7 Crucial Tips to Optimize your PC For Music Production in 2023

No more audio dropouts, stuttering, or crashes when using your DAW or other audio/video production applications.
These are my seven top tips that will change the way you work with audio and video on your Windows PC in 2023.
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❤️ If you found this video helpful, think about leaving a Super Thanks! 👆👆👆
👉All gear used on askdrtk has been purchased by askdrtk unless I tell you otherwise in the video and channel revenue supports making more tutorials and gear reviews like this one.
❤️ Your support with Likes, Comments, and Subs is always appreciated!👆👆👆
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🔥Other videos you may find helpful:
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🔥Do This First:
To get the most out of your recording or streaming space, I recommend sound treatment including acoustic absorption panels. This is the single biggest way to improve your audio before investing in other gear. You can make your own, or I highly recommend GIK Acoustics as they manufacture some of the best quality panels available at an excellent value.
Check out GIK Acoustics here: www.gikacoustics.com/ref/131/ 👈
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🔥Book a One-on-One Zoom Appointment with me for assistance and recommendations to help you create or upgrade your home or project studio. I help musicians, producers, and content creators! Visit my website for more information: askdrtk.com/coaching/ 👈
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🎞 Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:45 Disable All System Sounds
01:23 Configure Your PC for High Performance
01:50 Configure Processor Scheduling
02:58 Configure USB Selective Suspend and Power Delivery
04:48 Disable Background Applications
06:08 Configure Windows Updates
07:26 Update and Optimize Video Drivers
08:35 Bonus Tip - Process Priority and CPU Affinity
#homestudio #musicproduction #pcmusic
(Some links are affiliate links that may provide a small commission to askdrtk without cost to you or influence of my content or opinions. Thanks for clicking! askdrtk is a member of amazon associates and other affiliate programs.) Disclaimer: askdrtk.com/disclaimer/

[@dasors]

As a fellow music producer, I'm grateful for the time and effort you put into creating this video. Keep up the fantastic work! 👍👍👍

[@askdrtk]

Hey, thanks I really appreciate it. You know it takes a lot of time, but I enjoy sharing with and helping the community out where I can. Cheers!

[@askdrtk]

Thanks, that's very kind...keeps me going!

[@HarryOsirian]

​@@askdrtk👍🏻💯

[@AloneOnTheIsland]

Thanks! That’s gold! I’ve planned up an update for my old budget laptop, but now I gotta squeeze it all

[@edgarcopelandjr3378]

Thanks I’ve tried a couple of your suggestions and so far so good, glad to have someone out there making it easier.

[@askdrtk]

I'm glad to help out. Cheers!

[@bdmthagreat6117]

Thank you. Having to switch from Mac to Windows for music production and was having so many problems. Thank you for this tutorial

[@jrholmes79]

Thanks! So clear and concise!

[@vinodm.7794]

Awesome !!! I consider myself lucky & immensely happy that I have come accrosss your channel. These are real gold mine of advices you have given out. Years of frustration of audio related issues finally over. Thank you. 😊😊😊💯👍

[@askdrtk]

Glad to help out! Hopefully there has been more enjoyment than frustration, but if you ever have questions or a topic you would like me to cover, just ask. Cheers!

[@RichieMaestroShow]

Thank you so much for these tips!

[@Joe-mz6dc]

Excellent stuff! Thank you.

[@heartbeatbillionaire]

super detailed and really helpful. Appreciate the time you took to make this vid 🙂

[@youssefhowari2038]

Thank you for the fantastically honest content

[@heikkilehtonen4180]

Thank You very much! Your advice about this subject is the best I've found ever! Made my system MUCH more responsive and glitch-free.

[@ReverusN]

Excellent, being a curious person I had found almost all of these settings. But I was unsure what would be best for music production. Seeing as I spent a small fortune on making a studio (a lot of it on the PC!) I found this video extremely helpful! Thanks for sharing the knowledge!

[@askdrtk]

Glad to help out, enjoy your studio!

[@HarryOsirian]

Thank you for all these great tips 🎉😊

[@mrcury8014]

Thank you for this. It has made a huge difference to my stability and most of all the pc !!

