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windows audio service not running

Ask By Yuvraj P.2,225 views

error says audio service is not running. red x. restart doesn't fix it

Brand
Acer
Model
Aspire 5
Connection
Built-in Speakers
System
Windows 10
Browser
Edge 131
Sample Rate
48 kHz
Output Channels
2 channels
Drivers And Sound SettingsWindows PC
Tool used in this discussionSound TestQuick left, right and stereo check for any speakers or headphones
Open Free Tool
Short Answer

Start Windows Audio and its dependency services and set them to Automatic. If the error continues, run the troubleshooter.

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Rishabh Sharma
Rishabh SharmaAudio Team
Audio DSP Engineer · 5+ years experience · Answered May 10, 2026

Windows needs the Audio service to play sound. A failed update can leave it disabled.

After you make the change, play the Sound Test again to confirm the result. If the problem is still there, add your device, browser and what you tried in the replies so the team can narrow it down.

Step By Step Fix
  1. Press Win+R, run services.msc
  2. Start Windows Audio, Windows Audio Endpoint Builder and Remote Procedure Call
  3. Set each to Automatic
  4. Run the Audio troubleshooter
Sources
  1. Microsoft Support

Checked by Callum Sterling on . How we verify answers

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Community Replies 1

  • Komal VermaCommunity Member

    Services set to Automatic fixed mine. Hope that saves you some time.

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Rishabh Sharma
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Rishabh Sharma

Audio DSP Engineer at Sound Test

Rishabh Sharma is the Audio DSP Engineer on the Sound Tester Audio Team. Expert in browser-based Web Audio API architecture, live tone generation, and low-latency decibel tracking. Shares detailed digital sound processing codebases on GitHub and LinkedIn. On Sound Tester he answers browser, driver and operating system sound problems on Windows, Mac and Android, and reviews how the tools handle audio in the browser.

Web Audio APIlow-latency audiodecibel tracking
  • 10 answers on Sound Test
  • 5+ years experience
  • Reviewed by Callum Sterling
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Each answer is written by the specialist closest to the topic and checked by a second team member. How we verify answers

Answers are free general guidance from the Sound Tester Audio Team and community. They are not medical advice. For hearing loss, ringing or ear pain, see a doctor or audiologist. Opening a device can void its warranty, so check the maker's support first for hardware faults.

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