Windows Audio (Audiosrv) Service Defaults in Windows 10

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:own
Error control:normal
Group:AudioGroup
Object:NT AUTHORITY\LocalService
Path:%SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k LocalServiceNetworkRestricted -p
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 10 it is starting automatically when the operating system starts. Then the Windows Audio service is running as NT AUTHORITY\LocalService in its own process of svchost.exe. If Windows Audio fails to start, the failure details are being recorded into Event Log. Then Windows 10 will start up and notify the user that the Audiosrv service has failed to start due to the error.

Dependencies

Windows Audio cannot be started under any conditions, if the following services are disabled, deleted or working improperly:

While Windows Audio is stopped, the Agent Activation Runtime service cannot be launched.

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 10 installation media.