crackling popping noise from Windows 11 desktop

[tkoff]

I'm running Windows 11 on a Dell Alienware desktop PC. In the last month the audio developed crackling and popping sounds, perhaps because of an update from MS or Realtek. I hear the same cracking when I listen on headphone plugged into the PC. But when I stream music from my phone to the external speakers, there is no problem, so it's not the stereo system but the PC itself. I've tried changing settings in the system to no avail. I removed Realtek & its driver from my PC and reinstalled them -- nada. I'd appreciate some help!

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