:

As a workaround, request you open device manager by doing a right-click on the Windows button/menu.

• Expand “Sound, Video and Game controllers” or under “other devices” in Device manager.
• To find the audio drivers installed on your computer.
• Right-click on the audio drivers listed there and uninstall the Intel high definition audio and Realtek audio drivers listed there.
• Delete the drivers if prompted during the uninstall process.
• Once done, click on View and select Devices by connection on the Device manager.
• Expand ACPI x64 based PC.
• Expand PCI Express Root complex and right-click on Intel Smart Sound technology Audio controller and uninstall the device.
• Make sure to delete the driver if prompted during the uninstall process.
• Once done, click on Action and Scan for hardware changes twice in the device manager.
• Close device manager.
• Open Settings from the Windows menu.
• Click on Update and Security and check for updates to get the new audio driver for your computer.

This should resolve the issue you are facing.

If I have helped you resolve the issue, feel free to give me a virtual high-five by clicking the 'Thumbs Up' icon below,

Followed by clicking on "Accept as solution" from the drop-down menu on the upper right corner,

Thank you for posting in the HP Support Forum.  Have a great day!

[Brad1054]

Thanks Echo Lake!  It has been a week now and this solution has solved the problem.  

[Jeet_singh]

@Brad1054,

It looks like you were interacting with @Echo_Lake, but he is out for the day & I'll be glad to help you out, 
I'm the Jeet_Singh & I'm at your service. 

I'm glad you got this issue sorted out.

Do visit our HP Forums and drop us a message anytime you need help.

Thank you 😀