Crackling sound with Windows 10 anniversary update

[olem]

Since latest Windows 10 update ("anniversary update") on my guest VM, sound is very crackling.

This seems to be pretty common with people having updated their Windows 10 guest: ​https://forums.virtualbox.org/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=79129

I was using VirtualBox 5.0.26, I've update to VirtualBox 5.1.6 with no change.

I'm using Linux host (Fedora), but in the forum thread, one user was using Windows host.

[olem]

I've followed the instructions on https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/AudioDebug.

When I enter

env | grep VBOX_RELEASE_LOG

result is:

VBOX_RELEASE_LOG=drv_host_audio.e.l.l2.l3.f+drv_audio.e.l.l2.l3.f+audio_mixer.e.l.l2.l3.f+dev_hda_codec.e.l.l2.l3.f+dev_hda.e.l.l2.l3.f+dev_ac97.e.l.l2.l3.f

However, message "Audio: Verbose logging enabled" does not appear in VBox.log. I've uploaded the log file anyway.

[klassikmann]

I have a very similar VBox.log containing many repeated "Audio: Guest stream '[LUN#1] Front (Guest)' full, expect stuttering audio output"

[clintZ28]

Suddenly started experiencing this after the latest windows 10 update I uninstalled all updates windows allowed me too...I'm unable to uninstall KB3176936 which was installed on the day this started

[jms-vbox]

I have this issue too and I would say that it started after Windows 10 anniversary update for me as well. Log file is attached.

[jones23]

Replying to klassikmann:

I have a very similar VBox.log containing many repeated "Audio: Guest stream '[LUN#1] Front (Guest)' full, expect stuttering audio output"

added another log file. same here, but i also get the same behavior (audio crackling) with win 8.1 guest (both fresh iso and with latest updates). with win 7 guest everything is fine. host is win 7. in comparison vmware player works fine as far as the sound is concerned.

[thedavix]

Hi,

I am using a Windows 7 64 Bits host with a Windows 10 64 Bits VM and I am experiencing the same problem of sounds crackling and sometimes not working since the Windows 10 anniversary update.

I've followed the instructions on https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/AudioDebug but like "olem" I do not have the "Audio: Verbose logging enabled" line in the logs, however, I see a lot of logging lines with audio information so I am posting my log file as well

Edit: Tried today with nightly build version 5.1.7 (111231) still same issue

[thedavix]

VBox.log with audio outputs

[William Paul Liggett]

I'm also having the same issue with a crackling/popping sound in a Windows 10 (64-bit) guest VM. I've posted my details to the forum the OP linked in this bug's summary heading. I'm adding this comment so I can receive any updates on this bug report.

[BSmith]

Vbox.log file

[BSmith]

Finally signed up for an account to add my two cents in as well. I've been dealing with the same issue with a Windows 10 host and Windows 10 Guest for quite some time now. Seemingly all started after the Anniversary Update - like most others have mentioned. I've tried every combination of troubleshooting in the book to resolve the issue. Changed every setting remotely related to hardware usage and/or virtualization, changed guest audio drivers, changed host audio/video drivers and settings throughout the OS, even did a clean install of a Windows 10 guest and the same issues occurred.

I notice crackling of audio when just playing audio streams. It's faint, but it's there. When more than one audio source opens up (such as streaming audio from a player and then audio starts on a web browser) the audio starts crackling worse - sometimes it gets so bad that the streams become unrecognizable and you can't actually tell what is being played. Also, I'm not sure if others have mentioned, audio and video sync is lost very badly. Videos (YouTube, Netflix, etc) start out acceptable for the first 30-60 seconds or so and then the audio/video falls out of sync. Eventually video will lag behind the audio by 2-5 seconds.

I'm attaching my Logfile, however, like Olem mentioned above: I followed all the instructions for Audio Debug but the "Audio: Verbose logging enabled" does not appear in my Vbox.log file either. I'm not sure if I did something wrong but I followed instructions carefully and didn't notice any blatant errors.

I'm happy to help further if need be. Thank you for the support.

[Technologov]

+1. Similar issue here.

Host: Windows 10, x64, VBox 5.0.26

Guest 1: Windows 10, original (works fine)

Guest 2: Windows 10 LTSB 2016 (broken audio input, I get lots of noise in microphone input)

Both are using same settings; Intel HD Audio via Windows DirectSound.

-Technologov, 16.10.2016.

