I just build a desktop PC, everything is good except Spotify! it is making crackling sound every 5-10 seconds, almost like this: https://youtu.be/SzM2KaMszvc?t=26
Everything else works PERFECT!, Games works fine, Visual Studio compilation works fast, Chrome with 70 tabs works fine (ok maybe not 70 tabs… but you get the point).
I have followed troubleshooting instructions here: https://community.spotify.com/t5/Desktop-Windows/Annoying-cracking-noise-on-every-song/td-p/4768683 but nop, no effect.
Things I have tried:
- Disable audio enhancement
- Set to 'Do Nothing' in Communication setting
- Toggle hardware acceleration
- High quality streaming
- Download playlist to local
- Change speaker
- Disable NVIDIA HD sound
- Disable Mic
- Reinstall Spotify
- Disable Windows Defender
This is driving me nuts!
Best Answer
Ok, after weeks of trying, I finally found the cause and the fix.
Flash BIOS/UEFI Firmware to the latest.
I have always reluctant to meddle with BIOS/UEFI because one wrong move could brick the motherboard. But due to frustration I finally decided it is worth a try.
I am using ASUS ROG Strix B550-XE motherboard and was using the original BIOS firmware that came factory fitted with the motherboard. When I check at ASUS website there is a bunch of updates for the BIOS, mine was version 0305 released on July 2020.
So I flashed the BIOS from version 0305 to version 2423. It has been 2 months now and Spotify never once crackle or having any issues. I waited 2 months to confirm this is the actual fix. 😂
Hopefully that helps someone.