Audio issue on my ASUS Vivobook X1504ZA

The most likely causes, based on the steps already completed, are:

1. Internal speaker or amplifier hardware A Microsoft Q&A answer for a very similar Windows 11 buzzing scenario states this is probably a hardware issue with the audio card. Since the noise persists after reinstalling and rolling back the Realtek driver, changing audio formats, disabling enhancements, and disconnecting AC power, the remaining likely path is the laptop’s internal speaker path: speakers, amplifier, or related onboard audio hardware.
2. Less likely: Windows audio settings or Realtek driver The common software causes documented for distorted or crackling audio are audio enhancements, unsupported audio formats, driver issues, and stopped audio services. Those software paths have already largely been tested in this case:
   • audio enhancements were disabled
   • different default formats were tested
   • the ASUS Realtek driver was reinstalled and rolled back
   • the Windows audio troubleshooter was run

Recommended next diagnostic steps that were not already performed:

1. Restart Windows audio services This checks whether the issue is caused by stalled audio processing services.
   • Select Start, type services.msc, and press Enter.
   • Restart these services:
     • Windows Audio
     • Windows Audio Endpoint Builder
     • Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
   • Test the same audio that triggers the buzzing.
2. Install all Windows updates, including audio-related updates Windows Update is the recommended method for audio driver updates.
   • Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update.
   • Select Check for updates.
   • Install available updates.
   • Restart the PC.
3. Test the Windows generic audio driver This is the best remaining software isolation step because it helps distinguish an ASUS/Realtek-specific driver problem from a hardware problem.
   • Open Device Manager.
   • Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
   • Right-click the audio device and select Update driver.
   • Select Browse my computer for drivers > Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
   • Select High Definition Audio Device if available, then complete the install.
   • Test the same tracks again.

How to interpret the result:

• If the buzzing stops with the generic High Definition Audio Device driver, the Realtek/ASUS driver stack is the more likely cause.
• If the buzzing remains with the generic driver, the cause is more likely the internal speakers, amplifier stage, or onboard audio hardware.

4. If the device shows IDT High Definition Audio CODEC, switch it manually to High Definition Audio Device This applies only if that codec appears in Device Manager.
   • In Device Manager, expand Sound, video and game controllers.
   • If IDT High Definition Audio CODEC is listed, select Update driver.
   • Choose Browse my computer for drivers > Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
   • Select High Definition Audio Device.

Conclusion:

• Because the issue is intermittent, track-dependent, present across tested formats, and unchanged after ASUS Realtek reinstall/rollback and disabling enhancements, Windows settings and the current Realtek driver are less likely than internal speaker/amplifier hardware.
• The strongest remaining diagnostic step is testing with the generic Windows audio driver.
• If the buzzing still occurs after that, the evidence points to the internal speakers or amplifier hardware path rather than Windows audio processing settings.

References:

• How to remove the buzz sound - Microsoft Q&A
• Windows 11