Windows Audio (Audiosrv) Service Defaults in Windows 7

Manages audio for Windows-based programs. If this service is stopped, audio devices and effects will not function properly. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Default Settings

Startup type: Automatic
Display name:Windows Audio
Service name:Audiosrv
Service type:share
Error control:normal
Group:AudioGroup
Object:NT AUTHORITY\LocalService
Path:%SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k LocalServiceNetworkRestricted
File:%SystemRoot%\System32\Audiosrv.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Audiosrv
Privileges:
  • SeChangeNotifyPrivilege
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege
  • SeIncreaseWorkingSetPrivilege

Default Behavior

Windows Audio is a Win32 service. In Windows 7 it is starting automatically on the operating system startup. Then the Windows Audio service is running as NT AUTHORITY\LocalService in a shared process of svchost.exe. Other system components, such as drivers and services, may run in the same process. If Windows Audio fails to start, Windows 7 attempts to write the failure details into Event Log. Then Windows 7 startup should proceed and the user should be notified that the Audiosrv service is not running because of the error.

Dependencies

Windows Audio is unable to start, if at least one of the following services is stopped or disabled:

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Windows Audio

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Windows Audio depends are configured by default and function properly. See the list of dependencies above.

1. Run the Command Prompt as an administrator.

2. Copy the commands below, paste them into the command window and press ENTER:

sc config Audiosrv start= auto
sc start Audiosrv

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The Audiosrv service is using the Audiosrv.dll file that is located in the C:\Windows\System32 directory. If the file is removed or corrupted, read this article to restore its original version from Windows 7 installation media.