Windows Could Not Start The Windows Audio Service on Local Computer

The “Windows Could Not Start The Windows Audio Service” error is a common issue encountered by Windows users, disrupting their ability to hear sound on their computers. This frustrating problem can occur for various reasons, from software conflicts to hardware issues.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the meaning of this error, explore its root causes, and provide easy-to-follow methods to fix it, ensuring that you can enjoy hassle-free audio on your Windows computer.

What Does the Error Message Mean?

The error message “Windows Could Not Start The Windows Audio Service” typically appears when you try to play audio on your Windows computer, but the Windows Audio Service is unable to initiate. This service is responsible for managing audio-related tasks, including playback, recording, and sound settings.

Versions of Windows Affected

This error can occur on various versions of Windows, including Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7. Regardless of the version you are using, the error symptoms and solutions are generally consistent.

Common Causes of the Error

Understanding the root causes of this error is crucial in effectively troubleshooting and resolving it. Some common reasons include:

1. Service Dependencies: The Windows Audio Service depends on other system services to function correctly. If these dependencies are not running or encounter issues, it can lead to the error.
2. Corrupted System Files: System files related to the Windows Audio Service may become corrupted due to various reasons, such as software conflicts or malware.
3. Hardware Issues: Problems with your audio hardware, including sound cards or speakers, can prevent the Windows Audio Service from starting.
4. Outdated Drivers: Obsolete or incompatible audio drivers can disrupt the functioning of the Windows Audio Service.

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Modify The Windows Audio Service Sign-In Parameters

It turns out that altering the service’s login settings is one way to avoid seeing the error message. With these options, you may specify the account from which the service will launch. To a large extent, it reflects the state of the service on your computer.

In this case, we’ll configure the service to log on as the local system account, which should allow us to solve the problem. Here are the steps to take to accomplish this:

1. Pressing the Windows key plus R will bring up the Run window.
2. When prompted, type services.msc into the Run box and then hit Enter. The Services menu will open.
3. A complete inventory of your computer’s services is displayed in the Services pane. You’ll need to locate the Windows Audio service here. Pressing the Windows logo key (Windows key) will bring up the list of Windows services; from there, you may locate Windows Audio by pressing the / key.
4. Locate the Windows Audio service and open its Properties window by double-clicking it or selecting the Properties option from the service’s context menu.
5. The Log On tab can be found in the Properties window. The This account radio button needs to be chosen automatically.
6. The Local System account is the one you want to choose here. It’s important to enable the service to communicate with the desktop by checking the box for that.
7. If you’re done, select Apply and then click OK.
8. When you’re ready, go back to the Windows Audio service’s Properties window and select the Start button. Verify if the problem still exists.

Modify Access Controls for the Audio Registry

If switching the service’s login account does not resolve the problem, then it is conceivable that your user account does not have read/write access to the audio registry. Such a situation necessitates modifying the audio registry’s security settings to grant your user account administrative privileges.

Changing the Windows Registry is not recommended because it is easy to mess up your machine. Consequently, it is imperative that you adhere to the provided directions precisely. Okay, so let’s get this party started.

1. As a first step, press the Windows key plus R to bring up the Run window.
2. Next, go to the Start menu and select Run. Once the Run box appears, type regedit and press Enter. Select the Yes button on the User Access Control screen if prompted to do so.
3. Selecting this will open the Windows Registry Editor. Copy this path and paste it into the Windows Registry’s address bar to quickly access the MMDevices key: HKEY LOCAL MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersion.
4. If you click here, you’ll be sent to your MMDevices directory. You can modify the folder’s permissions by right-clicking on it and selecting the option.
5. The only option is to grant everyone full control over this area. In order to do so, we must first add it. Select the Plus sign.
6. You can then use the Find Now option after clicking the Advanced button.
7. When you use this command, it will generate a complete list of your system’s users and groups. Select All Users from the dropdown and confirm your selection by clicking OK. Do it again and press the OK button.
8. Then, give them complete control by selecting the box labelled Allow in the Permissions window and selecting Everyone under Group or user names.
9. When you’re finished, select Apply and then OK.
10. Next, you should minimise the Windows Registry window and launch the Services window using a Start Menu search.
11. Determine if the problem persists after you have located the Windows Audio service and restarted it.

Methods to Fix the Error

Now that we have a grasp of what causes the “Windows Could Not Start The Windows Audio Service” error, let’s explore some easy methods to resolve it.

Method 1: Restart the Windows Audio Service

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter to open the Services window.
3. Scroll down to find “Windows Audio” in the list.
4. Right-click on “Windows Audio” and select “Restart.”
5. Also, ensure that the “Windows Audio Endpoint Builder” service is running and restart it if necessary.

Method 2: Check Service Dependencies

1. In the Services window, right-click on “Windows Audio” and select “Properties.”
2. Go to the “Dependencies” tab.
3. Ensure that the services listed as dependencies are running and set to “Automatic.”

Method 3: Run Windows Troubleshooters

1. Open the Settings app by pressing Win + I.
2. Go to “Update & Security” > “Troubleshoot.”
3. Run the “Playing Audio” troubleshooter to automatically detect and fix audio-related issues.

Method 4: Update Audio Drivers

1. Right-click on the Start button and select “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 to update your audio drivers.

Method 5: Scan for Malware

1. Perform a full system scan using your preferred antivirus software to ensure your system is not infected with malware that may be disrupting audio services.

Method 6: Restore System Files

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter to run the System File Checker tool. This will scan and repair corrupted system files.

Method 7: Check Audio Hardware

1. Ensure that your audio hardware, including speakers or headphones, is connected correctly and in working condition.
2. Test audio with different hardware to rule out physical issues.

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Conclusion

The “Windows Could Not Start The Windows Audio Service” error can be a frustrating experience, but with the methods outlined in this guide, you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue effectively.

Whether it’s a service dependency problem, corrupted system files, or outdated drivers, these steps will help you regain control of your computer’s audio functionality and enjoy a seamless audio experience on your Windows system.