how to fix sound distortion at higher volume settings

Question

ronald artz 0

I am getting significant sound distortion at high volume settings.

How do I fix this?

John Jefferson Doyon 86,980 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-08-15T22:43:11.5366667+00:00
Hi, @ronald artz

Since the distortion happens mainly at higher volume, I would first check whether it is coming from the audio device itself or from Windows.

To help narrow down the issue:

Are you using the computer’s built-in speakers, external speakers, headphones, or a monitor/TV?

Does the distortion happen in all apps, such as YouTube and music players, or only in one specific app?

If you connect headphones or another speaker, does the sound still distort at higher volume?

Also, what is the make and model of the computer or audio device?

Click "Add comment" to let me know.

Thanks!
Bulldog 4,385 Reputation points

2026-08-16T02:40:26.7366667+00:00

This isn't a software issue. The way to fix it is with better speakers.

1 answer

John Jefferson Doyon 86,980 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-08-15T22:43:11.5366667+00:00

Hi, @ronald artz

Since the distortion happens mainly at higher volume, I would first check whether it is coming from the audio device itself or from Windows.

To help narrow down the issue:

Are you using the computer’s built-in speakers, external speakers, headphones, or a monitor/TV?

Does the distortion happen in all apps, such as YouTube and music players, or only in one specific app?

If you connect headphones or another speaker, does the sound still distort at higher volume?

Also, what is the make and model of the computer or audio device?

Click "Add comment" to let me know.

Thanks!
Bulldog 4,385 Reputation points

2026-08-16T02:40:26.7366667+00:00

This isn't a software issue. The way to fix it is with better speakers.

Answer 1

Try these steps in order:

Turn off audio enhancements.
- In Windows 11: Start > Settings > System > Sound.
- Under Output, select the audio device in use.
- Select Audio enhancements and turn them off.
- Test audio again at higher volume.
- In Windows 10: right-click the Volume icon > Sounds > Playback tab > select the audio device > Properties > Enhancements tab > select Disable all enhancements > OK.
Change the default audio format.
- In Windows 11: Start > Settings > System > Sound > select the output device > Advanced > under Default format, choose a different format, then test.
- In Windows 10: right-click the Volume icon > Sounds > Playback tab > select the audio device > Properties > Advanced tab > change Default format and test.
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 the PC.
- If the issue continues, uninstall the audio driver and reinstall the latest version from the device manufacturer’s website.
Restart Windows audio services.
- Press Start, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- Right-click Windows Audio and select Restart.
- Right-click Windows Audio Endpoint Builder and select Restart.
- Test audio again.
If the issue is broader than distortion at high volume, run the Windows audio troubleshooter in the Get Help app.