Cyberpunk 2077 Sound Crackling: How to Fix It

Crackling, popping, or distorted audio in Cyberpunk 2077 can come from the game’s sound settings, Windows audio format, an output device, or an overloaded system. Work through these checks in order, testing the game after each change so you can identify the cause without changing everything at once.

What You’ll Need

• A few minutes to test the game between changes.
• Access to Cyberpunk 2077’s audio settings and your computer’s sound settings.
• If possible, a second pair of headphones or speakers to help determine whether the issue is with the output device.
• Administrator access may be needed to install an audio driver update.

Step-by-Step

1. Check whether the crackling is limited to the game. Pause or exit Cyberpunk 2077 and play audio from another app. If that audio crackles too, focus on the output device, connection, Windows settings, or driver. If only the game is affected, continue with the in-game checks. Also check whether the sound changes when you switch between headphones and speakers.
2. Restart the game and your audio device. Close the game completely, then disconnect and reconnect a wired headset or USB audio device. For Bluetooth, disconnect and reconnect the headset through Windows’ Bluetooth settings. Relaunch the game after the device is ready. A temporary audio-device or game-session glitch can clear with a restart.
3. Check Cyberpunk 2077’s audio settings. Open the game’s Settings and then Sound or Audio (the exact labels can vary by platform or version). Confirm the intended output or audio mix is selected if the game offers those options. Turn off surround, spatial, or virtual-surround effects for a test if you use them, especially when your headphones or speakers are stereo. Change one setting at a time and listen for improvement.
4. Set a standard Windows audio format. In Windows, open Settings > System > Sound, select your current output device, and open its device properties. Look for Format or Default format under the output settings or advanced properties. Select a common format such as 16-bit, 44100 Hz or 16-bit, 48000 Hz, if available, then test the game. Menu wording and available formats vary by device. Avoid unusual high sample rates while troubleshooting.
5. Turn off audio enhancements and spatial sound temporarily. In the selected output device’s settings, turn off audio enhancements, sound effects, or spatial sound if those options are present. Also disable any third-party equalizer, virtual-surround, or headset-processing software for a test. These processing layers can conflict with a game’s audio output. Restore an option if it makes no difference or worsens the sound.
6. Close apps that may be using or processing audio. Quit voice chat, streaming, recording, browser, and audio-control apps one at a time. If you use an app that applies noise suppression, surround effects, or a virtual audio device, disable that processing temporarily. Then relaunch the game. If the crackling stops, re-enable apps individually to find the one involved.
7. Check the device connection. Plug wired headphones directly into the computer rather than a hub or monitor, if practical. Try a different USB port for a USB headset. For Bluetooth, move closer to the computer and temporarily disconnect other audio devices. A loose analog plug, faulty cable, congested wireless connection, or unstable adapter can create intermittent pops. Test another device before replacing hardware.
8. Update or reinstall the audio driver if the problem affects multiple apps. Open Device Manager, expand Sound, video and game controllers, right-click the relevant device, and choose Update driver. You can also check Windows Update for optional driver updates or use the computer or audio-device manufacturer’s support tools. If the issue began immediately after a driver update, the device’s driver properties may offer Roll Back Driver. Restart Windows after a driver change.
9. Verify the game’s files and check for updates. Use the game launcher’s built-in option to verify or repair Cyberpunk 2077’s installed files, and install available game updates through that launcher. The option’s name and location depend on the launcher. If you use mods, temporarily disable them and test the unmodified game; audio mods or outdated files can contribute to problems.
10. Test without background load. Close unnecessary programs and check whether the crackling happens during demanding scenes or only when the system is busy. If it does, lower a few graphics settings or cap the frame rate using the game’s available settings, then test again. This helps identify a performance-related issue; it is not a substitute for fixing a faulty device or driver.

Common Mistakes

• Changing many settings at once: You will not know which change helped. Adjust one item, test, and note the result.
• Assuming the game is at fault: Test another app and another output device first. The result narrows down where to look.
• Setting an unsupported format: Choose only formats shown as available for your device. If sound becomes worse, return to the previous setting.
• Installing drivers from unfamiliar download sites: Use Windows Update or the computer, headset, or audio-device manufacturer’s support source.
• Leaving multiple sound effects enabled: Windows spatial sound, headset software, and game surround processing can overlap. Disable them temporarily rather than stacking effects during diagnosis.

Tips

• Keep a simple note of the output device, audio format, and effects you changed. Restore settings that did not help.
• Test in the same game location or situation after each change so the comparison is meaningful.
• If the issue appears after connecting a controller, headset, or other audio device, check whether Windows changed its default output.
• On a console, restart the game and console, check the selected audio output and headset connection, and install available game and system updates. Windows driver steps do not apply to consoles.

Troubleshooting

Crackling continues in every app: Try another headset or speakers, another port, and a restart. If multiple devices crackle, check Windows audio settings and drivers. If only one device crackles on different computers or consoles, its cable, connection, or hardware may be the cause.

Only Cyberpunk 2077 crackles: Confirm the game is using the intended output device, turn off sound processing for a test, verify game files, and temporarily disable mods. If the problem started after a game or driver update, check for a newer patch or driver rather than repeatedly changing unrelated settings.

The sound cuts out as well as popping: For Bluetooth, check battery level, distance, and interference; for wired or USB audio, reseat the plug or try another port. Do not use a damaged cable or connector.

No change after these checks: Restart with enhancements off and a standard audio format, then test with a different output device. Record which devices and apps reproduce the issue. If it remains isolated to the game, consult the game’s official support channel and include your platform, output device, and the steps you tried.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Cyberpunk 2077 crackle when other games sound fine?
Different games use audio settings and system resources differently. Check the game’s output and mix settings, then verify its files and test without mods or audio-processing apps.

Can a high sample rate cause crackling?
It can contribute to compatibility problems on some setups. Try a standard format available for your device, such as 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, and keep the setting that works reliably.

Should I turn off spatial sound?
Turn it off temporarily as a diagnostic test. If the sound becomes clear, leave it off or re-enable it only after confirming the game and headset settings work together.

Will verifying game files delete my saves?
Verification is intended to check or repair installed game files, but launcher behavior can vary. Back up important saves using the platform’s supported save or cloud options before making major changes.

What if I play on PlayStation or Xbox?
Restart the game and console, check the console’s audio output and headset connection, and install available system and game updates. Windows audio formats and Device Manager instructions do not apply.

Should I reinstall the game?
Try the less disruptive steps first: test another device, reset audio processing, verify files, and check updates. Reinstall only if the issue remains game-specific and your launcher or platform support recommends it.

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