- Audio latency may be due to hardware, drivers or settings of Windows 11.
- Update drivers, adjusting sound settings and disabling enhancements helps reduce lag.
- Bluetooth devices and advanced power options or BIOS significantly influence the synchronization of the audio.
Do you notice that the audio and video are not in sync? Windows 11? It's probably happened to you: you're watching a movie, playing a game, or listening to music, and suddenly the sound comes in earlier or later than it should, completely ruining the experience. This type of audio latency problem It's more common than it seems, and although it's sometimes difficult to diagnose, here's a complete guide to adjusting latency and reducing audio delay on your Windows 11 computer.
In this article you will find all proven solutions proposed by experts and the community, from basic steps to advanced hardware and software configurations. We also include tips for Bluetooth devices and Tricks specific tips that have worked for other users. Let's get down to business and fix your PC's audio latency once and for all!
Why does audio lag occur in Windows 11?
El delay between audio and video It is usually due to a variety of causes. One of the most common is the use of Bluetooth speakers or headphonesWireless audio devices can introduce delay due to incompatibilities, poor hardware quality, or simply signal saturation. In fact, as users in the Microsoft community have reported, after continued use, many Bluetooth headsets begin to desync and produce a noticeable delay.
But he is not the only one responsible: outdated audio drivers, configuration errors, hardware acceleration issues, driver interference, or even incorrectly set BIOS options may be behind the problem. In addition, the power plan and the configuration of the applications also have their weight.
Sometimes, if you're just listening to music, you might not even notice, but in games or movies, the lag is immediately noticeable. Sound lag can even occur when using applications such as Skype, streaming platforms, or other streaming services. streaming or web browsers, especially if your Internet connection is not stable or fast enough.
First steps to check system configuration
Before you dive into any major changes, review the basics:
- Check that all cables are properly connected and that there are no physical faults in the audio output device.
- Restart your PC and audio device (speakers, headphones, etc.) to rule out occasional blockages.
- Update Windows 11 to the latest version and make sure all updates are installed.
- If you use Bluetooth devices, pair them again: Remove the device in settings and then add it again.
- Change port USB or try on another computer to rule out hardware problems.
Specific solutions to reduce audio latency
1. Run the sound troubleshooter
Windows 11 includes a audio troubleshooter which automatically analyzes and corrects the most common errors. To run it:
- Right click on the Start menu and enter Configuration.
- Accede to System and then to Solve problems.
- Choose Other troubleshooters.
- En Play audio, click on Run.
When finished, Windows will tell you if it found any problems and if it fixed them, or at least give you clues about the cause.
2. Reinstall or change audio drivers
The sound drivers are key to avoiding latency. An outdated or incompatible driver can create significant lags between sound and image. There are three ways to address this:
- Sign in Device administrator (right click on Start).
- Expand the section Sound, video and game controllers.
- Right click on your audio device (for example, Realtek o Intel) and select Uninstall device.
- Restart your PC. Windows will automatically install the generic driver.
Some users get better results manually installing the official driver from the manufacturer's website, while others opt for the generic Windows version (High Definition Audio Device). To get the best results in audio management, you can also check out how to choosing the best sound card.
Don't forget that if you use headphones or USB speakers, you must use the specific driver of that device, since the generic one usually gives latency problems or simply does not work.
To keep everything up to date and avoid headaches, you can use automatic driver update tools, which download and install the correct versions of all audio components.
3. Disable exclusive control and exclusive application priority
In Windows' advanced sound settings, some options allow applications to take full control of the audio device to achieve lower latency. However, in practice, this can lead to conflicts:
- Right click on the sound icon (bottom right) and select Sounds.
- Go to the tab Reproduction and right click on your default device, then Properties.
- Enter the tab Advanced.
- Uncheck Allow apps to take exclusive control of this device y Prioritize applications in exclusive mode.
- Save the changes.
Disabling these options can improve latency and eliminate audio lag, especially if you're using multiple audio applications at the same time.
4. Restore the playback device to its default settings
If you have ever touched the advanced settings or installed external sound packs, it is a good idea return the audio device to its initial state:
- Accede to Sounds again from the audio icon.
- Eyelash Reproduction, right click on the default device and enter Properties.
- On the eyelashes Improvements y Advanced, click on Restore Defaults.
- Apply the changes.
This eliminates any settings that may be causing interference or incompatibility.
5. Change the audio format and disable enhancements
El default audio format and digital enhancements can also interfere with sound timing, especially if you have sample rates set too high. To adjust this and Enable Game Mode in Windows 11 If you haven't already, check out our recommendations.
Furthermore:
- Turn off the hardware acceleration in the browser settings menu.
- Clear cache and cookies.
6. Disable ErP and HPET in BIOS/UEFI
Some advanced BIOS parameters (especially erP y HPET) can cause synchronization problems between the hardware and the operating system, generating skips and delays in the sound:
- Balance Windows + I to open Configuration.
- Go to Recovery and select Restart now in Advanced Startup.
- Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings and restart.
- In the BIOS, locate the options erP o HPET and disable them. Save and restart.
Not all devices have these options, but if they do, it's a good idea to try disabling them to see if it improves audio latency.
7. Browser and Flash Player Settings
If you detect the audio delay only in the browserThe cause may be in your browser's own settings. Currently, most browsers don't require Flash Player, but if you're experiencing specific problems with older pages, you can try installing it or switching browsers to see if the delay goes away.
Furthermore:
- Turn off the hardware acceleration in the browser settings menu.
- Clear cache and cookies.
8. Change the power plan to high performance
Power saving mode can prioritize efficiency over performance, sometimes impacting audio performance. To adjust this and improve latency, also visit our guide for Optimize internet speed for streaming and gaming.
- Right click on the battery icon and select Energy options.
- Choose the plan High performance.
- If it doesn't appear, create a new one by selecting Create an energy plan and choose High performance.
- Set this plan as default.
This is especially important on computers. portable, but it also applies to desktop PCs. Make sure there are no other profiles active that could limit system response.
9. Manage Windows Updates
There are times when a Windows update introduces unexpected audio issues. Here's why:
- Accede to Settings > Update & Security.
- Check that you have all updates installed.
- If the problem appears after an update, consider Back to the previous version from Recovery.
10. Reinstall Windows as a last option
If the problem persists after trying all the solutions above, your system may be so damaged that only a clean reinstallation of Windows can restore proper audio performance. Back up your data first and follow the official guides to reinstall your operating system from scratch.
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