How to fix system wide audio latency issues when using Microsoft Edge?

Question

How to fix system wide audio latency issues when using Microsoft Edge?

Alfred Pierre 0

For a few months I have been dealing with intermittent (about 80% of the time) audio issues that appears whenever I have an active Microsoft Edge window open on any of my monitors. And it affects system wide audio not just the audio playing from the web browser. Chrome does not cause any issues but since I am more used to Edge, I didn't want to switch browsers, but I might as well.

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Answer 1

Clary-N 15,070 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi Alfred Pierre,

Thank you for reaching out. I understand that audio delays occur when Microsoft Edge is open, while other browsers such as Chrome work normally.

To help me better understand the situation, could you let me know your Windows version and build number? You can check this by pressing Win + R, typing winver and sharing the results. It would also be helpful to know what audio device you're using, such as built-in speakers, a USB headset, Bluetooth headphones or HDMI audio.

In the meantime, I'd recommend trying a few troubleshooting steps. First, open Edge, go to Settings > System and performance > System, and temporarily disable "Use graphics acceleration when available", then restart the browser. Since the issue only occurs when Edge is open, this can help determine whether the browser's interaction with the graphics or audio driver is contributing to the latency.

You can also try the following:

Disable audio enhancements for your playback device. Go to Settings > System > Sound, select your audio device and turn off Audio enhancement features.
Open Control Panel > Sound, select your playback device choose Properties > Advanced, and uncheck "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device".
Temporarily disable any installed Edge extensions and check whether the issue persists. In Edge, select Extensions next to the address bar, then choose Manage extensions. From there, turn off the toggle for each extension you want to test and see if the audio behavior changes.

Check for updated audio drivers from your PC or motherboard manufacturer's website.

If available, test using a different audio output device (for example, headphones instead of speakers) to see whether the behavior changes.

Finally, please let me know whether the audio returns to normal as soon as all Edge windows are closed and whether you recall the issue starting after a Windows update, graphics driver update or audio driver update.

Please let me know the results and I'll be happy to help further.

If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

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Alfred Pierre 0 Reputation points

2026-07-17T01:27:53.3766667+00:00

Windows 11 Home, version 25H2.

Device is external USB DAC Topping DX1.

When using native audio ports operations returns to normal.

As soon as all edge browser windows are minimized, closed or just inactive, audio works fine.

Already tried all preliminary troubleshooting steps such as disabling graphic acceleration, disabling audio enhancements features, disabling power management for audio devices. All drivers are up to date and at the start of the issue no extensions were installed in the browser.

I remember audiodg.exe having very high CPU usage when the issue started. Now the audio problems still persists but audiodg.exe seems normal it only did this once when the issue started.
Clary-N 15,070 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-07-17T08:20:12.2133333+00:00
Hi Alfred Pierre,

Thank you for the additional information. Since you've already completed the common audio troubleshooting steps and confirmed that the issue is specific to Edge when using the Topping DX1 USB DAC, I'd like to help narrow down whether this is related to the Edge profile, your Windows user profile or a background software conflict.

Could you test whether the issue occurs in an InPrivate window (Ctrl + Shift + N)? If the audio works normally there, it may point to profile-related settings or cached browser data. You can also try creating a new Edge profile and test playback before making any customizations. If the problem does not occur with the new profile, the current Edge profile may be corrupted.

If the behavior persists, consider resetting Edge by going to Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their default values. This will reset browser settings while keeping your favorites and saved passwords.

Since you mentioned that audiodg.exe showed unusually high CPU usage when the issue first appeared, it may also be worth performing a Clean Boot. This can help determine whether a third-party audio utility, enhancement software, RGB software or another background process is interfering with Edge and the USB DAC.

*Disclaimer: A "clean boot" starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. It helps to determine whether a background service is interfering with your game or program and to isolate the cause of a problem.

These steps of "clean boot" might look complicated at first glance. However, to avoid any trouble for you, please follow them in order and step-by-step so that it will help you get back on track.

You may also want to test from a new Windows user profile. To do this:

Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users.

Click Add account > I don't have this person's sign-in information > Add a user without a Microsoft account.

Enter a username and password, then click Next.

Sign in with the new account and check whether the issue persists.

If the issue does not occur in the new profile, that would suggest the problem is specific to your current Windows profile rather than the operating system itself.

Please let me know what you find from these tests.
Clary-N 15,070 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-07-18T08:11:15.1833333+00:00

Hi Alfred Pierre,

May I know if you have got any chance to check my answer?

I am glad to help if you have any other questions.