Audio stuttering on your Windows computer can be a frustrating experience, especially when you're trying to listen to music or watch a video. But don't worry, we've got you covered.
To save your time, the most easy and quick method for fix audio stuttering on Windows 11 is changing the setting of your speakers to 24 bit, 192000hz. Based on the feedback from users, many of them answered that it worked for their computers.
However, if it does not work for your computer, no worries. In the following contents, we'll discuss the possible causes of audio stuttering and provide you 10 tested methods to fix the issue on Windows 11/10/7. Please keep reading.
What Audio Stuttering is and Why It Happened
Audio stuttering is when you experience brief interruptions or skips in the sound while playing audio on your computer. This can be caused by a number of factors and can happen on any Windows operating system. It's important to note that audio stuttering can occur with both external and internal speakers, and can be a result of hardware or software issues.
There are several possible causes of audio stuttering on Windows computers. Some of the most common ones include:
- Outdated or corrupted drivers: Drivers are programs that allow your computer to communicate with hardware devices. If your drivers are outdated or corrupted, audio stuttering may occur.
- Incompatible audio settings: If your audio settings are not configured properly, you may experience audio stuttering.
- Faulty hardware: If your speakers or other audio hardware are damaged or malfunctioning, audio stuttering may occur.
- High CPU usage: If your computer is running too many processes at once, it may cause high CPU usage, which can lead to audio stuttering.
Now that we've discussed the possible causes of audio stuttering, let's dive into the solutions.
How to Fix Audio Stuttering on Windows 11/10/7
Method 1. Update Your Audio Driver
Your audio driver is the software that allows your computer to communicate with the audio hardware. If your audio driver is outdated or corrupt, it can cause audio stuttering, crackling, or popping. Updating your audio driver can help to resolve these issues by providing the latest software and bug fixes.
According to a study by Driver Easy, outdated or missing drivers can cause up to 75% of PC crashes. So, it's essential to keep your drivers up to date, including your audio driver.
How to Update Your Audio Driver
There are two ways to update your audio driver: manually or automatically. We'll explain both methods, so you can choose the one that works best for you.
1. Manual Update
- Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager from the menu.
- Expand the Sound, video, and game controllers category.
- Right-click on your audio device and select the Update driver.
- Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.
2. Automatic Update
If you don't have the time or technical expertise to update your audio driver manually, you can use a driver updater tool like Driver Easy. Here's how to use it:
- 1.Download and install Driver Easy on your computer.
- Launch Driver Easy and click on the Scan Now button. Driver Easy will scan your computer and detect any outdated or missing drivers, including your audio driver.
- Click on the Update button next to your audio driver to download and install the latest version automatically.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Method 2. Change Your Audio Format
Audio stuttering can occur when there is a mismatch between the audio format of your media file and your system's audio settings. Changing your audio format can help to create a match and eliminate audio stuttering. By adjusting the sample rate and bit depth, you can improve the compatibility between your media files and your system's audio settings.
How to Change Your Audio Format in Sound Settings
- Right-click the speaker icon on the taskbar and select Sounds.
- Go to the Playback tab and select your default playback device.
- Click Properties and go to the Advanced tab.
- Under Default Format, choose a different sample rate and bit depth. For example, you can choose 16 bit, 44100 Hz.
- Click Apply and OK to save the changes.
Method 3. Disable Audio Enhancements
Audio enhancements are features that are designed to improve the audio quality of your device. They can include sound equalization, virtual surround sound, and noise suppression, among others. While these enhancements can improve the overall audio experience, they can also cause audio stuttering issues.
Disabling audio enhancements can help fix audio stuttering because it reduces the workload on your device's audio processing system. By disabling these features, your device can focus on processing the audio signal without any additional processing. This can help reduce audio lag and stuttering.
How to Disable Audio Enhancements in Sound Settings
Disabling audio enhancements in Sound settings is a simple process that you can complete in a few steps. Here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to do it:
- Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select 'Open Sound settings.'
- Click on the 'Sound control panel' link on the right-hand side.
- In the Sound window, select the 'Playback' tab.
- Select your default playback device and click on the 'Properties' button.
- In the Properties window, go to the 'Enhancements' tab.
- Check the box next to 'Disable all enhancements' (or 'Disable all sound effects').
- Click on the 'Apply' button and then click on 'OK' to save the changes.
Method 4. Check Your Hardware and Cables
If you have a loose connection or a damaged cable, your audio may also stutter or cut out entirely. Additionally, if your audio device is not plugged in correctly, it may not function correctly, causing audio stuttering.
Tips on How to Check Your Hardware and Cables for Any Faults or Damages
1. Make Sure Your Speakers or Headphones are Plugged in Properly and Securely
The first step in checking your hardware is to ensure that your speakers or headphones are plugged in correctly. Check that the cables are correctly inserted into the ports, and they are secure. If you are using a laptop, ensure that the audio device is correctly plugged in and not muted.
2. Try Using a Different Port or Device to See if the Problem Persists
If you have checked the cables and ports and the problem persists, try using a different port or device. For example, if you are using headphones, try using a different headphone jack or a different pair of headphones. This step helps you identify if the problem is with the device or the port.