[nursoda]

+1. Same here. Host: Linux Mint 18, Kernel 4.4.0-43, VBox 5.1.6 r110634 (Qt5.5.1) Guest: Windows 10 Pro 64bit all Updates, Intel HD Audio via PulseAudio

[JaimeSchettini]

Same here. Host: Ubuntu 16.04, Kernel 4.4.0-43-generic Guest: Windows 10 VBox: 5.0.24

[Selmi]

still not good in 5.1.8 incoming sound is crackling, outcoming sound (using skype) sounds as robot

[thedavix]

Still not ok in latest 5.1.9 (111432) :-( Host: Windows 7 64bits, Guest: Windows 10 64 Bits

Sound is crackling and even stopping from time to time when listening to videos via a browser (ie: youtube) or spotify or anything else.

[Andrew Daugherity]

I can confirm the problem on a macOS X host and Windows 10 guest:

• Windows 10 version 1511 is OK
• Windows 10 anniversary (version 1607) has crackling sound

The problem is very noticeable with the freeware fan game "Mega Man Endless": ​http://blyka.legends-station.com/?page=game_megamanendless

In addition to the sound crackling (in both sound effects and music), the music plays at a sped-up rate. I don't know if 44.1 to 48kHz resampling would explain the speed-up, but that may be a possible cause. This game plays sound correctly in Windows 10 v1607 on physical hardware (and also in v1511, of course).

VM is configured for Intel HD Audio; I tried AC97 but Win10 does not have drivers. I also tried to enable verbose audio debugging but did not see the expected output -- I think the wiki must be out of date there.

[naniid]

Same here.

Guest: Windows 10 Host: MacOSX

I upgraded Windows 10 and started getting crackling sound. It gets worse progressively. Along with adaugherity's issues my youtube video and audio go out of sync.

Using Intel HD Audio.

[klassikmann]

Nothing changed with 5.1.10 (2016-11-21).

[111MilesToGo]

Changelog for VB v 5.1.10 / Windows 10 guest says "audio overhaul ongoing", "re-used audio code from 5.0.x now". Strong reminder: I run VB 5.0.24 under Linux Mint 18.0 host, and I do experience the audio misery in Windows 10 64-bit Pro with the Anniversary Upgrade. Hope for a comprehensive audio overhaul!

[naniid]

In the same boat. It hasn't changed in version 5.1.10. VB5.1.0 works alright though (even with windows anniversary edition)

[shek]

A couple of people have reported above about 5.1.10 not working with Win10 Anniversary edition. Reaffirming the same.

[Artem Astafiev]

I can confirm that there are no issues with Windows XP guest and distorted sound on the same VB 5.1.10 with Windows 10 guest. It looks like sound is played with higher speed, maybe it tries to play 44.1 kHz audio directly at 48 kHz without any conversion.

[klassikmann]

Retested with VB 5.1.12 on Ubuntu 16.10 (host) and Win10 Anniversary edition (guest): Same problem.

[mickyching]

Retested with virtualbox 5.1.12:

host: Linux debian 4.8.0-2-amd64 #1 SMP Debian 4.8.11-1 (2016-12-02) x86_64 GNU/Linux

guest: win10

same problem.

[hpetitti]

Same problem, tested on host: Ubuntu 16.04.1 LTS (Kernel 4.4.0-57-generic) x86_64, pulse audio VirtualBox: Version 5.1.12 guest: windows 10,version 1604, OS build 14393.576

[klassikmann]

Retested with VB 5.1.14 on Ubuntu 16.10 (host) and Win10 Anniversary edition (guest): Same problem.

[wb4alm]

Sound is very bad.

(host) VirtualBox 5.0.32 on Ubuntu 16.04.1 (guest) WIN10 Home (automatic upgrade from Win 7)

sound choppy and unusable. Guest application runs Amateur Radio software modems (via external soundcard) which requires sample rate of 48000. Because of chop (sample rate conversion maybe?) totally unable to run applications.

Applications run fine on a different computer running WIN 10 home natively. Other apps run under Linux just fine -- but will not run under linux -> VirtualBox -> WIN10 home.

[richardeson]

Hi there.

Same problem using on:

VirtualBox: Version 5.1.14 Host: Debian 3.16.0-4-amd64 #1 SMP Debian 3.16.39-1 (2016-12-30) x86_64 GNU/Linux Guest: Windows 10 Professional 64 bit

[hazimish]

Problem persists -
Host OS: Ubuntu 16.04
VirtualBox guest: Windows 10
Symptoms: crackling and out-of-sync audio on video playback.

[hpetitti]

Problem persist on host: Ubuntu 16.04.2 LTS (Kernel 4.4.0-64-generic) x86_64, pulse audio VirtualBox: Version 5.1.16 r113841 guest: windows 10,version 1604, OS build 14393.576

[p2gass]

will this ever get fixed?

