Issues with Realtek driver and Built-in Microphone (Nitro 5 AN515-58-76DU)

If it makes a popping sound at the beginning of a sound whenever the audio starts — then it's the power management. To save power, realtek's driver makes the audio chip to go asleep when the computer makes no sound. When you play a sound, the audio chip has to wake up and the popping sound would come out. Usually that will only be fixed by newer realtek audio driver versions. It's a constant battle of power management vs popping sound.

If it's a constant static sound then it may be you are too close to a wifi router.

If it's a constant hum, then it is a 60 Hz ground loop.

Crackling sound is often caused by sample rate mismatch.

https://support.forzamotorsport.net/hc/en-us/articles/360001999387-Audio-Troubleshooting

https://obsproject.com/forum/threads/recorded-audio-digital-crackling-sounds-like-sample-rate-mismatch.167302/

As I said at the top of this thread, there is no reason to go and install some unofficial realtek audio driver. Even at its worst, Microsoft Update Catalog would only be 3 weeks behind pal1000 at any given time. As of right now pal1000 has 9670 and MUC has 9665. Give it another week, MUC will have 9667. Give it another week, MUC will have 9670 (by that time pal1000 will have 9673 or 9676).

Being 2-3 weeks behind is not the reason to use some random guy's unofficial mod realtek audio driver.