Clicking and popping audio in Windows 11 ARM on M1

Hi everyone. I'm officially back to Team Parallels after having used VMware Fusion for years. The reason is that Parallels actually runs Windows 11 ARM on M1 machines, while VMware is stuck making excuses for why they can't do it.

Years ago, like maybe around 2012 or something, I switched from Parallels to VMware because I like to use audio applications on my guest system and Parallels had a weird audio stuttering issue, where if the host system was very busy there would be these minuscule clicks and pops in the audio, even with full VM tools support and everything working correctly. It seemed as though maybe Parallels didn't implement an audio buffer at that time, so any slight delay would immediately cause micro gaps. VMware never had this issue, so instead of trying to fix it I just switched over at the time.

Today I can only use Parallels, but surprisingly this is still an issue even in almost-2022. When I play audio inside a guest application, it works fine until I go back to the host system application and start doing stuff. Then I get clicks and pops. They're very faint, probably because these M1 machines are so fast, but it's still noticeable.

I'm on an Apple M1 2020 Macbook Air 13", 16 GB RAM, 8 core GPU model. I'm running the Parallels recommended Windows 11 install, activated and fully up to date. My Parallels Desktop version is 17.1.1 (51537). VM tools are active.

I have to believe that this is fixable, because it feels to me like with even a 5ms audio buffer (in the VM, not in the guest) you'd never get this problem. I'd be fine with slightly delayed audio if it means I get clean audio. However, I can't find anything in the way of an option for setting this. I'm perfectly fine with editing files outside of the main UI if this is required.

Appreciate any help you might have to offer!

 

Same problem here. The remedies suggested in other posts do not help.

 

I have the same problem. Did you already find any solution?

 

I also am having this issue. Any solutions available?

 

I have the same problem
M1 Max 14´ with windows 11 Arm
Any solution please

 

Me too with a Mac Pro 16" with Windows 11 Arm. I have tried re-installing Parallels Toolbox as apparently the audio driver is contained within it, but no joy. The only way to stop audio crackling is to stop Win11 which rather defeats the object of having Parallels. Even with no additional Win11 program running the audio is compromised.
I haven't contacted Support yet as my last experience was far from satisfactory.
If anybody has found a solution since the last post in April I would be most pleased to read it.

 

Same here. Does anybody even bother testing software these days?

 

I have contacted support but other than a hopeless "boiler plate" response I have received no further replies. A great product but the worse support I have ever known.

 

Hi All,
The root cause of the issue is that the virtual machine locks too much memory which results in a lack of memory required for the appropriate functioning of the audio subsystem of the Mac. Possible fixes are outlined at KB https://kb.parallels.com/en/128969 .

 

Strangely enough I have just been in contact with your Support team and they eventually came up with similar solution. I have just made the change to 4GB and testing.
Hello Graham,
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us.
The outlined issue is quite complicated and the root cause of the issue is that the virtual machine locks too much memory which results in a lack of memory required for the appropriate functioning of the audio subsystem of the Mac.
I'd advise you to perform the steps below:
0. Shut down Windows (Actions > Shut down).
1. Open the configuration settings of the virtual machine (VM) > Hardware > CPU & Memory > switch to Manual > change the Memory value to 4 GB.
2. Start Windows - the issue is supposed to be addressed.
If it's not, kindly reply to this email.
So far so good

 

I see that it was you that replied to me Mikhail, sorry didn't realise that initially.

 

Unfortunately it hasn't resolved the problem :-(

 

Thanks for the response, Graham. I've asked our Second Line engineers to look into the issue remotely to try addressing it and if it's not possible, they'll collect the respective logs and escalate it to our developers.

 

Same Problem here.....

 

I have this problem as well. My Mac is set to use the onboard speakers and Mic in System prefs. Audio from Windows 11 crackles badly in both built-in and pro audio Windows apps. I'm using a MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2021) Apple M1 Max.
@MingweiH did you find a solution?
@Ashley@Parallels is there anything you can add publicly? Do I need to submit a support ticket?

 

Greetings Matt,

We apologize for the long delay in response to you.
We've created ticket to proceed with investigation. Please check your email connected with Parallels Desktop account.

 

Hi - I do have the issue too. Apple MacPro 14 M1 Max...
Is there a solution available in the meantime?

 

I only hear cracking sound with YouTube (mostly) when Parallels is not active, meaning when it doesn't have the mouse and keyboard, while a MacOS window is active.
If I increase "nice" value for the Parallels process, it seems to help. Give it a try:

Open the terminal and run:
$ sudo renice -n -20 $(pgrep prl_vm_app)

You can check the "nice" value with "htop". If you don't have htop, install it with "brew install htop".
If you don't want to install htop, you can use: ps lauxww to see list of process with the nice value. grep for prl_vm_app

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My configuration:
Licensed Parallels Desktop 18, 2021 M1 16-in MBP 64GB
Registered Windows 11 Pro 4-CPU, 8GB