[Frank Mehnert]

Yes, it will, but not with 5.1.16. There is a fix in the queue but it's still not working 100% reliably, therefore we decided to not include it into 5.1.16.

[p2gass]

just upgraded to 5.1.18 problem persists. Host: fedora 25 Guest: windows 10

[Sven]

Same issue here: guest Windows 10, host Linux, virtualbox 5.1.18, pulseaudio 10.0

[hpetitti]

Problem persist on
host: Ubuntu 16.04.2 LTS (Kernel 4.4.0-66-generic) x86_64
pulse audio 1.8.0
VirtualBox 5.1.18-114002~Ubuntu~xenial
guest: windows 10,version 1604, OS build 14393.576

[billikumar]

I am finally able to get the audio working by doing the following, Looks like the problem resides in the HD Audio Driver.

1. Shut down the windows 10 VM. Open the Settings navigate to Audio section
2. Change the "Host Audio Driver" to "ALSA Audio Driver". (Pulse Audio also works but it still had stutters)
3. Change the "Audio Controller" to "ICH AC97".
4. Boot to windows 10. Windows will show as audio device missing which is expected.
5. Install the ac97 driver as specified in the stack overflow link ​http://stackoverflow.com/questions/28134018/microphone-in-windows-10-in-virtualbox
6. Restart the VM.

HOST: Linux 4.10.4-1-MANJARO #1 SMP PREEMPT x86_64 GNU/Linux
ALSA: Advanced Linux Sound Architecture Driver Version k4.10.4-1-MANJARO.
PULSE: pulseaudio 10.0
Virtual Box: 5.1.18 r114002
Guest: Windows 10 Enterprise N LTSB.

[talanor]

Hello,

same problem here.

Host OS: Archlinux (4.10.6-1-ARCH) VirtualBox guest: Windows 10, 64b

Used with: Oracle VM VirtualBox Manager 5.1.18

[p2gass]

Problem persist in Version 5.1.20 r114628 (Qt5.7.1)

[Klaus Espenlaub]

Expected (unfortunately). There were no significant audio code changes recently in 5.1. We're still fighting with the behavior of the audio code. Right now the best option is to work hard until it is meeting our expectations, not bothering the users with frequently changing behavior (moving the problem from one place to another).

[thedavix]

This "temp" (which might be long term ;-) ) solution works! Thanks a lot billikumar

Host: Windows 7, Virtual box 5.1.20, Guest: Windows 10 Pro

Replying to billikumar:

I am finally able to get the audio working by doing the following, Looks like the problem resides in the HD Audio Driver.

1. Shut down the windows 10 VM. Open the Settings navigate to Audio section
2. Change the "Host Audio Driver" to "ALSA Audio Driver". (Pulse Audio also works but it still had stutters)
3. Change the "Audio Controller" to "ICH AC97".
4. Boot to windows 10. Windows will show as audio device missing which is expected.
5. Install the ac97 driver as specified in the stack overflow link ​http://stackoverflow.com/questions/28134018/microphone-in-windows-10-in-virtualbox
6. Restart the VM.

HOST: Linux 4.10.4-1-MANJARO #1 SMP PREEMPT x86_64 GNU/Linux
ALSA: Advanced Linux Sound Architecture Driver Version k4.10.4-1-MANJARO.
PULSE: pulseaudio 10.0
Virtual Box: 5.1.18 r114002
Guest: Windows 10 Enterprise N LTSB.

[darkman97i]

The solution proposed by billikumar has also worked for me. thanks a lot.

Replying to thedavix:

This "temp" (which might be long term ;-) ) solution works! Thanks a lot billikumar

Host: Windows 7, Virtual box 5.1.20, Guest: Windows 10 Pro

Replying to billikumar:

I am finally able to get the audio working by doing the following, Looks like the problem resides in the HD Audio Driver.

1. Shut down the windows 10 VM. Open the Settings navigate to Audio section
2. Change the "Host Audio Driver" to "ALSA Audio Driver". (Pulse Audio also works but it still had stutters)
3. Change the "Audio Controller" to "ICH AC97".
4. Boot to windows 10. Windows will show as audio device missing which is expected.
5. Install the ac97 driver as specified in the stack overflow link ​http://stackoverflow.com/questions/28134018/microphone-in-windows-10-in-virtualbox
6. Restart the VM.

HOST: Linux 4.10.4-1-MANJARO #1 SMP PREEMPT x86_64 GNU/Linux
ALSA: Advanced Linux Sound Architecture Driver Version k4.10.4-1-MANJARO.
PULSE: pulseaudio 10.0
Virtual Box: 5.1.18 r114002
Guest: Windows 10 Enterprise N LTSB.

