Speakers produce crackling and distorted sound

Since the distortion affects internal speakers and headphones across applications, the Windows audio stack, format, enhancement, or controller driver is more likely than a damaged speaker. In Settings > System > Sound, select the active output device, turn Audio enhancements Off, and test several Default format choices under Advanced. Run the Output devices troubleshooter. Open Services and restart Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder. In Device Manager, uninstall the audio device under Sound, video and game controllers, restart Windows, and install the computer manufacturer’s audio and chipset drivers. Test with Bluetooth or USB audio; clean sound there would further isolate the onboard controller path. If crackling began after a driver update, use Roll Back Driver. If every output still crackles after these tests, check for a BIOS update and contact the hardware manufacturer, because the remaining cause may be the onboard audio controller or electrical interference.