Cracking sound during Teams call

Alena Spiegl (s) 0 Reputation points
2026-10-05T19:12:28.3766667+00:00

Hello,

I am experiencing a strange audio/hardware issue specifically during Microsoft Teams calls.

I am using a brand-new Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13-inch, approximately two weeks old). Teams is fully updated.

During Teams calls, my laptop repeatedly makes a very short electrical-sounding “crack” or “tuck” noise. The noise is not continuous; it occurs irregularly, sometimes several times close together and sometimes with longer pauses in between.

Some additional details:

The noise seems to come mainly from the rear left side of the laptop, close to the hinge.

It only occurs during Teams calls.

I do not experience it when watching YouTube or using WhatsApp.

  • I have also tested it with the Teams microphone muted, and the noise still occurred.

I tested the laptop both while charging and on battery, with no noticeable difference.

I have tested using headphones/external speakers. When using external audio, the noise does not occur.

  • The problem has become noticeably more frequent over the last few Teams calls.
  • I have the current update of Teams downloaded.

Since the laptop is brand new, I would like to understand whether this could be a known Teams/Surface audio issue, a driver/software issue, or whether the device itself should be checked for a hardware problem.

Could you please advise me on the appropriate troubleshooting steps?

Thank you!

Microsoft Teams | Microsoft Teams for business | Meetings and calls | Audio and video
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  1. AI answer

    2026-10-05T19:12:51.9166667+00:00

    Because the sound occurs only on Teams calls, stops when external audio is used, and is becoming more frequent on a new Surface Laptop 7, start with software and audio-path checks first, then treat abnormal physical noise near the hinge as a possible hardware issue if it continues.

    Recommended steps:

    1. Run the Windows audio troubleshooter
      • Open the Get Help app and run the audio troubleshooter.
      • This can automatically diagnose and fix common sound issues.
    2. Check for anything blocking the built-in speakers or microphones
      • Make sure nothing is covering the speaker or microphone openings, including protectors or decals.
    3. Turn off audio enhancements
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
      • Under Output, select the built-in audio device.
      • Select Audio enhancements and turn them off.
      • Test another Teams call.
    4. Change the default audio format
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
      • Under Output, select the built-in audio device.
      • Select Advanced.
      • Under Default format, choose a different format.
      • Test again.
    5. 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 Windows.
      • If the issue continues, uninstall the audio driver and reinstall the latest version from the device manufacturer.
    6. Restart Windows audio services
      • Open Start, type services.msc, and press Enter.
      • Restart Windows Audio.
      • Restart Windows Audio Endpoint Builder.
      • Test audio again.
    7. Restart the Surface
      • Go to Start > Power > Restart.
      • After restart, test the built-in speakers and microphone.
    8. If needed, force shutdown and restart
      • Go to Start > Power > Shut down.
      • After the device turns off, press and hold the power button for 20 seconds.
      • If the logo appears earlier, keep holding until it appears again.
    9. Compare Teams app behavior
      • Test a Teams call in the browser and compare it with the desktop app.
      • If the issue happens only in the desktop app, that points more to the app or its local state than to the hardware.
    10. If the noise is truly a physical crack/tick from the device, have the Surface checked
    • Microsoft states that grinding, whining, or ticking sounds are abnormal. Normal fan operation should not sound like something is broken.
    • If the sound remains after the audio troubleshooting above, use one of the available service paths: self-repair, send to Microsoft, or in-person support.

    Given the pattern described, the most important distinction is this:

    • If the sound is only heard through the built-in speakers and disappears with external audio, focus on Windows/Surface audio settings and drivers.
    • If the sound is physically coming from the chassis near the hinge, and especially if it resembles ticking or electrical cracking, that aligns more closely with an abnormal hardware symptom and the device should be inspected.

    References:

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

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  2. Hendrix 1,750 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-05T19:51:33.61+00:00

    Hi Alena,

    Thank you for your detailed information.

    Based on what you shared, the sound occurs while the microphone is muted, happens on both battery and AC power, and disappears when headphones or external speakers are used. With these behaviors, the issue could be related to the built-in speaker, its audio driver or firmware, or how the built-in audio device handles Teams call audio.

    To determine whether it is application- or Surface hardware-specific, please try these steps:

    1/ Install all Windows, Surface, and optional driver updates

    • Open Settings > Windows Update > select Check for updates
    • Install all available updates and restart the laptop
    • Return to Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates
    • Install any available Surface, audio, firmware, or driver updates

    2/ Run Surface diagnostics

    3/ Temporarily disable audio enhancements

    • Open Windows Settings > System > Sound.
    • Select the built-in Surface speaker under Output and locate Audio enhancements.
    • Set it to Off and test a Teams call.
    • If available, try a different Default format under the speaker’s advanced settings.

    You can also try other workarounds in this article: Fix distorted or crackling audio in Windows | Microsoft Support

    If there are any updates about the issue, please feel free to reach out again in the comments of this post. I'm happy to assist you further.

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