TL;DR - DTS and PredatorSense broke the Audio from Speaker, Created a PowerShell script with AI's help for clean up. Even wrote this summary with AI.
Spec: Windows 11 25H2 - Acer Predator PHN-16-71
The Problem
I've been experiencing persistent audio crackling issues on my Acer Predator PHN-16-71 (Windows 11 Home 25H2). The crackling occurs during video playback and music, making the laptop nearly unusable for media consumption. This is a well-documented issue with Acer Predator laptops, particularly after Windows 11 updates.
Root Cause
After extensive troubleshooting, I identified the culprit: DTS APO4 audio drivers pushed via Windows Update conflicting with Realtek audio and Acer TrueHarmony enhancements. The issue is exacerbated on Windows 11 25H2 where multiple audio enhancement layers (DTS, Acer TrueHarmony, Windows enhancements) interfere with the core audio driver.
What I Tried
Initial Attempts:
- Updated all audio drivers from Acer's website
- Ran Windows audio troubleshooter
- Disabled audio enhancements in Windows Settings
- Adjusted sample rates and bit depths
- Changed power settings
Nuclear Option:
- Complete OS reinstall - Fresh Windows 11 installation
- Result: Audio worked perfectly... for about 30 minutes
The Real Problem:
Windows Update automatically reinstalls DTS drivers (dtsapo4x64.inf, dtsapo4xservice.inf, dtsapo4xultrahsa.inf, dtsapo4ultraacerextensionpkg.inf) immediately after a clean install, bringing the crackling back. Even after manually uninstalling them, Windows Update keeps pushing them back.
The Solution
I created a PowerShell script that performs a complete audio cleanup:
What the script does:
- Creates automatic System Restore Point for safety
- Removes ALL DTS drivers, services, applications, and registry keys
- Disables Windows audio enhancements via registry
- Disables Acer TrueHarmony processing
- Optimizes power settings (USB Selective Suspend, processor minimum state)
- Configures optimal audio settings (disables exclusive mode, spatial sound)
- Provides detailed logging of all operations
Why manual removal wasn't enough:
- DTS components are deeply integrated across drivers, services, registry, startup entries
- Simple uninstall via Device Manager doesn't remove all components
- Registry keys remain that re-enable enhancements
- Windows Update detection requires all traces removed
Preventing Reinstallation: The wushowhide Tool
After running the cleanup script, Windows Update will still try to reinstall DTS drivers. Here's how to permanently block them:
Method: Microsoft's Show/Hide Updates Tool (wushowhide)
- Download wushowhide.diagcab from Microsoft
- Run the troubleshooter
- Select "Hide updates"
- Check ALL DTS-related packages:
- DTS - SoftwareComponent - 1.11.5.0
- DTS - AudioProcessingObject - 1.12.4.0
- DTS - SoftwareComponent - 1.12.4.0
- DTS - Extension - 1.12.4.0
- Click Next and Close
Why wushowhide works:
- Official Microsoft tool that creates persistent blocks in Windows Update database
- Specifically targets individual update packages without blocking all driver updates
- Survives reboots and Windows updates
- Can be reversed if needed by running the tool again and selecting "Show updates"
Results
After running the cleanup script and blocking DTS reinstallation with wushowhide:
- ✅ Audio crackling completely eliminated
- ✅ Realtek audio continues working normally
- ✅ Windows Update no longer forces DTS drivers
- ✅ Other hardware updates (GPU, chipset, etc.) still install normally
- ✅ PredatorSense still functions for fan control (audio features disabled)
Additional Tips
- Close PredatorSense when not actively needed - its audio processing can still interfere
- Use AC power when possible - battery mode may limit audio processing
- In Windows 11 Settings → System → Sound → Click your speakers → Set "Audio enhancements" to OFF
- If using Control Panel Sound settings: Playback tab → Speakers Properties → Enhancements tab → Check "Disable all enhancements"
For Fellow Users
This issue affects many Acer Predator models (Helios, Neo series) on Windows 11. The combination of aggressive DTS driver updates and multiple audio enhancement layers creates conflicts that standard troubleshooting can't fix. The script + wushowhide approach is the only reliable solution I've found that survives Windows updates