[@Bananeisafree]

I've been struggling for the past month with my brother's computer (a person that is quite musically inclined but not that Tech savvy) with Pops and dropout from his Focusrite. Delving into depth of configuration that are on par or even more crazy than what I have done to some of my machines for gaming purposes (I know now the wrath of the LatencyMon red text ... and it is frightening !). You gave a few tips that I've yet to try. I'll give it a go next time I swing by his house. It might help, It might not... but you have given the impromptue IT guy that I became a bit of hope. Thank you for that ! Cheers !

[@benjaminslater]

Thank you Todd. This video hyas greatly improved my capabilities on an older sysem.🙏🙏🙏

[@ReadQuranNow]

Thank you very much for your organization and explanations. JazakAllah Khayr brother ❤

[@azuraq25]

Thanks Todd! Was coming to regret switching from Mac to Windows (need those inputs!). This video is just what the doctor ordered! Great work!

[@genxfree]

Dude! Haven’t see you in my timeline for months!! Huge fan of your content😊

[@askdrtk]

Thanks Bud! Who knows where all the videos go once you post them on KZbin lol, but I’m you found this one!

[@clydesight]

Thanks for the great tips, Todd! Really helpful!

[@MentalBlue]

Always a great watch !

[@freetimetim]

Impeccable tutorial, no bullshit and straight to the point!

[@TobiaBreda]

Super useful tips! Thank you!

[@Synthexplorer]

Thaank you so much for your professional explantation! You made my trusty 4th gen i7 laptop work like a charm! ❤

[@leedarkin-miller3591]

Just set up a new upgraded PC DAW with Windows 11. Your video really helped with some frustrating glitches and performance issues. It's night and day now. Thank you. Have subscribed!

[@askdrtk]

That's fantastic to hear, I'm glad I could help out! Enjoy your new system!

[@Nate28TV]

Thanks for this information. I was actually going to some changes on my computer snd you delivered an entire batch of changes needed. Also credit to putting in all your tine for us.

[@askdrtk]

Glad I could help out! Cheers!

[@PrantoKoX]

Excellent video. Well done!! 👏👏👏

[@OthellZethus]

Appreciate the video. Never knew about the priority and affinity settings.

[@askdrtk]

Glad to hear you picked up something new from this video. I couldn’t include everything in one video, so I will have a second video soon with a few more of the less well known optimizations for music production.

[@mojack621]

Great video. You had a few tweaks I didnt know about! Thanks for the info. I subscribed and will check out your other videos.

[@askdrtk]

Glad to hear you found a few new ideas! Cheers!

[@LearnWithStephen]

This is absolutely phenomenal. It has completely transformed my computer into a beast. I've had this computer for 10 years, and it was really great when I bought it, but I had no idea how great it could be. This is essential information for anyone making music with their computers. Thank you so much!!

[@jameswilkerson8873]

A couple of these, I had already performed. The bonus at the end, that calmed my computer down. thank you.

[@askdrtk]

Glad to hear. Affinity and Priority reset after a reboot (Windows does this in case a setting causes the system to be non-responsive). If you want those settings to be permanent, I made a video explaining how to set it up with Process Lasso. Here's the link in case you're interested... kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6PGcoaLbsaoraM Cheers!

[@guitarmon100]

Great tips. thank you, Todd!

[@askdrtk]

My pleasure, glad to share!

[@johannjohann6523]

yes thank you for the video. concise, practical, functional well done. and appreciate you sharing your knowledge. take care.

[@askdrtk]

Much appreciated, I'm always glad to help out where I can! Cheers!

[@dalekotler7538]

GREAT VIDEO!!- Much appreciated. Invaluable contribution to the home studio enthusiast.

[@askdrtk]

Thanks, glad I could help out!

[@Bro_shalamah]

This literally saved me from soooooo much anxiety and frustration. Ozone is so power hungry and your solutions resolved constant DAW crashes. Best vid on this topic I've seen. Thanks.

[@askdrtk]

Glad I could help out, Cheers!

[@TheGospelGuitarist]

Found a few changes to be made. Thanks man. Great video. Love that last bonus tip!

[@askdrtk]

Glad you found a few optimizations. Process priority and CPU affinity reset when you reboot Windows, but you can make them permanent with a helpful utility called Process Lasso. I went through the process in a follow up video to this one. Cheers!

[@alanvaughan2937]

Thank you for the simple NO BS explanation... we use Cubase for running backtrack in a live show and we also record our show and we had a dropout last week ..fingers crossed all your tips help ..we were doing a few things but had NO idea how indepth we had to go ...Great video

[@jackrorystaunton4557]

good tips! especially the background service optimization

[@ccmt3599]

Excellent info on Process priority and CPU affinity. Thank you so much!