[pentagonik]

There's a new 5.1 test build on the Testbuilds page (r115730) which should have audio improvements regarding HDA emulation in combination with Windows 10 AU (Anniversary Update) + CU (Creators Update) guests.

[jms-vbox]

Testbuild r115730 fixed the problem in my case, guest is Windows 10 CU

[pentagonik]

Great, thanks for the feedback!

[thedavix]

Just tried testbuild r115786 and it fixed the problem on my side as well, host windows 7 64 bits, and guest Windows 10 Pro 64 Bits.

Thanks!

Replying to pentagonik:

There's a new 5.1 test build on the Testbuilds page (r115730) which should have audio improvements regarding HDA emulation in combination with Windows 10 AU (Anniversary Update) + CU (Creators Update) guests.

[markku]

The test build seem to work for my Lenovo T460P internal soundcard, but the problem persists with my USB headset.

My host is Kubuntu 17.04, Guest is Win10 Pro.

The headset (Jabra UV Voice 550 MS) works fine from Kubuntu, but there are crackling sounds when used from Windows guest. My main use case is Skype for business.

Replying to pentagonik:

There's a new 5.1 test build on the Testbuilds page (r115730) which should have audio improvements regarding HDA emulation in combination with Windows 10 AU (Anniversary Update) + CU (Creators Update) guests.

[kenberland]

Linux 64-bit. 5.1.x revision 116680. Ubuntu 16.04 host with Windows 10 guest. Also having crackling with USB headset and *not* with host's soundcard.

[pentagonik]

@kenberland Just to clarify: Sound works (e.g. audio is fine) on your Windows 10 guest when using the device emulation but not when an external USB headset is being used?

[Frank Mehnert]

Fix is part of 5.1.24. Could you re-test?

[thedavix]

Replying to frank:

Fix is part of 5.1.24. Could you re-test?

Hi Frank,

So the sound is still ok but video/sound not in sync anymore.. was working fine in r115786 just updated to 5.1.26 :-/

[petr.nehez]

I installed r117717 and on Kubuntu 17.04 with Windows 10 guest I still can hear crackling sounds :(

[Iax]

I just tested 5.1.28 and 5.1.30 on Ubuntu 16.04 LTS x64 (host) using a current Win10 x64 guest: issue persists. I never had this issue with Win7 x64, but can't speak for pre/post Win10 anniversary update.

One interesting note: when using YouTube in the Windows 10 guest, I'd get utterly horrible audio (resonance/echo, clipping, popping, stuttering) for the first 10 seconds of audio playback, and then it gets better after that (some minor popping, but at least usable). Similar behavior was experienced with applications like Jabber and Skype4Business (this is using the Alsa driver with Intel HDA virtual audio controller).

I installed Audacity on the Windows 10 guest, and have it play a "silence" track for hours at a time, and I no longer get the periodic "horrible audio" issues for the first 10 seconds of YouTube or when using Skype. So, for a temporary workaround, play a silence track in the background on the guest.

Also, I used to have issues with Skype4Business reporting "your computer is causing bad audio", and mic/speaker playback for Skype4Business just dies until I restart the call. This workaround appears to prevent the issue. It's almost as if "sporadic" audio can eventually cause some issue that causes the audio to die outright for some apps.

I'm wondering if this is a buffering or power management issue?

[Wowo]

Virtualbox: 5.1.30r118389 Host: Ubuntu 16.04 LTS Guest: Windows Pro 10 version 1703 (build 15063.674) Seems I have no longer crackling sounds. For me the problem is solved. See newer post. Problem is not solved.:(

[Iax]

Replying to Wowo:

Virtualbox: 5.1.30r118389 Host: Ubuntu 16.04 LTS Guest: Windows Pro 10 version 1703 (build 15063.674) Seems I have no longer crackling sounds. For me the problem is solved.

I should correct my earlier comment with running silence in the background: it was just a lucky fluke I haven't yet been able to replicate. Audio is still horrible on Win10 Pro x64. I switched back to Win7 Pro x64, and audio works flawlessly.

I wonder if this is a VirtualBox issue per se, or some obscure Microsoft issue.

[Wowo]

Unfortunately I was to early with my conclusion: I still hear crackling sounds. :( Though it is much better then before. Problem exist. Win7 has indeed no problems at all with sound...

[AntonioC]

Just to add another stat: VirtualBox Version 5.1.30 r118389 with "Windows 10 Pro x64 version 1607": still getting crackling sound both in and out (mic and speaker. If I speak on a call for example, they also get crackling in my voice). So far it has never worked correctly since April 2017, with any of the VirtualBox updates.

