The Windows sound troubleshooter, which is usually run when you have problems with your sound devices, gives the error “Audio services not responding.” This error usually means that your sound device is in a state where it is not responding to your computer’s inputs or signals. Windows has many common problems, and some of them are easy to fix with one of the built-in troubleshooters. But these troubleshooters can’t always fix errors on their own. Instead, they have to explain the problem so you can figure out how to fix it. So, how do you fix the sound troubleshooter error that reads, “Audio Services Not Responding”? Please see how to Create a Restore Point in Windows 11, and how to Upgrade Windows 11 Pro to Enterprise and vice Versa. In this article, you will learn how to Fix Audio Services Not Responding on Windows 10 and 11.
If you’ve run into this problem, you might not know how to fix it yourself. Working solutions to “Audio services not responding” on Windows are provided below. Please see How to add Registry keys via DISM in Windows, How to fix the issue of INACCESSIBLE BOOT DEVICE Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart, and how to reset a crash system and perform system state restore of Active Directory using Windows Server backup utility
What Is the Root Cause of Audio Services Not Responding to Windows 10 and 11 Errors?
The most typical reason for this issue is a problem with your audio drivers. If your driver is old, broken, or not installed well, you may get errors like “audio services not responding” when you try to play audio. This problem has also been reported by Windows 10 users after installing a recent Windows Update.
Even though updates are meant to fix problems, it is normal for them to cause new ones. Fortunately, you have numerous options before making a dramatic choice, such as resetting or reinstalling Windows.
Method 1: Restart the Audio Services to fix Audio Services Not Responding on Windows
The first thing you should do is restart the audio services. Because this service regulates your computer’s sound, restarting it may resolve your problems.
On your keyboard, press the Windows + R keys together to bring up the Run utility. Type services.msc and press the OK button. This will open the Services window, which may take a few moments to completely load.
Right-click on the Windows Audio service and select Properties from the context menu.
Select Automatic as the Startup type. If the service isn’t already running, press the Start button. Click OK to apply the settings. You should be back at the services list.
Repeat steps 2 through 3 for the Windows Audio Endpoint Builder service. Restart your computer after changing both services to automatic startup.
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Method 2: Start the Required Audio Components to fix Audio Services Not Responding on Windows
To fix the “Audio services not responding” problem, you may need to start up some extra system audio services. You, someone else, or an app may have recently turned off these services, causing problems on your device.
On your keyboard, press the Windows + R keys together to bring up the Run utility. Type services.msc and press the OK button. This will open the Services window, which may take a few moments to completely load.
For each of the services below, right-click on each of them and choose the Start option if they are not already running:
- Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
- Endpoint Mapper
- DCOM Server Process Launcher
1: Once all three services are active, right-click on them again and choose Properties. Check to see whether the Startup type is set to Automatic.
2: Restart your computer to see if your audio problem is fixed.
Method 3. Use Commands to Add Local and Network Services
You can type different commands into the Command Prompt to try to fix the problem. With these commands, you’ll be adding network service and local service to the local Administrator group.
It should be noted that this approach requires an account with administrator privileges. Press the Windows + S keyboard shortcut to open the search bar. Type “command prompt.” When it appears in the results, choose “Run as Administrator.”
Once the Command Prompt window is open, type and press Enter to run the following command:
net localgroup administrators networkservice /add
Run the following command after that:
net localgroup administrators localservice /add
I recommend that you restart your device and check to see if the sound problems still exist after you complete these steps. Don’t worry, there are still other steps you can try if you’re still getting the “Audio Services Not Responding” issue.
Method 4. Install the Default Sound Drivers
Users reported that merely installing the default sound drivers fixed the “Audio Services not Responding” problem.
For Windows 11 user, press the Windows + I key together to open Settings scroll down and click on About, and then select Advance system settings.
Select the Hardware tab and click the Device Installation Settings button.
A new window will pop up. Choose the option that reads “No (your device might not work as expected).” After that, click the Save Changes button.
Next, uninstall your existing audio driver(s). Press the Windows + S keyboard shortcut to open the search bar, type Device Manager and choose Run as Administrator.
Click the arrow symbol in front of the “Sound, video, and gaming controllers” section to expand it. This is where you’ll find all of your audio drivers. Right-click on your audio driver and select Uninstall device from the context menu.
Check the box next to “Delete the driver software for this device” and then click Uninstall. This will delete the driver entirely.
After you’ve removed the device and driver, click the Scan for hardware changes button. The default sound drivers will be installed.
I suggest unplugging any sound devices and restarting your computer. After reconnecting the devices, check to see whether the audio problems have been resolved.
Method 5. Install the Realtek or High-Definition Audio Device
This error is caused in certain situations by the IDT High-Definition Audio Codec. If installing the default drivers doesn’t work, try installing the Realtek or High-Definition audio device instead.
Open the Device Manager and go to the “Sound, video, and gaming controllers” section. Right-click on the Realtek or High-Definition Audio device and choose Update Driver from the context menu.
In the dialog box, choose “Browse my computer for driver software” and then click the Let me choose from a list of available drivers on my computer option.
Click on let me pick from the list, and click on Next to continue
Look for and choose High-Definition Audio Device. Uncheck the Show compatible hardware option if it isn’t shown in the list. To continue, choose Next.
Once the installation is complete, restart your computer. If the problems persist, repeat the procedures but this time choose Realtek High-Definition Audio instead.
Method 6. Make use of a Restore Point
If you or your system made a restore point before the audio problems started, you can take your system back to that point. This may resolve the issue “Audio Services Are Not Responding.”
Press the Windows + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run utility. Type sysdm.cpl and press OK.
Navigate to the System Protection tab. Click on System Restore to launch the System Restore Wizard.
On this page, click the Next button.
Now, select the name of the restore point you created and click Next.
Once you’ve decided on your settings, click the Finish button and wait for Windows to restore your machine.
Check to see if you’re still having the same audio difficulties when the restoration procedure is finished. If the issue is still not fixed, it may be time to reinstall Windows. If not of the above steps work on How to Fix Audio Services Not Responding on Windows 10 and 11, then it is time to reinstall Windows. Follow this link or the steps below to do this.
Method 7: Reinstall your Windows
If none of the above solutions worked, the only way to fix your problem may be to reinstall or reset your Windows OS. You can reload the system without losing any personal data, depending on your preferences. Unfortunately, to give your device a fresh start, most of your programs and system settings will be wiped.
For full, step-by-step instructions on how to install Windows, see Fresh Start, Clean Install and PC Reset: How to perform a Fresh Start installation of Windows 10. For Windows 11 users, see How to Upgrade Windows 11 Pro to Enterprise and vice Versa.
Conclusion
I hope you found this guide useful on how to Fix Audio Services Not Responding on Windows 10 and 11. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comment section below.