Overwatch 2 Audio Not Working or Sound Cutting Out: Blizzard Entertainment has long been recognized for its exceptional video games, and their latest release, Overwatch 2, has rapidly gained traction among multiplayer enthusiasts.
This sequel to the original Overwatch introduces an enhanced multiplayer experience, featuring both Player vs. Player (PvP) and Player vs. Environment (PvE) modes.
Since its recent launch, several players have encountered audio-related problems, including issues with sound not functioning or intermittent audio cutouts.
If you are experiencing similar audio difficulties, this troubleshooting guide will assist you in resolving the sound issues in Overwatch 2, including crackling audio.
Fix: Overwatch 2 Audio Not Working or Crackling Sound Issue
Players experiencing issues on the console have taken to Reddit to share their concerns about their headsets. Many have noted that while the headset powers on, the audio is barely audible, resulting in muffled sound and a significant reduction in volume.
This problem detracts from the overall gameplay experience. Additionally, some users have pointed out that their headphones are functioning properly, indicating that the issue may be isolated to the speakers.
1. Repair Game Files
To address potential issues with Overwatch 2, it’s advisable to verify and repair the game files using the Battle.net client. Corrupted or missing files can often lead to gameplay problems. Here’s how to do it:
- 1. Open the Battle.net client on your computer.
- 2. Locate and select the Overwatch 2 icon.
- 3. Next, click on the gear icon (representing settings) located next to the Play button.
- 4. Choose the option for “Scan and Repair,” then click on “Begin Scan.”
- 5. Allow the process to complete. Once the repair is finished, exit the Battle.net application and restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
2. Disable Nahimic Audio Driver
Nahimic is an audio driver specifically chosen by your PC manufacturer to enhance the sound quality on devices like laptops and motherboards. This reliable driver is engineered to optimize and fine-tune your computer’s audio performance.
- To disable the Nahimic audio driver, open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc, then navigate to the Startup tab.
- From there, locate the Nahimic audio driver in the list and turn it off.
- After making this change, restart your computer to see if the issue has been resolved.
3. Update Audio Drivers
It’s important to note that users of the Realtek Audio Driver can conveniently access this article link to download and install the most recent version of the audio driver tailored for their specific motherboard or laptop model.
Moreover, you can follow the steps outlined below to update the currently active graphics driver on your Windows computer.
- 1. Press the Windows + X keys simultaneously to open the Quick Link Menu.
- 2. Select Device Manager from the list to launch it, then double-click on “Sound, video, and game controllers.”
- 3. Locate the active or malfunctioning audio device, right-click on it, and choose “Update driver.”
- 4. Opt for “Search automatically for drivers” and wait for the system to complete the search.
- 5. If an update is found, the system will automatically download and install it.
- 6. Once the process is finished, be sure to restart your computer to apply the changes.
4. Reinstall Audio Drivers
It’s possible that the audio driver on your computer has become corrupted or is missing for some unforeseen reason. If you’re experiencing similar issues, you can resolve it by reinstalling the audio drivers using the following steps:
- 1. Press the Windows + X keys together to access the Quick Link Menu.
- 2. Select Device Manager from the list to open it.
- 3. Expand the section labeled Sound, video, and game controllers by double-clicking it.
- 4. Locate your active or malfunctioning audio device, right-click on it, and choose Uninstall device.
- 5. Confirm the uninstallation by clicking Uninstall again, then wait for the process to finish.
- 6. After the uninstallation completes, restart your computer to implement the changes.
Upon rebooting, Windows should automatically reinstall the missing audio driver or device (if it’s connected).
However, if the system does not reinstall the driver automatically, take note of your computer’s model number or the motherboard’s model number, and visit the official manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest audio driver manually.
5. Remove Overwatch 2 Config
To troubleshoot the issue, consider deleting the Overwatch 2 configuration file on your computer. Here’s how to do it:
- 1. Open File Explorer and navigate to “This PC.”
- 2. Access the C: drive where Overwatch 2 is installed.
- 3. Locate the path: username\documents\Overwatch 2\settings and find the configuration file for Overwatch 2.
- 4. Delete the config file from this folder.
- 5. After completing this step, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
This process may help resolve the problem you are experiencing.
6. Check Wires of the Audio Output
Ensure that you inspect the audio output device and its connections, verifying that everything is securely plugged into the correct ports. This straightforward step can be quite impactful, as users often overlook this aspect or make errors in the setup.
7. Disconnect Other Peripherals
Additionally, it may be beneficial to detach any other peripherals to reassess the problem. Aim to utilize only a few essential USB devices to help identify the root cause of the issue.
8. Test Out Other Speakers or Headsets
To determine whether the problem lies with your current speakers or headset, it’s advisable to try connecting different audio devices to your computer while playing Overwatch 2. This will help you identify any potential issues with your existing equipment.
9. Power Cycle your PC
Occasionally, a simple power cycle can resolve various gaming-related problems on your computer. To execute this process:
- 1. Shut down your PC and disconnect the power cable from the outlet.
- 2. Allow a minute to pass before reconnecting the power and turning your computer back on to see if the issue persists.
10. Turn Off Windows Sonic or Spatial Sound
To disable the Windows Sonic or Spatial Sound feature on your desktop or laptop, follow these instructions:
- 1. Open the Start menu and navigate to Settings.
- 2. Click on the System option.
- 3. Next, select Sound from the menu on the left.
- 4. Scroll down to find Related Settings and click on it.
- 5. This will open the Sound Control Panel; choose your playback device from the list.
- 6. Click on Properties, then navigate to the Spatial Sound tab.
- 7. In the Spatial Sound format dropdown menu, ensure that “Windows Sonic for Headphones” is not selected.
- 8. After making your changes, click Apply, and then restart your computer to ensure the new settings take effect.
11. Reset BIOS
If restoring the overclock settings does not resolve your issue, consider performing a reset of the BIOS/UEFI settings. To do this, access the BIOS/UEFI menu by following the same procedure you used before.
Once inside, locate the option for resetting BIOS settings or restoring to default configurations. Confirm your selection, and after the reset is complete, restart your computer to apply the changes.
12. Update BIOS
Numerous resources, including detailed guides and quick reference materials, can be found online to assist you in safely updating your Windows system BIOS/UEFI based on your specific motherboard brand. Just like regular Windows updates, BIOS updates are important for addressing various crashes and errors that may arise.
Thank you for reading! We hope this guide has provided valuable information. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
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