If you’re using Windows 11 and suddenly your audio stops working, it can be frustrating—especially if your system shows that the Windows Audio service is not running. Don’t worry! This is a common issue, and the good news is it’s usually easy to fix.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through several tried-and-true steps to get your audio back up and running quickly.
What Causes the “Windows Audio Service Not Running” Issue?
Before diving into the fixes, it’s helpful to know why this problem occurs. The Windows Audio service handles sound playback on your computer. If this service is stopped or disabled, your sound won’t work. Common causes include:
- Windows updates messing with service settings
- Corrupted system files
- Conflicting third-party apps or drivers
- Manual or accidental disabling of audio services
How to Fix Windows 11 Audio Service Not Running
1. Restart Windows Audio Service
The quickest fix is to restart the Windows Audio service.
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type
services.mscand press Enter. - Scroll down to find Windows Audio.
- Right-click it and select Restart. If it’s stopped, click Start.
- Also, right-click and choose Properties to ensure the Startup type is set to Automatic.
- Click Apply and OK.
Restart your PC and check if the sound is working.
2. Restart Dependencies Services
The Windows Audio service depends on other services like the Windows Audio Endpoint Builder and Remote Procedure Call (RPC).
- In the Services window (
services.msc), locate and restart these services as well. - Make sure their Startup types are set to Automatic.
3. Run the Audio Troubleshooter
Windows 11 features a built-in troubleshooter that can find and fix many audio problems automatically.
- Open Settings via the Start menu or press Windows + I.
- Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Playing Audio and click Run.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Update or Roll Back Audio Drivers
Corrupt or outdated drivers often cause audio services to misbehave.
- Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
- Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
- Right-click your audio device and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers and follow prompts.
If the problem started after a recent update, try rolling back the driver:
- Right-click your audio device again > Properties > Driver tab > Roll Back Driver.
5. Check System Files with SFC Scan
Corrupted system files may disrupt Windows services.
-
Search for Command Prompt in the Start menu, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
-
Enter the command:
sfc /scannow
-
Wait for the process to complete and follow any recommendations.
6. Verify Audio Device Settings
Sometimes, Windows may not select your correct audio output device.
- Click the Speaker icon on your taskbar.
- Click the > arrow next to the volume slider to select the proper playback device.
- You can also access this via Settings > System > Sound > Output.
Final Thoughts
Audio issues like “Windows Audio service not running” in Windows 11 can seem daunting, but they’re often easy to resolve with a bit of troubleshooting. I recommend trying these steps in the order above for the best results. If none work, your sound card hardware may have a deeper problem, and reaching out to professional support could be a good next step.
Remember to keep your system updated and check drivers regularly to prevent similar issues down the road. If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with friends who might be facing the same frustration!
Keywords: Fix Windows 11 audio service not running, Windows 11 sound not working, Windows 11 audio troubleshoot, Windows Audio service restart, Windows 11 audio problems
If you need any more help or want me to guide you through any specific step, just ask!
