How to fix Audio services not responding Problem on windows PC

The “Audio Services Not Responding” error on your Windows 11 PC prevents sound from working correctly, making it impossible to hear audio from speakers, headphones, or other output devices. This error typically occurs due to misconfigured settings, outdated drivers, or software conflicts. Whatever the reason, this article will explore common reasons for audio issues in Windows 11 and provide practical steps to restore your system’s audio functionality.

Why Audio services not responding

One of the most common culprits behind audio problems is the software that bridges the gap between your hardware and Windows: the audio driver. Beyond drivers, several other factors can contribute to audio woes. A recent Windows update, while often beneficial, can sometimes introduce unexpected conflicts. Occasionally, other applications might clash with the audio services. Even misconfigured audio settings or hardware problems, such as a failing speaker or sound card, can also be the root cause.

• Windows Audio Service Stopped – If the audio service has stopped running, Windows will not be able to process sound.
• Outdated or Corrupt Audio Drivers – Drivers facilitate communication between hardware and the operating system. Corrupt or outdated drivers can cause sound issues.
• Conflicting Third-Party Applications – Some software, including security programs, may interfere with audio services.
• Incorrect Audio Settings – Changes in default audio settings might lead to audio services failing to respond.
• Recent Windows Update Issues – Certain Windows updates can introduce compatibility issues with audio drivers and services.

Before Perform Troubleshooting steps

1. Check your speaker and headphone connections for loose cables or the wrong jack.

New PCs these days are equipped with 3 or more jacks including,

• microphone jack
• line-in jack
• line-out jack.

These jacks connect to a sound processor. So make sure your speakers are plugged into the line-out jack. If unsure which is the right jack, try plugging speakers into each of the jacks and see it produces any sound.

2. Check your power and volume levels and try turning all the volume controls up.

3. Some speakers and apps have their own volume controls, and you might have to check them all.

4. Try connecting using a different USB port.

5. Remember that your speakers probably won’t work when headphones are plugged in.

6. Check the Speakers and headphone cables are connected properly

Restart the Windows Audio service and all of its dependencies

As The Error Message shows Audio services not responding / Audio services not running you must check Windows Audio Service and its all dependencies are Running properly. This is a highly effective solution to fix this type of problem.

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter to open the Services window.
2. In the Services window, locate Windows Audio.
3. Right-click it and select Restart to refresh the service.
4. Repeat the process for Windows Audio Endpoint Builder and Remote Procedure Call (RPC) as they are crucial to sound functioning.
5. Close the Services window and check if the issue is resolved.

Run the Audio Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has a built-in troubleshooter that can detect and fix common sound-related issues automatically.

1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
2. Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
3. Find Playing Audio and click Run.
4. The troubleshooter will scan your system for issues and suggest fixes.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to apply any recommended fixes.
6. Restart your PC and test the audio to check if the issue is resolved.

Change the bit rate in Play Back Devices

• Right-click the sound icon in the taskbar, at the bottom right of the screen then select sounds
• Choose the current playback device (by default, it’s set to speakers) and double-click on it to open its properties.
• Now Go to the Advanced tab and change the bit rate to either, 24bit/44100 Hz or 24bit/192000Hz, depending on your speaker configuration.
  

After this, check if the sound issues are resolved on your Windows 10 computer.

Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers

Faulty drivers are often responsible for audio issues, so updating or reinstalling them can resolve the problem.

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click your audio device (e.g., Realtek High Definition Audio) and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers to let Windows find the latest driver updates.
5. If the problem persists, right-click the audio device again, select Uninstall device, and restart your PC. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically upon reboot.

Install generic audio Driver

Open Device Manager, right-click (or tap and hold) the audio driver, and select Uninstall. Restart your device and Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver. And if that didn’t work, try using the generic audio driver that comes with Windows.

To do this :

Open Device Manager, right-click (or tap and hold) your audio driver > Update driver software > Browse my computer for driver software > Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.

Select High Definition Audio Device, select Next, and follow the instructions to install it.

After Install once Restart windows and check problem is fixed That’s it. Your computer speakers should now be able to play sound normally. If the sound is still not working, then try downloading and installing the latest sound card drivers for Windows 10 from the manufacturer’s website.

Check Audio Output Device and Default Settings

• If the wrong output device is selected, you may experience sound problems.
• Click the Volume icon in the system tray and ensure the correct output device is selected.
• Open Settings > System > Sound to check the selected output device.
• Under Output, make sure the right device is set as default.
• Scroll down and click More sound settings to open advanced sound settings.
• In the Playback tab, right-click your preferred audio device and select Set as Default Device.
• Click OK and restart your PC to apply the changes.

Disable Audio Enhancements

Audio enhancements are designed to improve sound quality but may sometimes interfere with audio playback.

1. Open Control Panel and navigate to Sound.
2. Select your playback device and click Properties.
3. Go to the Enhancements tab and check Disable all enhancements.
4. Click Apply and OK to save the settings.
5. Restart your computer and test the sound to see if the issue is resolved.

Perform a System Restore

If the issue started after a recent update or change, restoring your system to a previous working state can help.

1. Press Win + S, type restore, and open Create a restore point.
2. Click System Restore and choose a restore point before the issue occurred.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
4. Restart your PC and check if the sound is working again. This method reverts your system to a previous configuration where audio services were functioning properly.