Sound crackling problem after updating to windows version 26H2

Meheraj Al Hossain 0 Reputation points
2026-10-15T17:40:54.42+00:00

There was no issue before the update. After i have updated the windows to version 26H2, my laptop sound is cracking. I do not even getting a clear sound output neither on YouTube nor system media player. This hampered my daily activities.

My laptop model: ASUS TUF GAMING F15 FX506LH

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. Lester Bernard Reyes 86,190 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-15T18:13:48.36+00:00

    Hi, I'm Bernard. I'm happy to help!

    This issue happens when your audio isn't compatible with Windows Update. To sort out the issue, kindly follow the steps below:

    Method 1. Run the Audio troubleshooter:

    Press the Windows Key + R, then type in:

    msdt.exe /id AudioPlaybackDiagnostic

    Then hit OK and follow the prompt to run the Audio troubleshooter.

    Method 2. Roll back the audio driver:

    -Press the Windows key + X

    -Go to Device Manager

    -Expand Sound, video and game controllers

    -Look for Realtek (R) Audio or High Definition Audio

    -Right-click and click Update Driver

    -Select Browse my computer for drivers

    -Click Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer

    -Choose an old driver or another driver name, then select it and click Next until it installs.

    -Restart the PC and check.

    Note: If the issue persists, please download and install the audio driver from your manufacturer’s website.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-15T17:41:09.33+00:00

    Windows 11 version 26H2 has a known audio issue affecting some USB Audio Class 1.0 devices. Reported symptoms include:

    • no audio output
    • volume controls stuck at zero or unresponsive
    • sound settings unresponsive
    • Device Manager error "This device cannot start (Code 10)"

    If the laptop audio path is using an affected USB audio device, the current status is:

    1. Install the latest Windows updates first. Microsoft states this issue is partially resolved by the out-of-band update KB5129195 for devices using 8-channel or 3D audio modes.
    2. If audio is still distorted or crackling, try these self-service steps:
      • Right-click the Volume icon on the taskbar and select Sounds.
      • On the Playback tab, select the audio device and choose Properties.
      • On the Enhancements tab, select Disable all enhancements, then test audio.
      • If the issue continues, open the Advanced tab, change the Default format, select OK, and test again.
    3. Update or reinstall the audio driver:
      • Open Device Manager.
      • Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
      • Right-click the audio device and select Update driver.
      • Restart the PC.
      • If needed, uninstall the driver and install the latest audio driver from the device manufacturer.
    4. If sound stopped immediately after the update, try rolling back the audio driver:
      • In Device Manager, right-click the audio device and select Properties.
      • Open the Driver tab.
      • Select Roll Back Driver.
      • Restart the device.

    If the issue is specifically the known 26H2 USB Audio Class 1.0 problem and the latest updates do not fix it, Microsoft states that work is still in progress for remaining symptoms.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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