Fix: Halo Infinite Audio Not Working or Crackling Sound Issue

The much-awaited Halo Infinite title has been released officially for both the Microsoft Windows and Xbox lineup devices like Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S in November 2021. 343 Industries and Xbox Game Studios have done a great job with this multiplayer most expansive Master Chief campaign. But as usual, there are some flaws still bothering players that need to be fixed. Well, Halo Infinite Audio Not Working or Crackling Sound Issue is one of them.

According to plenty of reports, Halo Infinite players are unable to hear the audio in the gameplay or sometimes the audio gets muffled/crackling which is really ruining the gameplay experience whatsoever. Some of the reports are suggesting that multiple players are also getting affected by the sound effects not coming from behind or the sides. Meanwhile, using the headphones basically cuts out PC audio which is another issue.

1. Update USB Audio Device Driver

It’s worth mentioning to update the USB Audio Device Driver on your Windows computer to check if the problem has been fixed or not. To do so:

On the Windows Taskbar, right-click on the ‘Speaker’ (Volume) icon.
Click on ‘Sounds’ > Go to the ‘Playback’ tab.
Locate your playback device from the list > Double-click on the playback device to open its Properties.
Select ‘Properties’ (Controller information) > Click on ‘Change settings’.
Go to the ‘Driver’ tab > Select ‘Update driver’ > Select ‘Browse my computer for drivers’.
Now, select ‘Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer’.
Select the device (should be “USB Audio Device”) then select ‘Next’ to install the driver.
Once done, make sure to restart your computer to change effects immediately.

2. Change Speaker or Headset Audio Settings (Xbox)

If you’re using the Xbox console and the Halo Infinite Audio Not Working or Crackling Sound Issue is bothering you a lot then make sure to change the Speaker/Headset audio settings to Stereo (uncompressed) by following the steps below.

Close Halo Infinite if it’s running in the background.
Now, make sure to press the Xbox button on the controller.
Use the RB button to select Profile and system (user icon) > Select Settings.
Make sure to select Volume & audio output (in General) > Set HDMI audio to ‘Stereo uncompressed’ if you’re using the Speaker audio setting.
- Then make sure it’s not set to a 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound option.
If you’re using the Headset audio setting, then set the Headset format to “Stereo uncompressed” or “Windows Sonic for Headphones”.

3. Disable Hands-free Telephony in Control Panel

Try turning off the Hands-free Telephony setting in the Control Panel. Mostly, this option is turned on by default. To disable it:

Close Halo Infinite if it’s running in the background.
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc keys to open Task Manager > Click on the Processes tab > Select Halo Infinite game task from the list > Click on End Task.
Now, click on the Windows Search bar or Start menu > Type Control Panel and select it from the search result.
Then go to Hardware and Sound > Click on Devices and Printers.
From the Devices section, you’ll need to find your pair of headphones > Double-click on it to open.
Next, go to the Hardware tab > Select Properties > Navigate to the Services tab.
Make sure to uncheck the Hands-free Telephony checkbox and select Apply.
Select OK to save changes and you can also reboot your PC.

4. Turn Off Microphone in Settings

You should also turn off the microphone option in settings by following the steps below.

Click on the Start menu or press the Windows key > Click on Settings.
Now, select System > Go to Sound > Scroll down to Related Settings.
Select Sound Control Panel > You’ll find out Related Settings under the Advanced sound options.
From the Playback tab, make sure to scroll down to select headphones with Stereo.
Then select Set Default > Go to the Recording tab.
Scroll down to your headset’s microphone > Next, right-click on the microphone and make sure to disable it.
- You can also set an alternative microphone (if any).

5. Turn Off Communications in Sound Control Panel

It’s also highly recommended to turn off the communications in the Sound Control Panel menu by following the steps below.

Press the Windows + I keys to open Settings.
Click on System from the left pane > Go to Sound.
Scroll down to Related Settings > Select Sound Control Panel.
Make sure to head over to Related Settings under Advanced sound options.
Go to the Communications tab > Click on Do nothing.
Click on Apply and then OK to save changes.

6. Change Privacy option in Settings

Make sure to change the privacy option in Settings by following the steps below that may turn off apps to access the microphone.

Click on the Windows Search bar or Start > Type Privacy and click on it to open.
Now, go to Microphone > Turn off ‘Allow apps to access your microphone’.
Then make sure to scroll down to ‘Allow desktop apps to access your microphone’ > Simply turn it off.
Once done, reboot your PC to apply changes.

That’s it, guys. We assume this guide was helpful to you. For additional queries, you can comment below.

Fix: Halo Infinite Audio Not Working or Crackling Sound Issue