My inspiron 2n1 (5491) can't seem to install basic microsoft HD audio drivers

When you say "an audio application is open", I have to ask, do you have third party audio software or are you referring to things like Edge?  Is the sound normal in any sound application at all?

The way you install audio drivers is to download the new version from the Dell Download site.  Then go offline and uninstall the current audio device and its drivers until you get back to the Windows Basic drivers, which may take more than one uninstall.

Once that is done, reinstall the downloaded drivers while still offline.  Once they have been installed and you have rebooted your system, then go back online.

Beyond this, does anything effect the hiss you are hearing either in frequency or volume?  Are you running the audio at a low volume and the sound application is set to a midrange volume also?

Are you moving the system so some location situation could be dismissed?

Thanks for responding.

It's any application that plays audio, including edge or any other browser. It won't happen on regular pages, but anything with media like youtube it will make that noise if there's video page open. The noise will stop maybe like 20 seconds or so after there is no audio application open, but restarts every time I open one. I can hear the noise above normal music volume levels. It is a constant white noise hiss that doesn't seem to change in volume even if I change the system volume.

The only driver I found for my model (here: https://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/product-support/product/inspiron-14-5491-2-in-1-laptop/drivers) is a realtek one. I'm trying to find an alternative to realtek if possible. Anyway, I did install that one even though it has the exact same version number as what was already there. It didn't make a difference. I can try it with the procedure you mentioned (being offline) if you still recommend that even though it's realtek.

Hello!

Did you resolve your problem?

I have the same problem with noise, crackles and a little stuttering with my new inspiron 5491 2in1.

I've tried to reinstall audio drivers by all means (online, offline), do full system restore, install all new system updates. Nothing helps...

Thanks,

Andrey.

If installing the drivers also doesn't solve the problem, then have you tried getting the audio of your Laptops checked at a Dell authorized store.

I've noticed that when moisture and dirt settle in the internal part of the audio system of the laptop, the audio system starts functioning abnormally.