How to fix 'The audio service is not running' in Windows

Restart the Windows Audio service by setting its startup type to Automatic and starting it in Services, and ensure Windows Audio Endpoint Builder is also running; 2. Run the built-in Audio Troubleshooter via Settings > System > Sound to automatically fix common issues; 3. Reinstall or update audio drivers either through Device Manager, the manufacturer’s website, or Windows Update; 4. Repair system file corruption by running sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth in an elevated Command Prompt; 5. Create a new user profile to check if the issue is profile-specific, and if audio works there, migrate data to the new account. Additionally, disable Fast Startup, scan for malware, or use System Restore if recent changes triggered the problem. Following these steps typically restores audio within 10–15 minutes.

If you're seeing the error "The audio service is not running" in Windows, it means the Windows Audio service has stopped or is disabled. This prevents sound from working on your PC. Don’t worry — this is usually fixable in a few straightforward steps. Here’s how to resolve it.

✅ 1. Restart the Windows Audio Service

The most common fix is to manually start the audio service.

1. Press Win R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. In the Services window, scroll down and find Windows Audio.
4. Right-click it and select Properties.
5. Set the Startup type to Automatic.
6. If the service isn’t running, click Start under Service status.
7. Click Apply, then OK.
8. Test your audio.

? Also check Windows Audio Endpoint Builder — it should be set to Automatic and running too.

✅ 2. Run the Audio Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common audio issues.

1. Go to Settings > System > Sound.
2. Scroll down and click Troubleshoot under "Related settings".
3. Run the Playing Audio troubleshooter.
4. Follow the prompts and apply any recommended fixes.

This may catch issues like misconfigured devices or corrupted settings.

✅ 3. Reinstall or Update Audio Drivers

Corrupted or outdated audio drivers can cause the audio service to fail.

Option A: Use Device Manager

1. Press Win X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click your audio device (e.g., Realtek Audio, Conexant, etc.) and choose Uninstall device.
4. Restart your computer — Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

Option B: Download from Manufacturer

• Visit your PC manufacturer’s website (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo) or motherboard maker.
• Search for the latest audio driver for your model.
• Download and install it.

Alternatively, use Windows Update:

• Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.
• Check if there are driver updates available.

✅ 4. Check for System File Corruption

Corrupted system files can prevent services from starting.

Run these commands in an elevated Command Prompt:

1. Press Win S, type cmd.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
3. Run this command:

   sfc /scannow

4. After it finishes, run:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

5. Restart your PC after both complete.

These tools repair damaged system files that might be affecting the audio service.

✅ 5. Create a New User Profile (if issue persists)

Sometimes, user profile corruption can interfere with audio services.

1. Create a new user account:
   • Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
   • Under "Other users", click Add account.
2. Log into the new account.
3. Test the audio.

If audio works there, the problem is likely tied to your original profile.

Final Notes

• Make sure Fast Startup isn’t causing service issues: try disabling it in Power Options.
• Malware can sometimes disable critical services — run a scan with Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus.
• If you recently installed software or updated Windows, consider using System Restore to revert to a working state.

Fixing "The audio service is not running" usually comes down to restarting the service, updating drivers, or repairing system files. Most users get sound back within 10–15 minutes using these steps.

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