How to Fix The Audio Service not Running Issue on Windows 11/10

While trying to watch your favorite movie the audio service not running issue can take away all your excitement. The issue is confusing as out of nowhere your audio is cut off and you cannot do anything about it. When this error appears, you cannot even change the volume or access the audio controller from your desktop. It can be frustrating if you are playing a game online and suddenly the chat is disconnected because of the audio service not running error. The only thing the user who is facing the issue knows is what service is responsible for the problem. Luckily, there are a few solutions that can fix the problem

Let’s take a look at them in this post. If you are facing an audio service error on Windows, you can resolve it by the end of this blog. Let’s begin!

What Causes Audio Service Crash on Windows

Whenever there are audio issues on a PC, they can be tied to 3 possible reasons –

1. Hardware issues related to equipment in use. (Headphones, Mics, Speakers, etc.)
2. Sound Card Errors & Driver Issues.
3. Audio Services Configuration Error.

If it is a hardware-related issue, it is usually caused by a poor connection between the input/output devices. Sometimes, the devices are not supported properly, or they are incompatible. Checking the specifications before you buy external monitor speakers, amps, or mics is advised to avoid these issues. 

Similarly, when you have sound card errors or driver issues, it is an internal error that is resolvable. A quick update to the drivers can refresh your sound card and bring the service back to life. 

Last but not least, if the audio service is not responding on your Windows PC, there may be a problem with how you have configured this service. The best way to resolve such an issue is by configuring these services correctly. 

Ways to Get Rid of the Audio Service Not Running Issue {Working}

You already have an idea where the problem may lie on your PC. The only thing standing between you and the issues is how to resolve it. Well, check out the following fixes that will help you eradicate audio service issues on your PC once and for all!

Fix 1 – Check the Hardware Connections & Compatibility

When you have accidentally disconnected the audio hardware from your PC while the audio service is in use (i.e., you are playing audio, the service can crash and give you the Audio Service is not running/has stopped working error. 

The best way to avoid such situations is to take care of the following factors – 

1. Never eject audio devices abruptly when they are in use. Close the audio player or the sound recorder application first, or any application that may be using the audio service on your PC, and then disconnect the devices.
2. Use an Audio Interface as the middleman between heavy components and your PC. If you have a high-input amplifier, speakers, or microphone, make sure you are not directly plugging them on your PC. The audio card on your PC may be unable to handle the load and crash the services.
3. Ensure a firm connection between your PC and the connected audio device (input/output). Using half-plugged devices often makes it difficult for the PC to comprehend the services required, and hence, the confusion may crash the service of your PC’s audio.

Fix 2 – Check the Audio Service Configuration Via Services on Windows

It is crucial that you take care of the settings that each service on your PC uses. This allows you to make the most out of the existing resources. If you are coming across the audio service not running issue on startup, you might need to configure the service accordingly. 

 Here are the steps you can use – 

Step 1 – Press Win+R to open the Run search box.
Step 2 – Use the command Services.msc in the Run to open Services on Windows.

Step 3 – In the opened window, scroll and spot Windows Audio in the list of services.

Step 4 – Firstly, right-click on it, click on restart. This will bring back the audio on your PC.

Step 5 – Double-click on the service to open its properties.
Step 6 – In properties, ensure the startup is set to Automatic. If it is not, change it immediately.
Step 7 – Perform the same steps for two more services, i.e., Windows Audio Endpoint & Multimedia Class Scheduler.

After you have made the changes, try playing a sound on your PC, and the audio service should respond properly. 

Fix 3 – Update Audio Drivers on Your PC

If changing the service configuration did not help, you should consider updating audio drivers. The only issue here is that too many audio-related confusing drivers exist. You have your sound card drivers, audio controller drivers, audio device drivers, sound adapter drivers, and whatnot!

If you go by the traditional method of updating audio drivers on Windows, it might take hours to resolve the issue. Hence, we recommend you opt for the latest and fastest way, Advanced Driver Updater. 

It only takes 3 steps to get things done with Advanced Driver Updater. And the best part is that it performs batch operations. It means it can update multiple drivers at the same time. 

Step 1 – Download and install the application on your PC. (use the link below for Christmas Deals)

Step 2 – Run a scan using the Start Scan Now button.

Step 3 – Once all the outdated drivers are highlighted through the scan, click on Update All and complete the job!

Use the Advanced Driver Updater today and get rid of the audio service not running issue in no time. It is a beneficial tool for your PC, too, as updated drivers make your PC perform better. 

With that being said, we have reached the end of this post. You can use any of these three fixes or all three of them one after the other to get the audio service crash resolved. It is understandably difficult to use a PC without proper audio. Hence, these fixes are here to serve you! Hope you find them helpful. That will be all for this post. Thanks for reading, good luck!

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