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Is your Windows 10 sound not working, and you are getting the “Audio Service Not Running” error message? Do not worry because this guide contains possible solutions to this problem.
Solution 1: Modify the Audio-related Service Setting
One way to fix this audio problem is to modify the audio-related service settings of the computer. To perform this task, closely follow the steps below.
- Press the Windows + R keys and type “services.msc”. Then, click the OK button.
- That will take you to the Services window. Hence, locate and select Windows Audio on the right pane of the page.
Then, click Restart on the left pane of the page.
- Afterward, right-click Windows Audio and select Properties.
- On the Windows Audio Properties window – it should be on the General tab by default – set the Startup type to Automatic. Then, click Apply before pressing OK to save the changes.
- After doing that, you will be redirected back to the Services window. Hence, locate and repeat steps 2 to 4 for the Windows Audio Endpoint Builder service.
After you have completed the above steps, restart your computer. Then, try to play music to see if the audio is fixed.
If fixed, cheers! However, if it wasn’t fixed, don’t panic; just try out the second solution below.
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- 【USB external sound card audio adapter】This USB to aux adapter supports listening and speaking,Easily adds a 3.5mm TRRS aux port integrated microphone-in and audio out interface to your devices
- 【High Quality Sound】 Equipped with an advanced built-in DAC chip, this USB sound card supports both CTIA and OMIP standard headphones. This USB to Aux adapter delivers stable 16-bit/48kHz audio output and effective noise reduction, faithfully reproducing and enhancing the original sound quality. Note: The 3.5mm male microphone jack does not support TS or TRS connectors
- 【Wide Compatibility】USB to 3.5mm Jack Audio Adapter support TRRS headsets and microphones.USB male wide compatibility with Windows 10/9/8/7/Vista/XP,Linux,Mac OS X google Chromebook,Raspberry Pi, PS4,PS5 and Windows Surface 3 etc
- 【Plug and Play】USB Sound Adapter no driver required,USB headset adapter plug and play;the durable nylon braided cable of the USB audio adapter ensures stable transmission and allows you to use your 3.5mm headphones more conveniently.USB to 3.5 mm port will be automatically recognized by system in seconds
- 【Portable and Durable】USB to audio jack adapter is equipped with an aluminum shell.The nylon braided of the USB to 3.5mm jack audio adapter is more durable,smaller and lighter than other plastic shells and PVC cable USB audio adapter,ensuring a much longer lasting life
Solution 2: Update the Audio Driver
Another way to fix this problem is to update the computer’s audio driver. To perform this task, follow the steps below.
- Click the Windows 10 search box on the taskbar and type “device manager”. From the search result, select Device Manager.
- After that, locate and double-click Sound, video, and game controllers.
- When you have done that, right-click your computer’s audio device and select Update Driver.
- After that, the Update Drivers window should pop up. Hence, select Search automatically for drivers.
- By doing that, Windows will begin to search the internet for the latest driver and automatically installs it on your PC. Thus, make sure your computer is connected to the internet during this process.
- If you have more than one audio device under Sound, video, and game controllers, repeat steps 3 to 5 for them. Then, restart your computer immediately, and the problem should be fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Seeing such an error message on your Windows 10 PC shows that your sound device is not responsive. You can either update your audio drivers or tweak audio-related services to fix the issue.
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- PLUG IN AND HEAR SOUND IN SECONDS - USB Type-A connector with a 3.5mm stereo headphone output and a separate 3.5mm mono microphone input. No drivers, no software, no external power - the adapter is USB bus-powered and is recognized as a standard USB audio device.
- WORKS ON WINDOWS, MAC AND LINUX - Driverless on Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/7/8, Linux and Mac OSX, and compliant with the USB Audio Device Class 1.0 specification, so any system that supports class-compliant USB audio will see it. Select it as the sound output and input device after plugging it in.
- TWO JACKS, TWO JOBS - The green jack is stereo OUT for headphones or powered speakers; the pink jack is mono microphone IN for a 3.5mm mic. It does NOT support 4-pole headsets on a single combo plug, it does NOT power passive speakers, and it does NOT add surround sound - it is a stereo 2-channel adapter.
- FOR LAPTOPS AND DESKTOPS THAT NEED AN AUDIO PORT BACK - Adds a headphone and mic port to a laptop, desktop, or mini PC whose onboard jack has failed or was never there. Managed and work-issued computers can block new USB audio devices by policy - check with your IT department before ordering for a company machine.
- SABRENT SUPPORT AND WARRANTY - What is in the box: one USB audio sound adapter. Backed by a 1-year limited warranty, extended to 2 years when you register within 90 days on the manufacturer's website.
Windows audio service is a feature that manages the audio devices for Windows-based programs. If this feature is stopped on your PC, audio devices will not function properly.
