Windows 11 has introduced a feature aimed at optimizing power consumption when using popular browsers like Chrome and Edge. However, this well-intentioned enhancement has inadvertently led to audio issues during media streaming. Recent tests conducted by Windows Latest have confirmed that users are experiencing significant audio distortion when casting to devices such as Android TV via Chromecast.
Audio Streaming Challenges
Reports indicate that while audio streams seamlessly when Chrome remains the active window, any attempt to minimize the browser or switch to another application results in choppy, distorted sound. One user shared their experience, stating, “With my old Windows 10 laptop, I had no issues streaming to my Android TV with built-in Chromecast. I just bought a new Dell XPS 15 laptop with Windows 11. Now when I try to cast something like an NHL game, it will work fine until I either minimize Chrome or set the focus on a different window. Then I get choppy, garbled audio.”
This issue appears to be widespread, with numerous users reporting similar audio problems when streaming media to Android TV using Chromecast. The root of the problem seems to lie in how Windows 11 manages high-resolution timers when an application is not in focus.
Microsoft’s Response
In a recent Chromium commit, Microsoft acknowledged the issue and confirmed that a fix is underway. The company found that the high-resolution timers for Chrome and Edge were being slowed down when the browser was minimized or obscured by another application. This throttling was implemented to conserve power, but it inadvertently disrupted audio and video streaming, resulting in the choppy sound that users have reported.
According to the code changes noted by Windows Latest, Chrome will now proactively communicate with the Windows API to maintain high timer resolution, even when it is not the active window. A new flag, PROCESSPOWERTHROTTLINGIGNORETIMER_RESOLUTION, will instruct Windows to ensure that casting services remain unaffected by the operating system’s power-saving features.
This adjustment means that Chrome can now manage media streaming requests more effectively, allowing users to enjoy a smoother experience when streaming content to nearby devices like Android TV. The fix is expected to roll out in the coming weeks, showcasing Microsoft’s commitment to improving user experience through contributions to the open web.
