Sound is lagging in Windows 11: Complete guide to fix it

Do you notice that the audio on your PC with Windows 11 Arriving late, with a slight delay from what you see or do? Don't worry, you're not alone. This behavior can have several causes, from Outdated or buggy audio drivers to power-saving settings, Bluetooth devices with problematic codecs, or even using a TV via HDMI with image and sound processing. Although it sounds cumbersome, there are a handful of proven solutions to get it right.

In this guide, I explain, step by step and in an organized manner, everything you can try. We've compiled practical recommendations typically given by Microsoft support technicians and the real-life experiences of users who have experienced the delay and managed to resolve it. You'll learn everything from how to update, reinstall, or roll back drivers, use the generic driver Windows, go to the troubleshooter, or even more specific steps like disabling the AAC codec on Bluetooth or reconfiguring HDMI. The important thing is not to skip anything: the more systematic you are, the more likely you are to get the audio right.

Common causes of sound delay in Windows 11

The root of the problem is usually on one of these fronts: incompatible audio drivers or drivers of the device itself, bugs introduced after an update, overly aggressive power settings, specific Bluetooth codecs (like AAC), or peculiarities when sending audio via HDMI to a TV. There have also been reports of USB speakers taking a couple of seconds to activate, especially with very brief system sounds.

Some portable High-end devices, even in power saving mode, should not experience any noticeable lag. If this occurs, it is most likely because a software or driver failureIt is good practice to review Windows Update’s most emblematic landmarks, the Device administrator and the manufacturer's utilities, because sometimes the fix comes with a specific update from the audio or chipset vendor.

When audio is delivered via Bluetooth, device quality, compatibility, and codecs come into play. It has been seen that AAC codec may cause delays or slow-motion audio on some speakers or sound barsIn these cases, disabling it at the registry level and re-pairing the device may be crucial.

If you have your PC connected to a TV via HDMI, the TV can introduce latency due to its image and sound processing. Although the GPU and CPU are barely busy, the delay is caused by the TV's video/audio chain. Keeping the GPU drivers and HDMI audio drivers, and activating game mode on the TV usually reduces the delay immediately.

With USB speakers, it's relatively common to notice 1–2 seconds of silence at the first sound, followed by the next 15–30 seconds of full sound being heard without delay. This can be due to the USB port's power management, device initialization, or certain other issues. audio enhancements and improvements that take a while to activate. Below are several useful checks for this case.

Update the audio driver from Sound Settings

Before we get into the nitty-gritty with advanced options, let's start with the basics: Windows 11 will locate and install the latest driver available. From the system's sound options, we can jump to Windows Update to download it if it exists. It's a convenient shortcut for those who don't want to go through the hassle of vendors and websites. downloads. If there is an update pending, install it..

1. Right-click the sound icon in the taskbar and go to Sound Settings. You can also open Settings and navigate to System > Sound.
2. In the output section, open your device (e.g., Speakers) to enter its Properties.
3. Use the Check for driver updates option. Windows will take you to Windows Update, and if it detects a new driver, download and install it.

This method is quick and, if you're lucky, resolves the delay without further ado. If nothing appears in Windows Update, you'll have to try the traditional methods: Device Manager or the manufacturer's website.

Update drivers from Device Manager

Device Manager lets you automatically search for a better driver or install a specific one. It's great for forcing Windows to check what's available for your device. hardware audio or to point directly to a package downloaded from the manufacturer. Do the automatic test first.

1. Open Device Manager (search for it in the Start menu).
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click your sound card or audio device (speakers/headphones) and click Update Driver > Search automatically for drivers. Follow the wizard.

If Windows doesn't find anything, visit the website of your computer or sound device manufacturer and download the latest package. Then, repeat the process by choosing the option Search for drivers in My PC to point to the folder containing the driver.

Uninstall the audio driver and reinstall it clean

When the driver is corrupted, a clean reinstallation works wonders. The key is to check the box to remove the driver software and then reboot so Windows can automatically install a fresh one. Save your work before restarting.