[Wowo]

I am back: The crackling sounds are for me now really gone.:) Virtualbox: 5.1.30r118389 Host: Ubuntu 16.04 LTS Guest: Windows Pro 10 version 1703 (build 15063.674)

What did I done: I have changed PulseAudio into ALSA-audio driver.

The settings of the audio of Windows Pro 10 version 1703 (build 15063.674) in the Oracle VM Virtualbox Manager: Host audiodriver: ALSA-audio driver (was PulseAudio) Audiocontroller: Intel HD Audio

[pentagonik]

Did you also give 5.2 a try yet?

[thedavix]

Tried on 5.2.X any of the version have still the same issue..

Crackling sound comes after some minutes of listening to music or watching a video, it lasts for about 30sec-1min then disappears then comes back after a couple of minutes..

Host: Windows 10 64 Bits v1703 (Build 15063.674) Guest: Windows 10 64 Bits v1709 (Build 16299.125)

[lizard]

Pitches in sound both in playing and recording. VirtualBox 5.2.4 r119785 (Qt5.6.2) Host: Windows 10 64 Bits v1703 (Build 15063.786) Guest: Windows 10 64 Bits v1703 (Build 15063.0)

For users: Workaround with AC97made it better, bit did not fixed. Sometimes sound get lost.

[Kakoussnight]

I also have the same issue with all my Windows VMs. Not only Windows 10 guest, but Windows 7 and XP has also the same sound issue. It happened since I upgraded to Virtualbox 5.2. Any fixes yet ? It's been more than a year now and still no fix. Come on...

[Unclown]

Replying to billikumar:

I am finally able to get the audio working by doing the following, Looks like the problem resides in the HD Audio Driver.

1. Shut down the windows 10 VM. Open the Settings navigate to Audio section
2. Change the "Host Audio Driver" to "ALSA Audio Driver". (Pulse Audio also works but it still had stutters)
3. Change the "Audio Controller" to "ICH AC97".
4. Boot to windows 10. Windows will show as audio device missing which is expected.
5. Install the ac97 driver as specified in the stack overflow link ​http://stackoverflow.com/questions/28134018/microphone-in-windows-10-in-virtualbox
6. Restart the VM.

HOST: Linux 4.10.4-1-MANJARO #1 SMP PREEMPT x86_64 GNU/Linux
ALSA: Advanced Linux Sound Architecture Driver Version k4.10.4-1-MANJARO.
PULSE: pulseaudio 10.0
Virtual Box: 5.1.18 r114002
Guest: Windows 10 Enterprise N LTSB.

This post may be in the wrong place, but better somewhere than no-where - please repost/move if inappropriate:

The above 'fix' solved my non-working microphone pass-through from:

Host: Kubuntu 17.10? 4.13.0-36-generic x86_64 with "NM10/ICH7 Family High Definition Audio Controller (rev 01)" audio hardware.

Guest: is Windows 8.0 - audio driver is HD Audio; AC 97 drivers would not install, when VBox '5.1.30_Ubuntu r118389' was set to AC' 97, .

Shutdown VM, Set VBox to 'Intel HD Audio', changed to ALSA Audio Driver (PulseAudio not working for recording, but would play Guest==>Host, recording and playback seems OK so far.

Going to test Dragon N S 13 under Win8 VM next. HTH someone.

[Lieutenant]

I also have the cracking sound issue.

I had audio problems since forever with VirtualBox, actually, though in fairness the problem changed over time. Years ago it was more of a "sound clipping" problem. Now it's cracking noise all the time, which gets much worse if I do anything at all, even moving my USB mouse. The pattern is actually pretty clear: if the mouse is still the cracking noise is there and I would assume it's because of some background task... if the mouse moves the cracking noise covers almost completely the legit sound.

I always ran Windows (various versions) as host system and Windows (various versions) as guest system, on different host laptops (from Dell), so I'm pretty confident it's not to do with the Windows version, the specific machine or even its configuration.

It hasn't been a big issue so far as I never needed audio on a VM. Now however I do, so here I am writing.

[frankforward]

my issue seems to have been solved by increasing the number of cores that the vm uses from 1 to 3 in settings>system>processor (had to shutdown the vm first)

[AXEL]

I solved this problem by just adding my USB headset in the upper device option section.

[Joerg Schiermeier]

This is still an issue in VirtualBox v6.1.32 r149290 (Qt5.15.2).

Host: devuan (based on Debian) Guest: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 bit (v10.0.19041 Build 19041)

A workaround is to switch off 3D acceleration.