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- Upgrade the Sound Quality: UGREEN Aux to USB adapter is the perfect solution for upgrading the sound quality of your laptop or desktop computer. With its high-resolution DAC chip, this adapter offers stunning audio quality that will completely transform your listening experience
- Crystal-Clear Sound: Experience high-fidelity audio like never before! With a built-in DAC chip, this USB audio adapter delivers rich and immersive audio. The USB Aux adapter facilitates high-resolution audio output and noise reduction up to 16bit/48kHz to enhance the original sound quality of your devices
- Plug and Play: Simply connect this sound card to your device and you're ready to go - no drivers or external power sources required. Whether you're using it for gaming, recording music, or watching movies, this adapter is sure to impress
- Wide Compatibility: The USB to audio jack is Compatible with Windows 11/10/98SE/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/7/8/Linux/Mac OSX/PS5/PS4/Google Chromebook/Windows Surface Pro 3/Raspberry Pi. So no matter what you're using, this adapter is sure to work seamlessly with your setup. (*Note: NOT compatible with PS3.)
- Compact and Portable: UGREEN Aux to USB adapter is constructed with durable ABS material that makes it easy to take on the go. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your audio experience - get your hands on the UGREEN Aux to USB adapter today
Multimedia Class Scheduler service (MCSS) is a feature that enables multimedia applications to use as much of the CPU as possible. This is done without denying CPU resources to lower-priority applications.
Absolutely, you can update the audio driver of your Windows 10 PC from the Device manager.
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- 【Plug and Play Instant Setup】 - No drivers or software required! The STSAUX USB-A to 3.5mm TRRS adapter automatically recognizes devices within seconds. Fully compatible with Windows 10/11, Mac OS, Linux, Chrome OS, , and Surface Pro. Important note: Not compatible with TVs, cars, or iOS microphone functionality (audio output only).
- 【Full Compatibility with TRRS CTIA Standards】 - Connect any 3.5mm headphones, microphones, or speakers to USB-enabled devices. Supports CTIA/OMTP standards and works with Android headsets, gaming headphones, and PC speakers. Explicitly incompatible with due to USB audio output limitations.
- 【Dual-function Microphone + Audio Support】 - Unlike basic audio-only adapters, STSAUX design enables simultaneous listening and speaking through a single TRRS 4-pole interface. Essential for Discord, Zoom, in-game voice chat.
- 【18-month Warranty + Lifetime Technical Support】 - Each package includes 2 adapters backed by an 18-month warranty. STSAUX provides 24/7 customer service and troubleshooting. Ideal as backup solutions for home office setups, gaming stations, or tech toolkits.
Conclusion
One of the most frustrating experiences when using a Windows 10 PC is not being able to hear sound. The worst is when you try to stream your favorite Netflix show or even try to listen to music.
In cases like this, your Windows 10 PC will most likely display the “Audio Service Not Running” error message. However, this is not something you should work yourself up over because every problem has a solution.
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- 2 in 1 USB Audio Adapter: UGREEN USB to 3.5mm jack audio adapter supports both listening and talking. In-line control and microphone function allows you to chat while gaming. This USB Aux adapter enables you to connect headphones, headset, speakers with 3.5mm jack to your PC through the USB A port. [*Note: The 3.5mm adapter can support the connection of a single microphone for use. Please note that the 3.5mm male microphone's attribute requirement is TRRS]
- 24bit 96KHz High Quality Sound: Built-in advanced smart chip, USB sound card supports CTIA and OMIP standard headsets. The USB to Aux adapter facilitates high-resolution audio output and noise reduction up to 24bit/96kHz (others are 16bit/48kHz)to enhance the original sound quality of your PC devices. Note: Microphone does not support 24bit 96KHz, only headphones can
- Built to Last: With aluminium alloy shell, the Aux to USB adapter is more durable and portable than other plastic USB audio adapter. Nylon braided design of USB to audio jack adapter ensures stable audio transmission. 10000+ bend tests prove that USB headset adapter can prevent damage caused by tangling and scratching
- Broad Compatibility: This USB external sound card is compatible with Windows 11/10/98SE/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/7/8, Linux//Raspberry Pi, MacBook Pro 2019, MacBook Air 2018, PS5/ PS4, Switch 2, Google Chromebook, Windows Surface Pro 3. *Note: Does not support Apple headphone line control
- Plug and Play: No driver is required, just plug and play. USB bus-powered, no external power is required for this convenient sound card. *Note:Supports regular headphones with a resistance of less than 50 ohms, but does not support high-resistance headphones
Hence, in this guide, I have provided two solutions to fix the “Audio Service Not Running” error in Windows 10. To be precise, the first solution involves modifying the audio-related service setting of the computer.
Meanwhile, the second solution is to update the computer’s audio drivers. Hence, if you closely followed the steps/solutions in this guide, this audio issue should be fixed.
I hope you found this guide helpful. If you did, click on “Yes” beside the “Was this page helpful” question below.
You may also express your thoughts and opinions by using the “Leave a Comment” form at the bottom of this page.
Finally, for more Windows 10 fix-it guides, visit our Windows 10 Fix-it guides page.
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