Windows & BSOD · medium

How to fixAUDIO-SERVICE-DEAD

Windows Audio service not responding

What this error means

AUDIO-SERVICE-DEAD shows up as a medium-severity Windows operating system fault. The Windows Audio service (Audiosrv) has crashed or cannot start. No sound output is available system-wide. The steps below are ordered to resolve this efficiently.

Before you begin

Save open work and back up important files. Note any recent driver or hardware changes. If Windows cannot start, use the startup guide first.

Work through these checks

0 of 3 complete
01Open services.msc → restart Windows Audio

Open services.msc → restart Windows Audio.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

I need help
02Run: sfc /scannow

Run: sfc /scannow.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

I need help
03Reinstall Realtek/Intel HD Audio driver

Reinstall Realtek/Intel HD Audio driver.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

I need help

Possible causes

  • Corrupted audio driver
  • Conflicting third-party audio software
  • Service dependency failure (RPC)