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Windows Audio Service Keeps Stopping? 4 Ways to Fix It

6 min. read

Updated onNovember 8, 2024

updated onNovember 8, 2024

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To fix various driver issues on your PC, you will need a dedicated tool to find the freshest and the original drivers. You can use PC HelpSoft Driver Updater to do it in 3 easy steps:

Windows 11’s audio service is a significant one that manages the sound for software. Unfortunately, when that service crashes, the sound stops working in Windows 11.

Some users have reported anAudio service not respondingerror that occurs when the audio service has crashed.

When the audio service crashes, a red X on the speaker icon highlightsa sound issue. Is the same thing happening on your PC? If so, the Windows 11 resolutions below might fix your sound.

How do I enable the Windows Audio service in Windows 11?

How do I enable the Windows Audio service in Windows 11?

Before you try applying the resolutions below, you must first check whether the Windows Audio service is enabled. If that service is disabled, that’s probably why you do not hear any sound in Windows 11.

You can enable, disable, and restart various Windows services with the Services tool. In addition, that utility includes multiple configuration options for assistance. For example, this is how you can allow Windows to Audio.

If you find those services are already running, try restarting them. Right-click Windows Audio or Windows Audio Endpoint Builder to select theirRestartoptions.

How do I fix the Audio Service in Windows 11?

How do I fix the Audio Service in Windows 11?

1. Run localservice and networkservice commands

3. Restart audio services

4. Install the default sound drivers

Alternatively, if Device Manager can’t find a new driver or if you want a quicker process, consider using a dedicateddriver updatersuch as PC Helpsoft’s.

It can automatically fetch the newest drivers from a rich online database and avoid the risks of constant sound malfunctions on your computer.

You can therefore solve Audio service errors automatically and recover the sound on your PC as we speak.

⇒Get PC HelpSoft Driver Updater

Why is my audio not working after Windows 11 update?

The Windows audio can stop working after users receive newWindows 11 updatesbecause of system changes applied by those updates. For example, an update might use a change that breaks the audio service.

You can undo Windows 11 update changes by restoring the platform to an earlier date with System Restore. It might provide a solution if that utility includes a restore point that predates the audio service crashing on your PC. This is how to roll Windows 11 back to a restore point.

How do I force the Windows Audio service to start?

You should be able to start the Windows Audio via the Services tool. However, you can also force that service to begin via an elevated Command Prompt like this.

A crashed audio service is something you can’t ignore in Windows 11. The resolutions above are widely confirmed ones that will likely fix a crashed audio service on your Windows 11 PC.

If you still need to fix the audio service after applying those resolutions, we recommend you run a system file scan. For the last resort, try resetting Windows 11 as outlined inour guide.

In the comments below, you can add any questions about fixing Windows 11’s audio service. Also, feel free to share any other possible fixes that might resolve the same sound issue.

More about the topics:sound

Matthew Adams

Windows Hardware Expert

Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.

He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.

In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.

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Matthew Adams

Windows Hardware Expert

He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.