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Why isn't my audio service running? It's so random. Sometimes I am able to change my PC volumn, other times I am not.

I've restarted the following services:

  • Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
  • Multimedia Class Scheduler
  • Windows Audio Endpoint Builder

I think I started noticing this after I went mucking around in msconfig looking for ways to improve PC performance. I know I shut off some services, but that was over 6 months ago today and I am finally getting tired of it happening.

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Are you saying that the service start on boot, but then sometimes stops while you are using Windows? If so, then either it is crashing for some reason or something is stopping it. Either way, Event Log (eventvwr) under Services and System to narrow down when it happened to see if you can find out what other stuff was happening at that moment. – Synetech Aug 29 '12 at 22:11
I should have noted that I found no relevant services that weren't running. I just restarted them for good measure. I'll look into the event log. – oscilatingcretin Aug 29 '12 at 22:25
Have you tried updating (or just reinstalling) your audio device drivers? – techie007 Aug 29 '12 at 22:49
This may be a stupid question, but have you tried running the "Audio Troubleshooter"? This happened once on another PC I was using and the troubleshooter fixed it – Kryten Aug 30 '12 at 12:21

4 Answers

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The most important one is simply Windows Audio.

Make sure that this is set to automatic start and is currently started - it should start dependencies automatically and should also be all that is required for audio to work.

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@Synetech - AFAIK, Windows Audio Endpoint Builder is a dependency of Windows Audio, so, starting Windows Audio should start it automatically... unless I got it the wrong way round? :/ – William Hilsum Aug 30 '12 at 10:37
@Synetech Just checked, and yep... Endpoint builder will automatically start, along with other services when you start Windows Audio – William Hilsum Aug 30 '12 at 10:49
but, it is a dependency of Windows Audio, so, if it was to stop or fail, Windows Audio would also fail... so, if Windows Audio is working - Windows Audio Endpoint Builder will also be working :/ Sorry, I think we are going around in circles / I am a little confused here! – William Hilsum Aug 31 '12 at 13:21
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Is the audio running under device manager?

In device manager if you right click on your audio it should display disable (meaning it is enabled).

enter image description here

Or maybe you need to update the driver.

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Enable the Power service, as it appears to be needed for audio to work even on workstations.

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Could you explain how to "enable the Power service"? – slhck♦ Feb 23 at 22:44
up vote -1 down vote

pita

press the windows key + R, or star run and then type in "msconfig". Go to the Services tab and press enable all. Then go to the Start up tab and do the same. Restart.

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Your answer would be more helpful if you provided some context around what you're telling the OP to do and why you think this will solve their problem. – slm Apr 8 at 14:08

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