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To handle real time application, the CPU gets a defined amount of time to perform the required tasks.
If those tasks are delayed, the result is usually drop-outs in the signal.
A common tool to verify if your computer is able to handle real-time audio was DPC Latency Checker, but the reported values are false in Windows 8 and 10.
The alternative solution is to use the LatencyMon tool,
Download the tool and install it on your computer.
You can start the test by clicking on the Play icon on the top left corner.
To get useful results, the tool should run for quite some time (10 minutes minimum).
The driver or process using the highest DPC or ISR is clearly stated in the main window.
If you have too high values, you can get more detailed information in the Processes or Drivers tab.
Don't pay too much attention to the hard pagefault resolution time (last indicator)
If you have higher values, you will have to search for the driver/ device that is causing the issue by disabling them one by one.
Remember that some devices cannot be disabled, proceed with caution.
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LAN , specific (usually ndis.sys),USB devices, on-board audio, PCI / PCIe devices are the common culprits.
On laptops, the ACPI battery driver is also a common problem (ACPI.sys), you can try to disable (do not uninstall!) the "Microsoft ACPI Compliant Control Method Battery" and "Microsoft AC Adapter" listed under Batteries in Windows Device Manager (but pay attention to not disable any other ACPI device listed under System devices, your computer may not start anymore !)
Note on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth : If you have DPC issues related to Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth, not only the driver might be the culprit, but also the stability of the Wi-Fi network (if the signal is not stable, the Wi-Fi adapter constantly have to work which will introduce DPC latencies) or the Bluetooth devices connected to your computer. Therefore this means that if Wi-Fi does not cause DPC issue in one place, it could in another place with unstable Wi-Fi. Same applies to Bluetooth, it may cause DPC issues with certain devices only.
Be careful if you want to use Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth on your computer.
Settings to apply when creating a user on an already configured system
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