Fix Windows 7 Sound Lag: When Browsing, Scrolling or Playing DVD

One of the most annoying Windows 7 problems is the sound lag issue whenever you load a website, scroll down or play a DVD. Here is a possible solution to fix this

First: Remove All Sound Devices

1. Most sound lag issues are caused by sound drivers – if you are using a Realtek sound card (either PCI or on-board) then it is very likely that you are encountering the same issues as many others

2. Before proceeding first we are going to remove your sound devices via the device manager to make sure that all drivers are removed. Enter Device manager into the search bar on your Start menu and at the top open the Device manager

3. Now uncollapse Sound, video and game controllers

4. Right-click on ANY devices similar to High Definition Audio Device or Realtek High Definition Audio and click Uninstall (confirm the prompt!)

5. Repeat step 4 for all sound devices (keep your game controllers)

6. Reboot

Next, Install New Realtek Drivers

7. After a reboot, either download the drivers from our mirror links below or from realtek.com.tw

Make sure that you remove any Realtek software before installing them. Also remove any programs that you installed to modify your sound and sound effects. Often, poorly programmed sound software can lead to sound lag

• Download Realtek High-Definition Drivers for Windows 7, Vista, 8 32-bit
• Download Realtek High-Definition Drivers for Windows 7, Vista, 8 64-bit

After downloading the drivers, install them and reboot again

8. Now browse any websites, scroll and see if the sound lag is still there – in my case the sound lag was completely gone

Also the sound lag when playing DVD’s disappeared.

If you still have problems, I suggest that you try an external sound card for testing purposes. Cheap PCI sound cards are available from $10. Also, create a new Windows 7 user account and see if the problem persists.

Still got problems? Let us know and maybe we can help you to fix your sound lags and sound issues.