1. Open Device Manager and go to Sound, video and game controllers.
2. Right-click on your audio device and choose Uninstall Device.
3. Select Delete the driver software for this device and confirm with Uninstall. Restart the PC.
4. On startup, Windows will reinstall the standard driver or the latest cached driver.

If you're still experiencing delays after reinstalling, try the generic Microsoft driver. It's a good way to rule out a problem with the manufacturer-specific package.

Use the generic Windows audio driver

The generic driver that comes with Windows 11 sometimes offers more stability than the manufacturer's, especially if the latter isn't yet optimized for your system version. Changing it is reversible and won't take more than a minute. It is a quick and safe test.

1. In Device Manager, right-click on your audio and click Update Driver.
2. Choose Browse my computer for drivers > Let me pick from a list of drivers.
3. Select the audio device with the generic Microsoft driver and click Next. Complete the installation.

Check if the gap disappears. If it improves, you know the manufacturer's driver was at fault. If not, roll back to your previous driver and continue with the next steps.

If the problem appeared after an update: roll back the driver

It's relatively common for audio to start behaving strangely after an update. In these cases, the Roll Back Driver option can get you out of trouble instantly. Specifically useful when the sound was fine a few days ago.

1. In Device Manager, right-click on your audio device and go to Properties.
2. Open the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver. Follow the prompts.

If you can't revert (option disabled) or nothing changes, consider restoring the system to a previous point automatically created by Windows Update.

Restore the system to a previous point

Windows creates restore points before installing updates. If your audio was damaged immediately afterward, restoring that point will restore your settings to the ones you were using. It doesn't affect your documents, but it will affect drivers and settings. Use it wisely.

Open Recovery in Settings or search for System Restore, choose a point before you noticed the delay, and run the process. Once it's finished, test the audio. If it works fine again, confirm that Windows Update isn't reinstalling the same audio. problematic driver.

Run the audio troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes an audio troubleshooter that checks settings, default devices, services, enhancements, and more. It doesn't always hit the mark, but when it does, it saves you an afternoon. Let him do his full checkup.

Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Search for Audio or Sound and run it. Apply the suggested fixes. If it asks you to change the default device or disable enhancements, accept and test the delay again.

Power settings: avoid aggressive saving

Low power mode can be a headache for multimedia, especially on laptops. Some have noticed that when playing video, the audio is delayed only in this mode, which points to overly restrictive power managementUpgrading to a Balanced or High Performance plan can close the gap.

On laptops, temporarily disable battery saver and check. If you're using USB speakers, go into the advanced power options and disable it. USB selective suspendIn many cases, this small adjustment prevents the device from taking too long to activate and eliminates the silence of the first few seconds.

Another thing to note: If you notice that your system sounds seem faded at startup, temporarily disable audio enhancements in your device's properties. Some improvements introduce latency to apply its effects.

Bluetooth: When the AAC codec is the culprit

There are very clear reports: certain sound bars or Bluetooth speakers have delayed or even slow audio due to the AAC codec. The solution is to disable AAC in the Bluetooth stack and re-pair the device. It's technical, but not complicated.

1. Open Registry Editor: press Win+R, type regedit and confirm with Yes if User Account Control appears. Make a copy of the registry if you see it necessary..
2. Navigate to HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\BthA2dp\Parameters. If Parameters doesn't exist, create it by right-clicking BthA2dp > New > Key and naming it Parameters.
3. In Parameters, create or modify the 32-bit DWORD value BluetoothAACEnable. Set its value to 0 to disable the AAC codec. Save the changes.
4. Restart the computer.
5. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices, remove your speaker or soundbar, and pair again. Test the latency.

Note: Not all devices react the same. Some experience delays due to limitations in their own hardware or firmware. If you find that after pairing, it works fine for a while and then the delay returns, check if there is a problem. manufacturer firmware update or consider changing devices.