3. Clean Any Dust or Dirt from the Ports or Connectors with a Soft Cloth or Compressed Air
Dirt and dust can accumulate in the ports and connectors, causing connectivity issues. Use a soft cloth or compressed air to clean any dirt or dust from the ports and connectors. This step helps to ensure that the cables and devices are correctly connected and functioning correctly.
4. Replace Any Broken or Worn-out Cables or Adapters with New Ones
If you have tried all the steps above, and the problem persists, it may be time to replace any broken or worn-out cables or adapters. Faulty cables or adapters can cause audio stuttering, and replacing them can help to fix the issue. Purchase quality cables or adapters from reputable brands to avoid future audio stuttering issues.
Method 5. Disable Exclusive Mode for Your Audio Device
Exclusive mode is a feature in Windows that allows applications to take exclusive control of your audio device. This means that when an application is using your audio device, other applications are unable to use it at the same time. While this may be useful for some applications, it can lead to audio stuttering if the application using the audio device is not optimized for it.
Disabling exclusive mode for your audio device allows multiple applications to use it simultaneously, which can help prevent audio stuttering. This is because the audio device is not being exclusively controlled by one application, but rather shared by multiple applications.
How to Disable Exclusive Mode for Your Audio Device
Now that you understand why disabling exclusive mode can help fix audio stuttering, let's go through the steps to do it.
Step 1: Open Sound Settings
First, right-click on the speaker icon in the taskbar and select "Open Sound settings."
Step 2: Access the Properties of Your Default Playback Device
Next, click on "Sound Control Panel" located under the "Related Settings" section. In the Sound window, select the "Playback" tab and double-click on your default playback device.
Step 3: Disable Exclusive Mode
In the Properties window, go to the "Advanced" tab and uncheck the boxes next to "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device" and "Give exclusive mode applications priority."
Click "Apply" and "OK" to save the changes.
Method 6. Run the Audio Troubleshooter
The audio troubleshooter is a built-in tool in Windows that helps diagnose and fix audio problems automatically. It scans your system for any audio errors and applies fixes to resolve them. Running the audio troubleshooter can help fix audio stuttering caused by outdated drivers, incorrect audio settings, or conflicts with other apps.
How to Run the Audio Troubleshooter on Windows 11/10/7
Running the audio troubleshooter is a simple process that you can do yourself. Here's how to do it on different versions of Windows:
For Windows 11/10:
Step 1: Click on the Start menu and select the gear icon to open the Settings app.
Step 2: In the Settings app, click on the System option.
Step 3: Under the System menu, select the Sound option.
Step 4: Scroll down to the Troubleshoot section and click on the "Troubleshoot" button below the "Sound" header. Follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter and apply any fixes that it suggests.
For Windows 7:
Step 1: Click on the Start menu and select Control Panel from the list of options.
Step 2: In the Control Panel, click on the Hardware and Sound option.
Step 3: Under the Sound menu, select the "Troubleshoot audio playback" option.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter and apply any fixes that it suggests.
Method 7. Disable Fast Startup on Windows 10/11
Fast startup is a feature in Windows 10/11 that allows your PC to boot up more quickly by using a hybrid shutdown and hibernation mode. While this feature can be useful for reducing boot times, it can also cause problems with audio playback.
When you shut down your PC with fast startup enabled, Windows saves the system state to a hibernation file. When you turn on your PC again, Windows loads this file instead of doing a full system boot. However, this process can interfere with audio playback, causing stuttering and other issues.
By disabling fast startup, you can ensure that your PC does a full system boot every time, which can help prevent audio stuttering and other problems.
How to Disable Fast Startup on Windows 10/11
Step 1: Go to Control Panel
To disable fast startup, first, you need to go to the Control Panel on your Windows 10/11 PC. You can do this by clicking the Start button and then selecting Control Panel from the menu.
Step 2: Select Power Options
Once you're in the Control Panel, look for the Power Options menu and click on it. This will open up a new window with various power settings.
Step 3: Choose What the Power Buttons Do
In the Power Options window, look for the Choose what the power buttons do option and click on it. This will take you to a new screen with more power settings.
Step 4: Change Settings That Are Currently Unavailable
In the new screen, you'll see various options, including some that are currently grayed out. To access these options, click on the Change settings that are currently unavailable link at the top of the screen.
Step 5: Disable Fast Startup
Once you've clicked on the Change settings that are currently unavailable link, you'll be able to access more power options. Scroll down until you see the Turn on fast startup (recommended) option, and uncheck the box next to it. Then, click on the Save changes button to apply the changes.
Method 8. Disable Windows Spatial Sound
Windows Spatial Sound is a feature that allows you to experience 3D audio for your headphones or speakers. While it can enhance your audio experience, it can also cause audio stuttering if your system isn't compatible with it.
Disabling this feature can free up system resources, which can reduce the likelihood of audio stuttering.
