It is hoped that the next-generation system will support universal 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM. I’m talking about supporting PCIe sound devices, not USB.
Suggestion for Universal PCM 384 kHz Support for PCIe Sound Cards
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小C～ 劉
0
Reputation points
Suggestion for Universal PCM 384 kHz Support for PCIe Sound Cards
Currently, Windows’ built-in internal audio drivers only support 24‑bit / 192 kHz PCM, which prevents high-end internal sound cards or DACs from playing 32‑bit / 384 kHz PCM high-resolution audio without manufacturer drivers, limiting transparency and airiness.
We suggest Microsoft:
- Add 32‑bit / 384 kHz PCM support while preserving native hardware sound.
- Provide a native pass-through mode to avoid extra DSP processing and retain transparency.
- Maintain backward compatibility for lower-resolution audio playback.
This would allow users to enjoy high-resolution audio even without manufacturer drivers, improve Windows compatibility with high-end audio hardware, and strengthen Windows’ position in the Hi-Res Audio market.
I’m talking about supporting PCIe sound devices, not USB.
It is hoped that the next-generation system will support universal 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM
Windows for home | Other | Devices and drivers
3 answers
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Lychee-Ng 10,985 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator2025-12-12T11:52:23.5766667+00:00 Hi 小C～ 劉, and welcome to Microsoft Q&A!
Thank you for taking the time to submit this detailed and well-written suggestion!
You are correct that Windows’ built-in Universal Audio Driver (UAD) currently supports PCM up to 24‑bit / 192 kHz, and higher sample rates like 32‑bit / 384 kHz typically require manufacturer-specific drivers. You did raise excellent points:
- Improve compatibility with high-end DACs and internal sound cards.
- Allow bit-perfect playback without extra DSP processing.
- Strengthen Windows’ position in the Hi-Res Audio market.
Adding native support for 32‑bit / 384 kHz PCM would instantly benefit thousands of high-end USB DACs and audio interfaces (Topping, SMSL, iFi, RME Babyface Pro FS, etc.) that currently require the manufacturer’s custom to unlock their maximum resolution on Windows.
Your feedback is very valuable and will be escalated directly to the Windows team if you use the official Feedback Hub. Press Win + F, type your suggestion then submit in "Devices and drivers" category. The more upvotes it receives, the higher the chance it will be included in future releases.
Thank you again for your thoughtful contribution!
If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".
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小C～ 劉 0 Reputation points
2025-12-12T12:58:31.86+00:00 Hello Microsoft Team,
I appreciate the previous clarification regarding USB Audio Class support. I would like to raise a related issue:
Currently, PCIe audio devices lack a universal standard, unlike USB Audio Class 2.0. As a result, high-end PCIe sound cards often cannot play 384 kHz PCM on newer Windows versions without vendor-specific drivers. This creates challenges for audiophiles, professional users, and leads to potential hardware obsolescence.
I kindly request that Microsoft consider implementing a basic universal PCIe audio driver that supports high-resolution PCM (up to 384 kHz). Even minimal support without DSP or vendor-specific features would allow the DAC hardware to operate at full resolution and preserve audio quality across Windows upgrades.
Thank you for your consideration.
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Lychee-Ng 10,985 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
2025-12-12T13:27:16.4033333+00:00 Thank you for clarifying and giving your suggestions about the PCIe audio devices. Your point is interesting: unlike USB Audio Class 2.0, PCIe lacks a universal standard driver in Windows, which can lead to compatibility issues. I recommend posting this on the official Feedback Hub so it reaches the Windows Audio engineering team!
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小C～ 劉 0 Reputation points
2025-12-12T12:31:49.4166667+00:00 I’m talking about supporting PCIe sound devices, not USB.