Microsoft acknowledges Windows 10 high-pitched noise issue with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio

Microsoft has acknowledged a Windows 10 issue that causes a high-pitched noise while using Dolby Digital audio 5.1. This issue has been confirmed in Windows 10 versions 2004 and 20H2.

The issue was first observed after installing Windows 10 update KB5000842. Dolby Digital 5.1 audio may play containing a high-pitched noise or squeak in certain apps when using certain audio devices and Windows settings. Microsoft reports that the issue does not occur when stereo is used. Read the full issue description and mitigation steps below.

Microsoft is already working on a resolution and will provide a fix in the upcoming update.

A high-pitched noise might be heard when using 5.1 audio with certain settings
Status	Originating update	History
Confirmed	OS Build 19042.906 KB5000842 2021-03-29	Last updated: 2021-05-13, 19:35 PT Opened: 2021-05-13, 19:35 PT
After installing KB5000842 or later updates, 5.1 Dolby Digital audio may play containing a high-pitched noise or squeak in certain apps when using certain audio devices and Windows settings. Note This issue does not occur when stereo is used. Workaround: To mitigate this issue, you can try one or more of the following: Streaming the video or audio in a web browser or different app, instead of the app affected by this issue. Enable Spatial sound settings by right clicking or long pressing on the volume icon in the notification area, selecting Spatial sound (Off) and selecting any of the available options. Affected platforms: Client: Windows 10, version 20H2; Windows 10, version 2004 Next steps: We are working on a resolution and will provide an update in an upcoming release.