Question
Issue: [Fix] Windows could not start the Windows Audio Service on local computer error
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?
Solved Answer
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.
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 RestoroMac Washing Machine X9. It can fix the most common Windows issues, resolving BSODs,[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
- Pick Playing Audio and click Run the troubleshooter
- Wait till the scan is finished
- Apply the suggested fixes and restart your PC.
Fix 2. Eun SFC and DISM
Corrupted[2] 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
Fix 3. Give the service full control via the Registry
before you proceed, we strongly recommend you backup your registry.[3]
- 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.
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.
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
- Click Apply and OK.
Similar topics that might be helpful:
- Audio problems after Windows update
- 5.1 Channel Surround Sound not working
- Dolby Atmos no sound issue
- Reinstall Realtek HD Audio Manager
- Audio issues in Apex Legends.
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Unforeseen circumstances can happen at any time while using the computer: it can turn off due to a power cut, a Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) can occur, or random Windows updates can the machine when you went away for a few minutes. As a result, your schoolwork, important documents, and other data might be lost. To recover lost files, you can use Data Recovery Pro – it searches through copies of files that are still available on your hard drive and retrieves them quickly.
- ^ Blue Screen of Death (BSoD). Techopedia. Professional IT insight.
- ^ Jane Williams. What Does It Mean When Your File Is Corrupt?. Chron. Trending news.
- ^ Tim Fisher. What Is the Windows Registry?. Lifewire. Tech News, Reviews, Help & How-Tos.