[Fix] Windows could not start the Windows Audio Service on local computer error

What causes [Fix] Windows could not start the Windows Audio Service on local computer error?

Corrupted system files
Insufficient permissions
Windows Audio Service is disabled
Audio service not set to automatic
Dependency services not running

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Hi. Today, I turned on my PC just as usual and found out I have no sound at all. I went to services because I thought that the audio service was off - and it was. I tried to turn it on, but I got an error "Windows could not start the Windows Audio Service on local computer." How can I fix this?

There are many services running in the background of Windows at any time when it is operational. While some are imported by third-party applications, others are pre-installed and are necessary for the operating system to function properly. Windows Audio Service is one such service - all the browsers, games, media players, and various other software rely on it to play the audio at any time.

If you look at the list of the services, you will notice that some of them are set to a manual, automatic, or disabled setting. This tells Windows whether a particular service should be launched as soon as the system boots. Audio service should be set to the automatic setting, as many programs depend on it when using audio on the system, according to a description:

Manages audio for Windows-based programs. If this service is stopped, audio devices and effects will not function properly. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start

Some users claimed that they had found the service disabled, hence they had no audio. However, when trying to enable the service, they receive an error "Windows could not start the Windows Audio Service on local computer." Additionally, it usually comes with an error code, which can vary - 0x80070005, 1067, 1740, 1079, etc.

How to fix windows could not start the windows audio service on local computer error

This can be particularly troublesome, as users are unable to hear anything when watching videos or doing something else. The issue is likely to be caused by corrupted system files, although insufficient permissions might also be at fault. Below you will find several methods that should help you fix the "Windows could not start the Windows Audio Service on local computer" error.

Before you proceed with the steps below, we strongly recommend running a scan with powerful PC repair software [d1]. It can fix the most common Windows issues, resolving BSODs,[ref en-1] registry errors, and other issues automatically.

Fix 1. Run a sound troubleshooter

Let's start from the basics and run a built-in troubleshooter

Type troubleshoot in Windows search and hit Enter
Select Additional troubleshooters
How to fix windows could not start the windows audio service on local computer error run audio troubleshooter
Pick Playing Audio and click Run the troubleshooter
Wait till the scan is finished
How to fix windows could not start the windows audio service on local computer error run audio troubleshooter2
Apply the suggested fixes and restart your PC.

Fix 2. Eun SFC and DISM

Corrupted[ref en-3] system files are one of the main reasons why you might experience the Windows could not start the Windows Audio Service on local computer error. Running SFC and DISM can help you resolve this issue.

Type cmd in Windows search
Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator
Type sfc /scannow and hit Enter
Wait for the scan to finish
As soon as the scan finishes, Windows will report whether integrity violations were found and if they could be fixed. If SFC says that it can't repair found errors, paste the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
How to fix windows could not start the windows audio service on local computer error run sfc dism

Fix 3. Give the service full control via the Registry

before you proceed, we strongly recommend you backup your registry.[ref en-2]

Type in regedit in Windows search and press Enter
When User Account Control shows up, click Yes
Click File > Export
Under Export range, select All
Name your backup and click Save.
How to fix windows could not start the windows audio service on local computer error export registry

After this, go back to the registry editor and proceed with the following:

Navigate to the following location:
Computer\\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\Audiosrv
Right-click on Audiosrv and click Permissions...
Select SYSTEM from the list
Tick the Full Control option
Now select Users from the list
Make sure Full Control checkbox is marked
Click Apply and OK.
How to fix windows could not start the windows audio service on local computer error give permissions via registry

Fix 4. Change Log on Settings

Type Services in Windows search and press Enter
Scroll down to Windows Audio and double-click it
In the new window, select the Log On tab
Mark the Local account option and then enable the Allow service to interact with desktop option
How to fix windows could not start the windows audio service on local computer error allow service to interract with desktop
Click Apply and OK.

Bottom line

To fix the 'Windows could not start the Windows Audio Service on local computer' error, you can try enabling the Windows Audio Service, checking the service dependencies, and ensuring proper permissions are set. If these methods do not resolve the issue, consider running a system file checker or restoring your system to a previous state.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I see 'Windows could not start the Windows Audio Service on local computer' error in Windows 10?

You can try restarting the Windows Audio service through the Services application, or you can run the audio troubleshooter from Settings to identify and fix the issue automatically.

How can I fix the Windows Audio Service error on Windows 11?

Ensure that the Windows Audio service and its dependencies are set to automatic startup, and check for any recent updates that might affect audio settings.

Are there any registry changes needed to resolve the Windows Audio Service error in Windows 10 or Windows 11?

Yes, you may need to check specific registry entries related to the audio service to ensure they are correctly configured, but be cautious when editing the registry.

Did this fix work for you?

Written & verified by

Sarah Chen

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Threat detection Security hardening Data protection Vulnerability assessment

Sarah Chen is a cybersecurity analyst focused on protecting Windows systems from emerging threats and preventing data breaches. She covers security hardening, vulnerability assessments, and post-infection cleanup for home and small business users. Sarah translates complex security concepts into practical hardening steps — firewall configuration, exploit mitigations, secure boot settings, and defence-in-depth practices that meaningfully reduce attack surface. She stays current with the threat landscape and contributes security advisories to the uGetFix news section when new vulnerabilities affect Windows users.

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