How to Disable Windows Spatial Sound
- Right-click the speaker icon on the taskbar and select Sounds.
- Go to the Playback tab and select your default playback device.
- Click Properties and go to the Spatial sound tab.
- Under Spatial sound format, choose Off from the drop-down menu.
- Click Apply and OK to save the changes.
Method 9. Change the Power Plan Settings
When your computer is set to a lower power plan, it can affect the performance of your CPU and lead to audio stuttering. By changing your power plan settings, you can ensure that your CPU is running at full capacity and prevent audio stuttering.
Here's how to change your power plan settings:
- Go to the Control Panel and select Power Options.
- Click Change plan settings next to your current power plan.
- Click Change advanced power settings.
- Expand Processor power management and set Minimum processor state and Maximum processor state to 100%.
- Click Apply and OK to save the changes.
Method 10. Disable Hardware Acceleration in Chrome or Other Browsers
Hardware acceleration can cause conflicts with your audio drivers and lead to audio stuttering. By disabling hardware acceleration, you can ensure that your audio drivers are working properly and prevent audio stuttering.
Here's how to disable hardware acceleration in Chrome or other browsers:
For Chrome:
- Go to Settings.
- Click Advanced.
- Click System.
- Turn off Use hardware acceleration when available.
For Firefox:
- Go to Options.
- Click General.
- Uncheck Use recommended performance settings and Use hardware acceleration when available.
For Edge:
- Go to Settings.
- Click System.
- Turn off Use hardware acceleration when available.
Method 11: Restart or Disable Bluetooth Support Service
If you are using Bluetooth devices, such as Bluetooth headphones or speakers, to play audio on Windows 10, you may encounter audio stuttering issues due to Bluetooth interference or compatibility issues. One of the possible solutions to fix audio stuttering issues with Bluetooth devices is to restart or disable the Bluetooth Support Service. The Bluetooth Support Service is a Windows service that enables wireless communication between Bluetooth devices. Sometimes, restarting or disabling this service can help fix audio stuttering issues with Bluetooth devices.
To restart or disable the Bluetooth Support Service on Windows 10, you can use the built-in Services tool in Windows 10. Here are the steps to restart or disable the Bluetooth Support Service on Windows 10 using Services:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type services.msc and hit Enter to open the Services window.
- Locate the Bluetooth Support Service and double-click on it to open its properties.
- Under the General tab, click on the Stop button to stop the service.
- Click on the Startup type drop-down menu and select Disabled if you want to disable the service permanently, or Automatic if you want to restart the service.
- Click on Apply and then click on OK to save the changes.
- Restart your PC and check if the audio stuttering issue is resolved.
Method 12: Change CPU Power Plan
Another possible cause of audio stuttering on Windows 10 is CPU throttling. CPU throttling is a feature that reduces the CPU performance and power consumption when the CPU is not under heavy load. However, CPU throttling can also cause audio stuttering issues on Windows 10, especially if the CPU is not able to handle the audio processing demands of your audio source or application.
To fix audio stuttering issues caused by CPU throttling, you can change the CPU power plan on Windows 10. The CPU power plan is a Windows feature that allows you to adjust the power consumption and performance of your PC. By changing the CPU power plan to High Performance or Balanced, you can prevent CPU throttling and improve the audio processing performance of your PC.
To change the CPU power plan on Windows 10, you can use the built-in Power Options tool in Windows 10. Here are the steps to change the CPU power plan on Windows 10 using Power Options:
- Right-click on the battery icon in the system tray and select Power Options from the menu.
- Click on the Show additional plans link to expand the list of available power plans.
- Select the High Performance or Balanced power plan and click on the Change plan settings link next to it.
- Click on the Change advanced power settings link to open the Advanced settings window.
- Expand the Processor power management category and then expand the Minimum processor state subcategory.
- Set the On battery and Plugged in values to 100% and click on Apply and then click on OK to save the changes.
- Restart your PC and check if the audio stuttering issue is resolved.
Method 13: Use a Discrete Sound Card
If none of the above methods work for you, you may want to consider using a discrete sound card for your PC. A discrete sound card is a dedicated device that handles all the audio processing tasks, thus reducing the load on the CPU and the motherboard. A discrete sound card can also offer higher sound quality, lower noise, and more features than the integrated sound card on the motherboard.
To use a discrete sound card, you will need to purchase one that is compatible with your PC and install it in a PCIe slot. You will also need to disable the integrated sound card in the BIOS settings or in the Device Manager to avoid any conflicts. After installing the discrete sound card, you will need to install its drivers and software and configure its settings according to your preferences.
Using a discrete sound card can help you fix audio stuttering issues on Windows 10, especially if they are caused by poor audio processing performance or compatibility issues. However, a discrete sound card can also be more expensive and consume more power than the integrated sound card, so you will need to weigh the pros and cons before buying one.
The Bottom Line
When you get here, you have just walked through all possible solutions to audio stuttering on Windows 7/10/11. And we are pretty sure that they can help you to fix it. So follow and try them one by one if you have not yet. If you feel uncertain about some of them or have any other questions, please let us know.
