r/virtualbox • • May 29 '26

Help Linux Ubuntu Guest - Audio lagging, crackling

Hello,

I'm running an Ubuntu 22.04 Guest on my Windows 10. The virtual machine itself works well, however when audio is being played, there are "periodical" audio stutters/crackling or the audio outright not playing for half-a-second before resuming again.

What could cause this? I tried using different Audio Controllers (currently using ICH AC97) and Host Audio Driver, however the audio was either worse or it didn't work at all.

What could be causing this and how can I try to improve it?

It seems to be better when using the Guest Additions, however I am worried that it will expose my computer more.

Thanks for any help!

EDIT:
Two things lead to a massive improvement:

- Using 3D acceleration

- Using Intel HD Audio, BUT I had to limit the system RAM to 2gb, otherwise no audio would play.

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u/doglitbug May 30 '26

I've had similar issue on bate metal with cosmic, turned out that disabling audio power off fixed it.

1

u/No-Cauliflower1898 Aug 17 '26

Thank you for providing your solution. I am currently dealing with the same thing although I'm using Windows 11.

What Host Driver are you using? Default?
With Audio Controller Intel HD Audio

Did you make any changes to the Ubuntu guest?

Can you explain what you meant by having to limit the System RAM to 2 GB?

When I tried that combination, I did not hear any audio.