How to fix Sound Distortion issues in Windows 10

At times when playing a video or a game or listening to music, you may find that the sound is distorted. In this post, we will see how to fix sound distortion or static problems on a Windows 10/8/7 PC which could be caused due to hardware, driver or other reasons.

Sound Distortion in Windows 10

You may try these suggestions and see which one of them helps you. Follow these steps carefully and help yourself out of this problem.

1. Disable Sound Effects
2. Reinstall Driver software in Compatibility Mode
3. Check your speakers
4. Reinstall DirectX
5. Set audio to 24-bit format
6. Run Audio Playback Troubleshooter.

1] Disable Sound Effects

First, you need to disable all the sound effects & enhancements on the system. Here is how to do it:

1. Press the Win + X and click on 'Control Panel' among the options.
2. Double click 'Sounds'.
3. Click on 'Speakers' and then go to 'Properties'. Click on 'Enhancement'.
4. Click on 'Disable All Sound Enhancements'.
5. Click 'Apply' and then 'OK' to complete this step.

This disables the audio enhancements.

2] Reinstall Driver software in Compatibility Mode

If disabling all sound effects didn't work, you would need to uninstall and reinstall your Sound drivers in the Compatibility Mode. Before you begin, make sure that you have the driver installation setup for this device ready,

1. Press the Win + X and click on 'Device Manager' among the options.
2. Expand “Sound and Game Controllers.”
3. Right-click on the 'Sound' device on the list and select 'Uninstall'.
4. Select 'Delete driver software'.

Wait for the uninstallation to complete and then restart the device.

1. After the restart, right click on 'Driver setup file'.
2. Go to 'Properties' and click on 'Compatibility'.
3. Select the 'Windows 8.1 OS' option on the drop-down menu. Click 'Apply' and then 'OK'.
4. Run the file and wait for it to install.

3] Check your speakers

If you have VLC Media Player installed and have raised the volume to anything over 100%, chances are, you may have damaged your speakers. If the sound is distorted below 100% volume over speakers but fine with earphones, your speakers need replacing.

4] Reinstall DirectX

If only some programs or games are missing audio, re-install DirectX. You might also try running the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.

5] Set audio to 24-bit format

This is a pretty effective option.

1. Press the Windows + S and enter Sound. Select 'Sound'.
2. Go to 'Playback' and then click 'Speakers'.
3. Go to 'Advanced' and click on 'Default Format'. Then select '24 bit'.
4. Click 'Apply' followed by 'Save changes'.

You will need to do this individually for every multimedia app you have.

6] Run Audio Playback Troubleshooter

Play a media file to start your system's multimedia app. and then follow this procedure to play the Audio Playback Troubleshooter

1. Press Win+S keys.
2. Enter Troubleshoot and select 'Troubleshooting'.
3. Select 'Troubleshoot audio playback'. It will troubleshoot the issue if it falls in scope.

Wait till your job is done.

I hope something helps!

Here is another guide that might help you troubleshoot Windows 10 Sound and Audio problems.