Audio via HDMI on TVs: also target the TV

If you're connecting your PC to a TV via HDMI and you're noticing lag when watching videos or playing games, don't just look at the PC. Many TVs apply image and audio processing that adds milliseconds (or more) of delay. Update your GPU drivers (Adrenalin on AMD, for example) and HDMI audio components. Check the specifics of a Samsung TV with Tizen y activate game mode on the TV to cut latency.

On recent Windows 11 configurations, newer motherboards and GPUs, it's a good idea to make sure you have the BIOS updated, with an up-to-date chipset and the latest graphics driver versions. Some have tried removing Realtek drivers and replacing them without any improvement, so don't get hung up on that if there aren't any signs of it. No need to touch overclocking To eliminate audio delay: focus on TV drivers and settings.

Try different HDMI ports and cables (even if they're relatively low-power, a faulty cable or a limited port can worsen sync). If your TV allows you to adjust audio sync or audio delay, lower it to zero. The goal is to reduce processing that causes lag.

USB Speakers and System Sounds: Slow Boot

A frequently reported case in Windows 11: USB speakers that take 1–2 seconds to output system sounds, but then play instantly for 15–30 seconds. This indicates that the device needs to boot its interface when receiving audio, or that the USB port is going into a sleep state. There are several mitigations.

• In Settings > Sound, mark your speakers as the default and communication device so Windows doesn't try to switch.
• Temporarily disable enhancements or additional processing in Device Properties. Check if the fade-in disappears.
• In advanced power options, disable USB selective suspend.
• Try another USB port (preferably on the backplate) and avoid unpowered hubs.

If this didn't happen on your Windows 10 PC and it does on a new one with Windows 11, think about the differences in drivers of the chipset, power, and motherboard firmware. Keep everything up to date from the manufacturer's website and, in parallel, test the generic audio driver helps to narrow down the origin.

When the manufacturer's driver doesn't fit: Support and Feedback Hub

There are times when the driver provided by the manufacturer just doesn't work well with the current version of Windows 11. If you've tried everything and the delay persists, contact the manufacturer's technical service of the equipment or sound device: These are the ones who customize the drivers and can offer a corrected package or specific instructions.

In the meantime, you can submit your issue through the Windows Feedback Hub. Share the link for others to vote on; the more reactions, the more likely they are to be voted on. more visibility and priority will be for the development team. It's a useful avenue for issues that require changes to the system or components of the media stack.

Step-by-step solver: quick checklist

If you prefer a condensed list to tick off, here it is. Start with the simplest and work your way up. The idea is to isolate the culprit without losing time.

• Windows Update and Sound Settings: Install any available audio updates.
• Device Manager: Update, reinstall and remove software, test generic drivers, and roll back to the previous driver if applicable.
• Audio Solver: Run and accept your corrections.
• Power: Disable aggressive power saving and selective USB suspend; test without audio improvements.
• Bluetooth: Disable AAC in the registry with BluetoothAACEnable=0, reboot, and pair again.
• HDMI/TV: Upgrades GPU, activates game mode on TV, and minimizes audio delay on TV.
• USB Speakers: Rear ports, no hubs, default device, no enhancements.
• Manufacturer and Feedback Hub: If the driver is not yet supported, request support and report it.

Remember that it can be a combination of factors: a power setting plus a capricious controller or a naughty Bluetooth codec. Try combinations and stick with the one that leaves the audio perfect for your use.

If you've made it this far, you've mastered the most effective ways to eliminate audio delay in Windows 11: from the typical upgrades, reinstallations, using the generic driver, or reverting to the previous one, to power settings, Bluetooth with AAC, HDMI, and USB speaker features. Most cases are resolved by following the suggested order; if yours persists, your best ally will be the manufacturer's support and the Feedback Center to escalate the problem. The good news is that there is almost always a combination that leaves it to the millimeter.