how can i fix headphone quality

Hi Apollo McClendon,

Improving headphones quality using software is very limited, especially with Wireless/Bluetooth headphones.

By hardware, if you're using wired headphones, you may have to purchase a Headphone Amp to improve the sound quality.

By software, you may install the manufactural application to customize the sound if they support it. Additionally, you may use some sound tweak applications such as FXSound to customize the output sound.

Disclaimer: Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.

If none above helps, I'm afraid that you need new headphones.

I hope that above information is helpful to you.

Hi,

What is the headphone model and are you using a USB or jack connection?

Thanks

Try these steps in order on Windows 10 to improve choppy, low‑quality headphone audio:

1. Turn off audio enhancements
   1. Right‑click the Volume icon on the taskbar.
   2. Select Sounds.
   3. Go to the Playback tab and select the headphones.
   4. Select Properties.
   5. Open the Enhancements tab.
   6. Check Disable all enhancements, then select OK.
   7. Test the audio.
2. Change the default audio format
   1. Right‑click the Volume icon on the taskbar.
   2. Select Sounds.
   3. On the Playback tab, select the headphones and choose Properties.
   4. Open the Advanced tab.
   5. Under Default format, pick a different format (for example, try another sample rate/bit depth).
   6. Select OK, then test again.
3. Update or reinstall the audio driver
   1. Select Start, search for Device Manager, and open it.
   2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
   3. Right‑click the audio device used for the headphones and select Update driver.
   4. Restart the PC and test.
   5. If the problem continues, in Device Manager right‑click the audio device, select Uninstall device, restart, then install the latest driver from the PC or motherboard manufacturer.

If using Bluetooth headphones and music or calls still sound bad, also:

1. Make sure the correct profile is selected
   1. Select the Audio icon on the right side of the taskbar.
   2. If listening to music, select the Stereo version of the headphones (for example, Headphones Stereo).
   3. If making calls, select the Hands‑Free version.
2. Check equalizer or device app settings If using a Surface device with Surface Headphones, open the Surface app, select Surface Headphones, then Equalizer, and adjust settings back to a neutral or default profile.
3. Confirm the headphones are fully connected for both voice and music
   1. Select Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
   2. Under the headphones entry, make sure it shows Connected voice, music, not only voice.

If none of these steps change the sound, test the headphones on another device. If they also sound bad there, the issue is likely with the headphones themselves.

References:

• Fix distorted or crackling audio in Windows
• Fix problems with using your Surface Headphones
• Fix sound or audio problems in Windows