Sound crackling problem after updating to windows version 26H2 on Bluetooth devices

Gonçalo Ferreira 0 Reputation points
2026-10-30T16:29:57.4633333+00:00

Before the update everything worked normally. After upgrading Windows to version 26H2, my Bluetooth audio stopped working. I can only hear sound if I select the Realtek Stereo Mix recording device, but the audio becomes distorted and crackles. Without selecting Stereo Mix, there is no Bluetooth sound at all. When I connect the headset via USB, the audio works correctly.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
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  1. AI answer

    2026-10-30T16:30:18.81+00:00

    Because USB audio works and the problem started after updating to Windows 11 version 26H2, focus on the Bluetooth audio path and drivers first.

    1. Update the Bluetooth driver.
      • Open Device Manager.
      • Expand Bluetooth.
      • Right-click the Bluetooth adapter and select Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software.
      • Restart the PC after the update.
    2. Unpair and re-pair the Bluetooth headset.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
      • Select the headset and choose Remove device.
      • Select Add Bluetooth or other device and pair the headset again.
    3. Turn Bluetooth off and back on.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
      • Turn Bluetooth off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
      • Try pairing again.
    4. Set the Bluetooth playback format.
      • Right-click the Sound icon in the taskbar and select Sounds.
      • On the Playback tab, select the Bluetooth device and choose Properties.
      • Open the Advanced tab.
      • Under Default Format, select 2 channel, 16 bit, 48000 Hz (DVD Quality).
      • Select Apply and OK.
    5. Disable audio enhancements for the playback device.
      • Right-click the Volume icon on the taskbar and select Sounds.
      • On the Playback tab, select the audio device and choose Properties.
      • Open the Enhancements tab.
      • Select Disable all enhancements.
      • Test audio again.
    6. Update or roll back the audio driver if the issue began immediately after the upgrade.
      • Open Device Manager.
      • Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
      • Right-click the audio device and select Update driver.
      • If the problem started right after the update, open Properties > Driver and select Roll Back Driver if available.
      • Restart the device.
    7. Check for Windows updates.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
      • Select Check for updates and install all available updates.
      • Restart the device.
    8. Test with another Bluetooth audio device.
      • If another Bluetooth headset or speaker works normally, the original headset may be faulty.
      • If the same issue happens on multiple Bluetooth devices, that points to a PC-side Bluetooth configuration or driver issue.
    9. Check the headset manufacturer for firmware updates.
      • Install any available firmware for the Bluetooth headset or Bluetooth adapter.
      • Restart both the headset and PC, then reconnect.

    The current workaround of selecting Stereo Mix is not a real fix. The supported path is to restore normal Bluetooth playback by correcting the Bluetooth driver, playback format, pairing state, or audio driver state after the 26H2 upgrade.

    References:

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  2. DaveM121 947.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-30T17:04:42.2166667+00:00

    1

    The best first option would be to go to the support page for your PC on the manufacturers website to download and reinstall (not update) the version of Bluetooth drivers and HD Audio drivers they provide.

    If you have any difficulty locating that support page, click your Start Button, then just type msinfo and press Enter, please provide a screenshot of the resulting System Information window.

    2

    If that does not resolve the problem, open the Settings App, go to Windows Update - Installed Updates, scroll to the bottom of that window and select 'Uninstall Updates, are you able to uninstall the 26H2 update from there, to test if that resolves the problem.

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