[@askdrtk]

Thanks, much appreciated!

[@lhu1961]

Activated bluetooth can also cause problems on a daw like crackling sound. I solved the issue on my hp pavilion (ryzen 5, 16 GB ram, 500 GB SSD) by turning off the bluetooth module after I took over the power settings as you advised. Both Reaper and amplitube 5 max run like a charm now. But for me the last push in the right direction was turning off bluetooth. Hope this helps others, thanks for your videos on the subject. Grtz from NL, Leo

[@Psycho_in_Love]

Thankyou for the great info

[@macaronafterparty]

This video is everything. Thank you so much for this valuable information!

[@askdrtk]

Glad I could help out!

[@ianbrown3304]

Wow that was good. I've put this one save and will go through each tip. Thanks.

[@askdrtk]

Thanks, glad to help out!

[@carlosclaptrix]

Wow, pretty straight explanations. Sounds good and I'll try these tips. Thanks,

[@BillMontana]

Thanks. Very helpful.

[@BushaManNH]

ive been searching TOO long for this video. Nobody got the sauce like this... thank you!!!!🙏

[@askdrtk]

Glad I could help out! Cheers!

[@calmccullen3539]

Another home run video! Thank you.

[@askdrtk]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@Kosay]

Thanks! It was very useful :)

[@bobbiejohnson4607]

Thank you so much! This was very helpful. I just liked and subscribed.

[@askdrtk]

Glad to hear it helped out! Cheers!

[@andymat7359]

Wow, I can't thank you enough, this guide was awesome! I've been having major issues with Ableton, Amplitube, Rekordbox, Bluetooth and USB devices, This seems to have made an enormous difference already, even while I'm typing this comment! Massive 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 from the UK!!!!

[@askdrtk]

That is great to hear! I am glad I was able to help out. Cheers!

[@JustFranzy-en3ye]

Beautiful and Helpful Video!!!!

[@askdrtk]

Much appreciated, I’m glad to help out!

[@Pain_for_sale]

You just got a follower and a friend for life after watching that. Thank you for taking the time. I can't smart, I has the dumb. Cheers

[@askdrtk]

Glad I could help out!

[@trismethod]

so informative & great production at that, respect your craft! If it was not for your channel I would not comprehend these volatilities that I keep encountering regarding my interface &/or software/hardware conflicts with my daw!

[@askdrtk]

Thanks and I’m glad i could help out!

[@kinflorien]

You’re a legend, thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise 🙏🏼

[@askdrtk]

Thanks, very kind...I am glad to help out where I can.

[@Sigorzav_Mixing]

one of the best guide out there for sure, thanks a lot!!

[@askdrtk]

Thanks, I'm glad to help out! Cheers!

[@rockfile]

Great video and tips. Thank you

[@martijnvanbeek4387]

Thanks for these great tips Todd!

[@askdrtk]

Glad to help out…Cheers!

[@youknowwho7502]

Your channel deserves to blow up. Good work.

[@askdrtk]

Much appreciated, I'm glad you're enjoying my videos!

[@bdjarman4271]

Solved the issue with my audio interface. Thanks so much for your help :)

[@askdrtk]

My pleasure, glad I could help out!

[@TommyBoiHero]

That was so clear ! Thank you so much ! 🤗

[@askdrtk]

Glad I could help out!

[@leedennis51]

Ok im trusting you on this ill let you know how it turns out and thanks for the tips your great for this

[@kurosawaom7688]

just what I needed thank you

[@askdrtk]

Glad to help out!

[@Griuofficial]

Thanks a lot for the video, really helpful!

[@askdrtk]

Thanks, I'm glad to help out!

[@mikemccormick1624]

Thank you for an excellent and informative video!

[@askdrtk]

Thanks, glad to help out!

[@ostrovmusic]

Thank you very much Todd for the vids, they are very useful! (both "7 Crucial Tips" and "4 Hidden PC Settings"). And WOW 0:27 this is my hometown! 😍

[@tnfkeilo9318]

Man Todd this was some real Helpful Info!

[@askdrtk]

Glad I could help out, Cheers!

