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Fortunately, a series of effective solutions are available to diagnose and resolve this error, ensuring a seamless audio experience on your Windows operating system. In this guide, we will explore the steps to address and fix the ‘Audio Service Not Responding’ error Windows 10/11, letting you regain control over your system’s audio functions.

What Is the Audio Services Not Responding on Windows 10/11 Error?

The “Audio Services Not Responding” error on Windows 10 and 11 is a problem that occurs when the audio services responsible for managing sound on your computer stop working properly. This can lead to issues like no sound coming from speakers or headphones, audio playback problems, and disruptions during video calls or media playback.
The error message indicates that the system’s audio services are not functioning as expected, which can be caused by various factors such as driver conflicts, software glitches, or incorrect settings. Resolving this error involves troubleshooting steps to identify the root cause and implement the necessary fixes to restore normal audio functionality.

Also Read: Stereo Mix Not Working on Windows 10?

How to Fix Audio Services Not Responding on Windows 10?

Before You Proceed

Before proceeding with the more complex fixes below, let’s get the simple fixes out of the way.

  • First, try restarting your PC and checking if the audio service problem persists. Sometimes, the error might occur due to a temporary glitch or an incomplete system restart.

Also Read: Why Is My Computer Glitching? The Most Common Reasons for Computer Glitches

  • Consider booting Windows 10 into safe mode to confirm that the audio issue isn’t caused by third-party applications. If it turns out to be related to such apps, you can uninstall them.
  • Interestingly, a surprisingly simple solution to this error is adjusting the volume. To adjust your computer’s volume settings:
    • In the Taskbar, clock the Speaker icon. 
    • Drag the volume slider to increase/decrease the volume.

Method 1: Run Audio Troubleshooter

Using the built-in troubleshooting tools that come with the Windows operating system can be really helpful when facing common problems like the audio service not running. These tools scan your computer to ensure that all the related settings are correctly set up and perform specific troubleshooting steps. 

To use the audio troubleshooter, simply follow these steps:

  • Press the Windows key, type “Control Panel,” and select “Open” from the results.
  • Change the “View by” setting to “Large icons,” and then click on the “Troubleshooting” option.
  • Choose the “View All” option on the left side of the window.
  • Locate and click on the “Playing Audio” troubleshooter to identify and address sound-related issues.
  • Click on the “Advanced” option within the Playing Audio troubleshooter.
  • Enable the “Apply repairs automatically” option, and then click “Next.”
  • The troubleshooter will begin detecting problems.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to resolve the issue.

Method 2: Start Audio Services Manually

To address any error, it’s often wise to start with the steps outlined in the error message itself. In the case of the “audio service is not running” error in Windows 10, resolving the issue might be as simple as reactivating the audio service.

The service could have stopped due to factors like third-party apps, viruses, switching audio output devices, or a failed startup during boot. To fix this, follow these steps:

  • Press the Windows + R keys at the same time to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type “services.msc” and click OK to launch the Services Manager.
  • Click on the column header labeled “Name” to sort the Services alphabetically.
  • Locate the “Windows Audio” service, and in the left pane, click on “Restart the service.”
  • Right-click on the “Windows Audio” service and select “Properties” as demonstrated.
  • In the General tab, pick “Automatic” from the dropdown menu under “Startup type.”
  •  Additionally, if the Service status shows “Stopped,” click the “Start” button to change the status to “Running.” If the status is already “Running,” proceed to the next step.
  • Click “Apply” to save the changes and then select “OK” to exit.

Method 3: Modify Log On Settings of Services

If your computer has several user accounts, there’s a chance that these accounts might not share the same access or correct settings.

When the audio service is prevented from logging into a specific account, you might encounter the problem of “Windows audio services not responding.” Here’s the solution to address this issue:

  • Open the Windows Services application and follow the directions given in Steps 1 to 5 of Method 2.
  • Click on the Name column header to sort the Services alphabetically.
  • Right-click the Windows Audio service and go to Properties.
  • Within this window, navigate to the “Log On” tab.
  • Enable the “Local System account” option and click “Apply” to apply the modifications.
  • Check whether the error “Audio Service is not running Windows 10” still persists. If it does:
  • On the “Log On” tab, select “This account:” and enter “Local Service” in the adjacent text box.
  • Complete the Password and Confirm password fields.
  • Press “Apply” and then “OK” to confirm the changes.

Method 4: Fix Local Account Configurations

In addition to issues with the audio service, errors can also arise due to incorrect settings of the local account. Setup issues can often be solved by running a few specific commands using Command Prompt:

  • Press the Windows key, type “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.”
  • Enter the following commands one by one and press Enter. Check if this resolves the issue.

net localgroup Administrators /add networkservice

net localgroup Administrators /add localservice

SC config Audiosrv start= auto

REG ADD “HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Audiosrv” /V start /T REG_DWORD /D 2 /F secedit /configure /cfg %windir%\inf\defltbase.inf /db defltbase.sdb /verbose

Method 5: Modify Registry Settings

Similar to a misconfigured local account, an improperly set Windows Registry entry can also trigger the audio service error.

Important Note: Exercise caution while editing the registry, as any mistakes could lead to more problems.

Also Read: What is the Windows Registry And Why Do You Need a Registry Cleaner?

  • Press the Windows key and the R key together to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type “regedit” and press Enter to launch the Registry Editor application.
  • Go to:

HKEY_Local_Machine\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\AudioEndPointBuilder\Parameter

  • Ensure that the “Data” column of “ServiceDll” reads as:

%SystemRoot%\System32\AudioEndPointBuilder.dll

If it doesn’t match, you’ll need to manually adjust the data value:  

  • Right-click on “ServiceDll” and select “Modify”.
  • Enter: 

%SystemRoot%\System32\AudioEndPointBuilder.dll

  • Click OK.
  • Restart your PC.

Method 6: Update Audio Drivers

Frequently, outdated drivers can be the culprit behind this problem. If the error is linked to drivers, try updating your audio drivers to check if it resolves the “Windows audio services not responding” issue.

Also Read: [EASY GUIDE] How to Update Device Drivers on a Windows 10 PC?

Conclusion

Addressing the ‘ Audio Service Not Responding’ error in Windows 10 and 11 involves a systematic approach to troubleshooting and resolving underlying causes. By following the provided solutions, users can effectively restore their audio services and enjoy uninterrupted sound experiences on their Windows devices. Whether it’s adjusting settings, updating drivers, or utilizing built-in tools, the steps outlined in this guide empower users to overcome this issue and enjoy seamless audio functionality once again.

FAQ

Why Did My Audio Suddenly Stop Working on Windows 10?

There can be various reasons for sudden audio issues on Windows 10, including driver conflicts, software glitches, incorrect settings, hardware problems, or updates that affect audio functionality.

How Do I Update My Audio Drivers on Windows 11?

To update audio drivers on Windows 11, you can:

  • Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
  • Expand the “Sound, video, and game controllers” section.
  • Right-click on your audio device and choose “Update driver.”
  • Select “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
  • Is There a Quick Way to Restart Audio Services on Windows?

Yes, you can quickly restart audio services on Windows by:

  • Pressing Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  • Typing “services.msc” and hitting Enter.
  • Finding “Windows Audio” in the list, right-clicking, and selecting “Restart.”

Can Malware Affect My Computer’s Audio Functions?

Yes, malware can potentially affect various aspects of your computer, including audio functions. Malicious software can disrupt drivers, modify settings, or even disable audio services. Running regular antivirus scans and keeping your system updated helps mitigate these risks.