Microsoft Surface Pro 4 Crackling Sound

I've been having the crackling sound problem with my Surface Pro 4 for several months. But now it got even worse with the new Windows version 1803. Before the update the Sound occurred only once after putting the Surface in sleeping mode. But now it just keeps crackling several minutes in a approximately 45 second interval. This is really unbearable! Especially when you use your Surface just before sleeping, then put it aside and try to fall asleep. I almost got a heart attack once because I got shocked by the sound.

It is worth mentioning that the problem only occurs for me if the Surface is not attached to the power Adapter. Clearly the solution can not be to Always Keep it wired...

None of the mearues described here in this post did help and I've got no warranty time left for the device. I did'nt expect that the issue will get even worse with newer windows versions since Microsoft knows the Problem for some time now.

So when can we expect a fix?

I hope that works for you! Mine started out as being only when it would power up and go to sleep but progressively got worse to where it would pop while I was actively using it. Got the refurbished newer model and have not had any issues. 

Good Luck!

I have had the same problem since I purchased my surface pro 4 back in November 2017.

Microsoft said they would replace the device for me with a refurbed one.

(In the meantime I have a case open with the retailer I purchased from as they should have replaced for me with a brand new device!)

I had no luck in finding the problem for the sound so was about to go forward with the replacement when I came across this on the internet...

The audio pops when switching from a “rest” state in Windows 10 Fall Creators Update. Many people have reported that the audio stays uninterrupted with songs, games. You could try the workaround to get rid of that.

* Press Win + R from your keyboard, type regedit and click OK button to open Registry Editor.

* Navigate to the location below:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class{4d36e96c-e325-11ce-bfc1-08002be10318}\0007\PowerSettings

* Highlight the PowerSettings folder, and go to its right side pane.

* There are 3 registry keys, including ConservationIdletime, IdlePowerState and PerformanceIdleTime. They are used to configure the related sound in different sleep state.

The ConservationIdletime is used to be played only when your laptop is running low on battery, so you can ignore it.

The hexadecimal values of IdlePowerState key is on the default 03 00 00 00. If you change it to zero, the system will overwrite it and reset to the default value. The 0 value is not an accepted value for the sound card.

The PerformanceIdleTime key is used for desktop PCs and laptops under charge, and it has 5 seconds inactivity timer. I notice that you need to make change with it. Double click on the PerformanceIdleTime key, change its value data to

ff ff ff ff, and click OK button to save that,

* Finally make a rebooting with your tablet or computer to apply all changes. Now the sound popping has been fixed. Everything works properly on Windows 10 1709 version.

I have carried these instructions out and will keep you posted on how it goes!

Hi Felicia,

We suggest that you contact our Microsoft Support for further assistance and recommendations.

Feel free to post back if your have further concerns.

okay ive been one my google journey and really need an answer I sent the screen to get replaced and reset the whole thing and its static popping noise continues in random intervals in the middle of the night, I have so many mental issues that cause anxiety attacks I don't need another, I got mircosoft bc apple is outdated and stole software hence macintosh, but that's besides the point my warranty is almost up and I need an answer soon or I will smash my screen and get a stupid MacBook as long as it behaves adeQUIETLy