Clicks and ticks on audio playback via usb

netsullivc 0 Reputation points
2026-09-14T13:31:03.3366667+00:00

Hi I am having a strange problem. I keet geeting small ticks and breaks on audio play back to my external devices via usbc - any ideas on how to solve the problem? I have tried playing different saved sources, different formats different players same problem. Lousy usb cable maybe? Thx for any ideas

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers
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  1. DaveM121 931.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-14T14:06:01.25+00:00

    The best option is to uninstall the latest Windows update to test if that resolves the problem, there is a widely reported problem in that update with USB audio devices.

    If that does not resolve the problem, go to the support page for your system on the manufacturer to download and reinstall the Audio drivers they provide.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-14T13:31:16.4833333+00:00

    Try these steps in order:

    1. Unplug the USB audio device and reconnect it.
    2. If the issue continues, connect it to a different USB port. This is a documented workaround for USB audio playback problems, and it can also help with intermittent glitches.
    3. Restart the PC if reconnecting the device does not help.
    4. In Windows 10, check the basic audio hardware items:
      • Make sure the device is fully connected.
      • Make sure mute is off and volume is up.
      • If headphones are also connected, unplug them and test again.
    5. Turn off audio enhancements:
      • Select Start > Settings > Sound.
      • In Output, select the USB audio device.
      • Under Advanced settings, set Audio enhancements to Off.
    6. Run the audio troubleshooter:
      • Select Start > Settings > System.
      • Select Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
      • In Audio, select Run.
    7. If the problem started when Windows first installed the USB device and then replaced the default USB audio 2.0 driver with a device-specific driver, uninstall the device from Device Manager and let Windows reinstall it:
      • Open Device Manager.
      • Double-click the device.
      • Open the Driver tab.
      • Select Uninstall Device.
      • Do not select Delete the driver software for this device.
    8. If the device has its own manufacturer installer, install that driver first while the device is disconnected, then connect the device afterward.

    If the PC is an affected Intel-based system with a 500, 600, or 700 series Platform Controller Hub and a discrete TPM, USB audio devices can glitch, click, pop, or stop working. In that case, unplugging and reconnecting the device or restarting the PC is the documented workaround.

    References:

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