Windows Audio Service Failure - Unable to Launch
Windows Audio Service Failure - Unable to Launch
I was testing new Overclock configurations today and after several attempts, I noticed my PC stopped producing sound. The red X appears over the speaker in the system tray. Opened Services.msc and confirmed that "Windows Audio Service" wasn't running. When I tried to start it, it refused. Checked all dependent services, they were functioning properly. I removed my audio drivers and installed the latest Realtek updates. Updated chipset drivers too, then reinstalled the Realtek audio drivers again—still nothing. I visited Realtek's website to download alternative drivers (previously used Gigabyte support for my board). Still no improvement. I'm really stuck here. It seems a system reset might be the only solution. Do you have any suggestions? My system specs are listed in my signature: Windows 10, build 17134.165.
This might seem odd—have you attempted to connect the jack to another port? It doesn’t matter whether it’s a mic or audio output; most of these cards can recognize changes in the jack and adjust inputs/outputs. Without any jack connected, you’ll see a red X over the speaker in the system tray. I think the jack port could be faulty—worth testing (no time, no cost). Try plugging it in both front and back. Another idea: before reinstalling, create a Ubuntu live USB and see if it functions on another system. If not, reinstalling Windows won’t help.