What to Do If Windows Audio Service Won’t Start

If you encounter issues with the Windows Audio service not starting, it means your computer may be unable to play sound. This issue can be especially frustrating if you need to quickly listen to an audio file or watch a video. Let’s go through several solutions to help you restore the audio service in Windows.

1. Check the Status of the Windows Audio Service

The first step is to check the status of the Windows Audio service, as it may be disabled. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Press Win + R and type services.msc, then press Enter.
  2. In the opened window, find the Windows Audio service.
  3. Right-click on the service and select Properties.
  4. Ensure the startup type is set to Automatic and the status is Running.
  5. If the service isn’t running, click Start.

2. Restart the Audio Endpoint Builder Service

The Audio Endpoint Builder service supports Windows Audio. If it isn’t working, it may be blocking the sound. To restart it:

  1. Return to services.msc and locate Audio Endpoint Builder.
  2. Right-click and choose Restart.

3. Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers

Sound problems can occur due to outdated or damaged drivers. To update your drivers:

  1. Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
  2. Expand the Sound, video and game controllers section.
  3. Right-click on your audio device and select Update driver.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions or install the driver from the manufacturer’s website.

4. Use Windows Troubleshooter for Audio

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooting tool for sound issues, which may help detect and resolve the problem automatically. To launch it:

  1. Go to Settings (Win + I) → Update & Security → Troubleshoot.
  2. Select Additional troubleshooters.
  3. Find Playing Audio and run the troubleshooter, following its instructions.

5. Check System Files for Errors

Corrupted system files can disrupt the audio service. To check and repair them, run the following commands:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (Win + X → Command Prompt (Admin)).
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Once the scan is complete, restart your computer and check the sound.

6. Verify Windows Registry Settings

Sometimes, the issue may lie in incorrect registry values. Exercise caution when working with the registry:

  1. Open Registry Editor (Win + R → regedit).
  2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\AudioSrv.
  3. Make sure the Start parameter value is set to 2 (Automatic).

If none of these methods work, the issue might stem from a damaged system or hardware malfunction. In this case, consider using system restore or consulting a professional for diagnosis.

We hope these solutions help you fix the issue and restore sound to your device!