Music stuttering problem with VST (Coolsoft) running on Windows 10 /11- Solved!

2022-10-25 12:23 pm

For those of you who use Coolsoft VST (or maybe other VST systems) as the sound system for NWC running under Windows 10 or 11 and have experienced a very annoying stutter of the music, where the notes play late or perhaps are shortened to catch up with where the music ought to be, then perhaps this is the solution for you.

The problem is caused by Microsoft Edge (even if you don't use Microsoft edge or have not got it running at the same time as NoteWorthy).

Microsoft Edge is automatically installed in within Windows 10 and 11. Unfortunately, when it is installed, the default settings have an option which subsequently affects the VST. This is :

"Continue running background extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is closed"

Even if you have turned this off, if there has been a windows update, it may have been turned on again.

This option leaves Edge running even if you are not using Edge and can really mess up your sound reproduction through VST.

What this option does is to monitor things such as Facebook and other websites for updates so that it can notify you. It leaves a whole host of processes running in your pc.

So to turn it off, start up Edge, and click the ellipsis (three dots) on the top right of the screen and select settings.
Then select "System and Performance"

In the window labelled System you will see "Continue running background extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is closed". Turn this off.
Consider turning off Start up boost as well.

Exit Edge.

Remember to re-check this setting after Windows updates since it may have been switched on again if there has been an update to Edge.

The picture is of the Edge processes when the setting is switched on but Edge is not running.

Re: Music stuttering problem with VST (Coolsoft) running on Windows 10 /11- Solved!

Reply #1 – 2022-10-26 07:55 pm

Wow - cool analysis. And very helpful if (when?) it happens!

H.M.