Loopback Audio in Windows 10: A Solution to Noise Issues

I recently encountered a peculiar problem while setting up my audio configuration on my Windows 10 machine, connected to my Linux machine via loopback audio. Despite loading the module-echo-cancel module from a solution found online, I was still faced with an annoying constant static noise that only appeared when sound was coming from the Windows machine.

To illustrate the issue, I recorded a short clip of the noise, which can be heard on any output device connected to my Linux machine (speakers, wired or wireless headphones). The noise is not present if there is no sound coming from the Windows machine. I've lowered the volume of the microphone input using Pulseaudio, making it comfortable for me to listen to.

To provide some context, I have set up a unique audio configuration where the Windows machine's speaker output is connected to the microphone input on my Linux machine (Manjaro). This allows all sound to pass through my Linux machine. While this setup might seem unconventional, it has allowed me to play video games on a separate Windows machine and use Linux for other tasks.

Unfortunately, some games are still not supported on Linux, which is why I have a dedicated Windows machine for gaming. However, for those who, like me, are committed to using Linux as their primary operating system, this setup provides an innovative solution.

I understand that my issue may be unusual and complex, but I hope sharing this context will help others who encounter similar problems in the future. If you're experiencing loopback audio issues with Windows 10 on your Linux machine, I'd love to hear about your solutions or experiences in the comments below.

Loopback audio windows 10