DayZ Sound Not Working, Low Volume, or Audio Cutting Out: Bohemia Interactive successfully launched DayZ in 2018 as a multiplayer zombie survival game set in a post-apocalyptic environment. This title serves as the standalone successor to ARMA 2 and has garnered positive feedback from both players and critics over the years.
However, following a recent update, numerous players have reported experiencing audio problems, including sound not working, lag, and crackling noises.
These audio issues have become a significant source of frustration for players since the latest patch.
It’s important to note that the developers are aware of these problems and are working on a new update to address them, though it may take some time before it is released to the public.
In the meantime, many players are likely encountering these audio challenges, but there are also several temporary solutions available to help mitigate the situation.
Fix: DayZ Audio Not Working or Crackling Sound Issue
Players experiencing issues with their headsets while using consoles have taken to Reddit to share their concerns.
They have noted that although the headset powers on, the audio is significantly muted, resulting in a muffled sound quality that detracts from the overall gaming experience.
This problem appears to primarily affect the audio output, as some users have reported that the headphones themselves function properly, with the issue seemingly isolated to the speakers.
1. Repair Game Files
To begin, it’s advisable to verify the integrity of the game files through the Steam client, as this may resolve any issues you’re experiencing. Corrupted or missing game files can often lead to problems. Here’s how to do it:
- 1. Launch the Steam application and navigate to your Library.
- 2. Locate DayZ in your game list and right-click on it.
- 3. Select ‘Properties’ and then head to the ‘Local Files’ section.
- 4. Click on ‘Verify Integrity of Game Files…’
This process will initiate a verification scan, which could take a little while to complete. Once the verification is finished, be sure to exit the Steam client and restart your computer to ensure that all changes take effect.
2. Disable Nahimic Audio Driver
Nahimic is an audio driver chosen by your computer’s manufacturer to enhance the audio quality on devices like laptops and motherboards. It is a reliable driver specifically engineered to improve and fine-tune your system’s audio performance.
- To disable the Nahimic audio driver, first, open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Next, navigate to the Startup tab. From there, locate the Nahimic audio driver in the list and disable it.
- After making this adjustment, restart your computer to see if the issue has been resolved.
3. Update Audio Drivers
If you are using the Realtek Audio Driver, you can easily download and install the latest version tailored for your specific motherboard or laptop model by visiting the provided article link. Furthermore, to update your current graphics driver on a Windows PC, you can follow these straightforward steps:
- 1. Press the Windows + X keys simultaneously to access the Quick Link Menu.
- 2. Select Device Manager from the list to open it, then locate and expand the section labeled Sound, video, and game controllers.
- 3. Right-click on the audio device that is currently in use or experiencing issues, and choose the option to Update driver.
- 4. Opt for the Search automatically for drivers feature and patiently wait for the process to finish.
- 5. If an update is found, your system will automatically proceed with the installation.
- 6. After the update is complete, remember to restart your computer to ensure that all changes take effect.
4. Reinstall Audio Drivers
Your computer’s audio driver may be corrupted or missing due to unforeseen circumstances. If you’re experiencing audio issues, it’s advisable to reinstall the audio drivers using the following steps:
- 1. Press the Windows + X keys simultaneously to access the Quick Link Menu.
- 2. Select Device Manager from the list that appears.
- 3. In Device Manager, locate and expand the section labeled Sound, video, and game controllers.
- 4. Find your active or malfunctioning audio device, right-click on it, and choose Uninstall device.
- 5. Confirm the uninstallation by clicking Uninstall again, and allow the process to complete.
- 6. After the uninstallation is finished, restart your computer to implement the changes.
Upon rebooting, Windows should automatically detect and reinstall the necessary audio driver or device if it is connected. If the system does not install the driver on its own, take note of your computer’s model number or the motherboard model number.
You can then visit the official website of the manufacturer to download and install the latest audio driver manually.
5. Remove DayZ Config
To troubleshoot the issue, consider deleting the DayZ configuration file from your computer. Here’s how you can do that:
- 1. Open File Explorer and navigate to “This PC.”
- 2. Locate and open the C: drive, where the game is installed.
- 3. Proceed to the following directory: username\documents\DayZ\settings.
- 4. Find the DayZ configuration file and delete it.
After completing these steps, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
6. Check Wires of Audio Output
Ensure that you examine the audio output device and its connections, verifying that all cables are securely attached and inserted into the correct ports. This straightforward step can be highly effective, as users often overlook or make errors in these basic setups.
7. Disconnect Other Peripherals
It is advisable to unplug any additional peripherals and re-evaluate the problem. By limiting the number of external USB devices in use, you can more accurately identify the source of the issue.
8. Test Out Other Speakers or Headsets
Make sure to test out other speakers or headsets with your computer while playing the DayZ game to check if there is an issue with your existing speaker or headset.
9. Power Cycle your PC
Occasionally, restarting your computer can resolve various game-related problems. To perform a proper restart, follow these steps:
- First, turn off your computer and disconnect the power cable.
- After waiting approximately one minute, reconnect the power and turn the computer back on to see if the issue persists.
10. Turn Off Windows Sonic or Spatial Sound
To ensure optimal audio performance, it’s important to disable the Windows Sonic or Spatial Sound feature on your desktop or laptop if it’s currently enabled. You can do this by following these steps:
- 1. Open the Start menu and navigate to Settings.
- 2. Click on System, then select Sound from the sidebar.
- 3. Look for the Related settings section and click on Sound Control Panel.
- 4. In the Sound Control Panel, choose your playback device.
- 5. Click on Properties, and then go to the Spatial sound tab.
- 6. In the Spatial Sound format dropdown menu, select “Off” or any option that is not Windows Sonic for Headphones.
- 7. Finally, click Apply and restart your computer to implement the changes.
This process will help you to effectively disable the feature and enhance your sound experience.
11. Reset BIOS
Should resetting the overclock settings not yield results, it’s advisable to reset the BIOS/UEFI settings too. To do this, follow the same procedure to access the BIOS/UEFI menu.
Look for the option labeled “Reset BIOS Settings” or “Load Default BIOS Setup” and confirm your selection. After completing this step, restart your computer to apply the changes.
12. Update BIOS
Numerous resources, including detailed tutorials and helpful shortcuts, can be found online to assist you in safely updating the BIOS/UEFI of your Windows system based on your specific motherboard brand.
Much like regular Windows updates, updating your BIOS is essential for resolving various system crashes and errors.
We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights. If you have any further questions, feel free to leave a comment below.