Microsoft Enhances Chrome Performance on Windows 11 for Streaming Videos to Android TV

Resolving Audio Streaming Issues with Windows 11 and Chromecast

Windows 11 introduces a range of features aimed at optimizing battery life and power usage, particularly when using browsers like Chrome or Edge. However, these enhancements may inadvertently lead to frustrating audio streaming issues, particularly with Chromecast when connecting to Android TV devices. According to observations confirmed by Windows Latest, users are faced with significant audio distortions when attempting to stream media via Chromecast in these scenarios.

Understanding the Audio Problems

The capability to stream video from your Windows 11 device to a Chromecast-supported Android TV is built into the operating system. Yet, recent reports reveal a persistent bug: audio streams function properly only while Chrome remains the active window. Once users switch apps or minimize Chrome, they often experience audio that becomes distorted, choppy, or, in some cases, even sounds unnaturally sped up.

For instance, one user shared a particularly vivid account in a forum post: “With my old Windows 10 laptop, I had no issues streaming to my Android TV with built-in Chromecast. I just bought a new Dell XPS 15 laptop with Windows 11. Now when I try to cast something like an NHL game, it will work fine until I either minimize Chrome or set the focus on a different window. Then I get choppy, garbled audio.”

Technical Insights: Root Causes of Distorted Audio

The issue appears to be linked to how Windows 11 manages high-resolution timers, particularly when an application is not in focus. Numerous users have reported similar disturbances, indicating a broader impact on the Windows 11 experience when streaming media to Android TV via Chromecast.

According to a Chromium commit, Microsoft discovered that Chrome and Edge’s high-resolution timers were de-prioritized when minimized or obscured by other applications. This reduction aimed to conserve battery but ended up causing troublesome audio and video streaming quality.

Technical Fixes and Improvements

To address these issues, Microsoft is rolling out a significant update, revealing modifications to allow Chrome to maintain its high-resolution timers even when not actively visible. The core programming enhancements include an explicit instruction from Chrome to the Windows API to prevent throttling of timer resolutions in the background.

A vital component of this solution involves the implementation of a feature called PROCESS_POWER_THROTTLING_IGNORE_TIMER_RESOLUTION. This instructs Windows to ensure that casting services remain unaffected by power-saving features, thus allowing for smoother media streaming experiences.

Thanks to these updates, users can look forward to improved media streaming capabilities. Whether you are watching YouTube videos or streaming movies to your Android TV, these changes promise to eliminate previous audio issues, making your viewing experience enjoyable once again.

Expected Rollout of Fixes

The fixes aimed at enhancing the audio streaming experience will begin rolling out shortly, representing a significant step forward in addressing user frustrations. Microsoft’s dedication to enhancing the open web showcases its commitment to improving the user experience on Windows 11.

For those eager to keep up with developments, further insights and updates can be found in related discussions or official announcements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is my audio choppy when casting from Windows 11 to Chromecast?

This issue often arises when Chrome is minimized or when you switch to another application. Windows 11 attempts to conserve power by reducing the sound quality, causing the audio stream to become distorted or choppy.

2. Will the upcoming Microsoft updates fix audio issues with Chromecast?

Yes, Microsoft is rolling out updates designed to improve the handling of high-resolution timers in Chrome, which should resolve the audio distortions when casting to Chromecast.

3. How can I check if my Chromecast is updated for better performance?

To ensure your Chromecast has the latest updates, check the Google Home app settings for device updates. Keeping your Chromecast updated will help improve compatibility and performance with Windows 11 streaming.

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