How to Fix Windows 10 Audiosrv.dll Not Responding Error

Learn how to fix the Windows 10 audiosrv.dll not responding error that causes no sound on your computer. Follow these simple steps to restore your audio.

Problem

If you have recently updated your Windows 10 and noticed that your audio is not working, you are not alone. Many users have reported the same issue, which is caused by a problem with the Windows Audio service (audiosrv.dll).

The Windows Audio service is responsible for managing the sound devices and audio effects on your computer. When this service is not responding, you may see a red X on the sound icon in the taskbar, or get an error message when you run the sound troubleshooter.

In this article, we will show you how to fix the Windows 10 audiosrv.dll not responding error and restore your sound. We will also explain what causes this error and how to prevent it from happening again.

What Causes the Windows 10 Audiosrv.dll Not Responding Error?

There are several possible causes for the Windows 10 audiosrv.dll not responding error, such as:

• Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible audio drivers
• Conflicts with other audio-related services or applications
• Incorrect permissions or settings for the Windows Audio service or its components
• Damaged or missing system files or registry entries

One of the most common triggers for this error is a faulty Windows update that affects the audio drivers or the Windows Audio service. This is why many users experience this issue after installing a new update.

How to Fix the Windows 10 Audiosrv.dll Not Responding Error

To fix the Windows 10 audiosrv.dll not responding error, you need to troubleshoot the possible causes and apply the appropriate solutions. Here are some of the most effective methods that you can try:

Solution 1: Restart the Windows Audio Service

The first and simplest thing you can do is to restart the Windows Audio service and its dependencies. This can help resolve any temporary glitches or conflicts that may prevent the service from running properly.

To restart the Windows Audio service, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter to open the Services window.
3. Locate and right-click on Windows Audio, then select Restart.
4. If you get an error message saying “Windows could not start the Windows Audio service on Local Computer. Error 5: Access is denied”, you need to change the log on account for the service. To do this, right-click on Windows Audio, then select Properties. Go to the Log On tab, and select Local System account. Click Apply and OK, then try to restart the service again.
5. Repeat the same steps for the following services: Windows Audio Endpoint Builder and Remote Procedure Call (RPC).
6. Close the Services window and check if your audio is working.

Solution 2: Update or Reinstall the Audio Drivers

Another common cause of the Windows 10 audiosrv.dll not responding error is a problem with the audio drivers. The audio drivers are the software that allows your computer to communicate with your sound devices. If the drivers are outdated, corrupted, or incompatible, they may cause the Windows Audio service to malfunction.

To update or reinstall the audio drivers, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X to open the Power User menu, then select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Sound, video and game controllers category, then right-click on your audio device, and select Update driver.
3. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software, and follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest driver.
4. If Windows cannot find a new driver, you can try to download it from the manufacturer’s website and install it manually.
5. Alternatively, you can also try to uninstall and reinstall the audio driver. To do this, right-click on your audio device, and select Uninstall device. Check the box that says Delete the driver software for this device, then click Uninstall. Restart your computer, and Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.
6. Check if your audio is working.

Solution 3: Modify the Registry Settings for the Windows Audio Service

Sometimes, the Windows 10 audiosrv.dll not responding error may be caused by incorrect registry settings for the Windows Audio service or its components. The registry is a database that stores various configuration data for your system and applications. If the registry entries for the Windows Audio service are damaged or missing, the service may not function properly.

To modify the registry settings for the Windows Audio service, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor. (Note: Be careful when editing the registry, as any mistake may cause serious problems for your system. It is recommended that you back up the registry before making any changes.)
3. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Audiosrv
4. On the right pane, double-click on the value named Start, and change its data to 2. This means that the Windows Audio service will start automatically when the system boots up.
5. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Audiosrv\Parameters
6. On the right pane, double-click on the value named ServiceDll, and change its data to %SystemRoot%\System32\Audiosrv.dll. This is the path to the Windows Audio service executable file.
7. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
8. Check if your audio is working.

Solution 4: Run the System File Checker and DISM Tools

If none of the above methods work, you may have some damaged or missing system files that affect the Windows Audio service. To fix this, you can use the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools. These are built-in utilities that can scan and repair any corrupted system files or components.

To run the SFC and DISM tools, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X to open the Power User menu, then select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. In the command prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter. This will start the SFC scan, which may take some time to complete. Do not close the window or interrupt the process until it is finished.
3. If the SFC scan finds and fixes any errors, restart your computer and check if your audio is working.
4. If the SFC scan does not find any errors, or if it cannot fix them, you need to run the DISM tool. To do this, type the following command and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
5. This will start the DISM scan, which may also take some time to complete. Do not close the window or interrupt the process until it is finished.
6. Restart your computer and check if your audio is working.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to the Windows 10 audiosrv.dll not responding error:

Question: How do I prevent this error from happening again?

Answer: To prevent this error from happening again, you should keep your Windows 10 and audio drivers updated, avoid installing incompatible or malicious software, and perform regular system maintenance and scans.

Question: What if none of the methods above work for me?

Answer: If none of the methods above work for you, you may have a more serious issue with your hardware or software. You may need to contact your device manufacturer or Microsoft support for further assistance.

Question: Can I use a third-party tool to fix this error?

Answer: There are some third-party tools that claim to fix various Windows errors, including the Windows 10 audiosrv.dll not responding error. However, you should be careful when using such tools, as they may not be reliable or safe. Some of them may even cause more harm than good to your system. It is recommended that you use the built-in tools and methods described in this article, as they are more effective and secure.

Summary

The Windows 10 audiosrv.dll not responding error is a common issue that causes no sound on your computer. It is usually caused by a problem with the Windows Audio service or the audio drivers. To fix this error, you can try the following methods:

• Restart the Windows Audio service and its dependencies
• Update or reinstall the audio drivers
• Modify the registry settings for the Windows Audio service
• Run the SFC and DISM tools

We hope this article has helped you resolve the Windows 10 audiosrv.dll not responding error and restore your sound. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. We are not responsible for any damage or loss that may result from following the instructions or using the tools in this article. Always back up your data and use caution when modifying your system settings.