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Resolved Question

Constant Static Noise in Windows 10

Sep 6, 2017 8:57AM PDT

I just purchased a used Dell 390, on which I installed a new copy of Windows 10. After setting things up (running windows update, updating drivers, installing necessary programs, etc), I plugged my headphones into the sole headphone jack and found a constant static/buzzing noise.

The noise occurs both when no sound should be playing and when sound/music is playing. The volume on this static is fixed - when I change the volume (or even mute it), the static noise remains unchanged in its own volume. The sound is constant, I have not found anything that increases, decreases, or causes the noise to end.

I have experienced the static noises on two separate headphones (different headphone models as well). I have no microphone plugged in, and my headphones do not include microphones.

I have double checked all relevant drivers I could think of to confirm that they are up to date (all sound drivers). However, the fact that the sound occurs even when muted makes me wonder if it is even an audio issue or not, but I am unsure what else might cause the issue. I have searched around for someone with similar issues, but my googlefu isn't strong enough to have found a solution.

Any suggestions of what to try are appreciated, and I'm happy to provide more information that is relevant to the problem - thanks!

Discussion is locked

amquack has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
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Clarification Request
Additional Information
Sep 6, 2017 4:08PM PDT
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Sounds like the headphone jack is faulty.
Sep 6, 2017 4:18PM PDT

On the Dell. I've seen similar on amplifiers.
Dafydd.

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Clarification Request
Tell me more about this updating drivers.
Sep 6, 2017 4:30PM PDT

Be specific. I find a lot of folk try Microsoft's Driver Update which by now you know doesn't work very well.

Let's see what you did there.

Me? I use the drivers from dell.com using the service tag. Be sure the BIOS is current too since you are starting fresh.

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re:Tell me more about this updating drivers.
Sep 7, 2017 6:15AM PDT

I started with a driver updater software, which I then saw many people in the forums do not like. I uninstalled the software and checked with windows update on all drivers I thought could be relevant to the issue, and found they were up to date (according to windows). I see that this was likely not the best approach.

Best Answer

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Speccy reading. It may not tell me if you used dell drivers
Sep 6, 2017 4:43PM PDT

1. BIOS is latest. Good start.

2. Did you get the latest Intel Unified 7 Management Interface Driver from:
http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/04/product-support/product/optiplex-390/drivers/advanced

3. And the audio driver from same?
Audio_Driver_T82DN_WN_1.0.54.0_A05.EXE

The audio card driver looks incorrect. That is, it looks like what Microsoft might choose.

4. I usually make sure this is off too.
Read https://www.howtogeek.com/224981/how-to-stop-windows-10-from-uploading-updates-to-other-pcs-over-the-internet/

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re:drivers
Sep 7, 2017 6:12AM PDT

2 and 3:
I have now installed both drivers as suggested, even though windows warned me that the drivers were older than what was already installed.

I take it I should go through and install the other drivers from Dell as well, rather than rely on microsoft for this? I was concerned when looking at the Dell site, as the supported OSs does not include Windows 10. I used windows 7 drivers when following your instructions - I don't know if this matters, but I wanted to make sure that was the correct decision.

4. I checked, and this was (and still is) off.

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Was there a W8 driver there?
Sep 7, 2017 6:35AM PDT

When I run into this I use the latest OS they offer.

At this point it may be the issue where there is no supporting driver in W10. You've tried a few things that we know doesn't always work (driver finders, Microsoft driver updater) and now it's time to boot a Linux and see if sound works there.

If that fails it's just some hardware issue. When that happens I try the usual under 10 buck USB audio card from this list.
https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Electronics-External-Sound-Cards/zgbs/electronics/3015427011

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USB audio Card worked
Sep 18, 2017 11:42AM PDT

I was unsure how to go about booting an alternative OS like you mentioned, so I ordered a USB audio card like you suggested.

I have now received and installed the card, and the static is no longer a problem when I use the new port. Thanks for your help!

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W8 support noted at link.
Sep 7, 2017 6:38AM PDT
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Answer
Noise
Sep 6, 2017 6:01PM PDT

Boot the machine and enter the bios.
If the noise is on the head phones it's NOT a windows issue.

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No noise in bios
Sep 7, 2017 6:04AM PDT

There is no noise when I am in the bios, which I take to imply means it IS a windows issue. Does this then eliminate Dafydd's suggestion that the jack is at fault?

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The idea is to get all the ideas up for discussion.
Sep 7, 2017 6:07AM PDT