[@1touchproduction]

Feels like home, Thanks

[@MrJohnnywashday]

thank you...this really helps

[@askdrtk]

Glad I could help out!

[@EmmanuelBenighHemmander]

Thank you for this!!!

[@askdrtk]

Glad to help out, Cheers!

[@BoReynolds]

YOU JUST SAVED ME! Thank you!

[@askdrtk]

Glad I could help out!

[@nuladvajedan]

thank you kind sir!

[@SwishaG]

My Focusrite has been giving me issues lately. I think your video just fixed that for me. Thank you so much

[@askdrtk]

Glad I could help out!

[@eyeservantez]

Thanks!

[@matelojic8950]

Lot of thanks! But still struggling about your adams staying upside down in the back😂. Thanks for the help.

[@Matthewsavant]

I appreciate the tips, I just switched from Mac to PC, I’ve been using Macs for Music production and sound design since 2007 but just recently I had a MacBook Pro that just randomly stopped working and needed the entire logic board replaced, I decided to just buy a new computer instead but for the cost of an M2 Max or M3 max i could get a hell of a lot more in a PC, I decided to pull the trigger on a beastly Windows laptop and as a bonus I can use it for gaming but I’ve been away from windows for music production so long I wasn’t really sure how to get things as stable as possible. I’m really hoping I didn’t make a massive mistake going to back to windows though

[@Nightowl427272]

I would do a dual-boot on your machine. One boot for gaming, the other for production.

[@jameseverett9037]

There's no good platform, ,since it's all the same corrupt company behind it either way. PCs are crap, and I can't imagine Macs could be any worse.

[@illyph9963]

Yo as a musician and audio engineer struggling with older box cause I can’t afford the upgrade yet, that last tip just made my system run 15% faster instantly when I did it, with my daw open at same time, and completely solved what I thought was a buffering issue, thank you 🙏🏼 great vid, earned a sub👍

[@askdrtk]

That’s great to hear, glad I could help out…Keep making music!

[@armonshakur_VMGmultimediaEnt.]

Just tried some of the tips. Going to give it a good test run thru the motions & as you said, If It even makes my system run 15% better he's earned another sub. But If It does nothing, i.e doesn't work you can't get nothing for nothing js lol. #FingersCrossed

[@catsandsound]

Thanks a few things I didn't know much apricated.

[@TheRobGuard]

I wish there were more than one thumb up to click on! Thanks for many great windows tips for better audio performance!

[@askdrtk]

Thanks! I’m glad it was helpful!

[@flobeatz]

Nice Tutorial Very Thanks

[@STEFANO-STV]

bestttttt, verry usefull video. Thank You mannnnn. you'r amazing

[@askdrtk]

Thanks, glad I could help out!

[@PittsMultiPass]

Very helpful information!

[@askdrtk]

Glad to help out, Cheers!

[@AdamWellsMusic]

Awesome ❤🎉

[@SgtBoudreau]

wow! thank you is all i can say. thank you.

[@UnknownMelodies95]

Great video thanks man i've followed the tips

[@askdrtk]

Glad to help out! I have more tips specific to DPC latency coming soon related directly to music PC setup and troubleshooting. DPC issues (if present) are often the most challenging to deal with. Cheers!

[@guitarzipandan]

Thanks you so much

[@BIGPUN4EVER]

You just earned a sub! Thanks for the video!

[@askdrtk]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Cheers!

[@DaleStephens]

Thank you so much

[@JRD876]

Great Content.!

[@tuandungnguyen2025]

Not the knowledge we think we need, thank you sir for the tips!

[@Adrian_Franco]

Based and audio pilled. Thanks for this!

[@deonflash2211]

Love it! I wish I knew this before

[@askdrtk]

Glad to help out, Cheers!

[@geezerbliz]

Thanks Todd.

[@user-hp4ij9kq7i]

THANK YOU

[@stevechase2232]

Subbed!

[@raskinlex]

thank you very match . you magician

[@Crossfire2003]

Great tips!

[@askdrtk]

Thanks, I’m glad to help out!

[@JKOnTheTrack]

Thank you for this.

[@askdrtk]

Glad to help out!

[@lusz-music]

Thanks Bro :)

[@askdrtk]

Glad to help out…Cheers!

[@FergMartice]

Thank you sir.

[@askdrtk]

Glad to help out!

[@probilmusic3396]

i just put this video on save, well explained and clear