Windows Virtual Audio Device Proxy Service (ApxSvc) Defaults in Windows 11

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

The Windows Virtual Audio Device Proxy Service exists only in:

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:Windows Virtual Audio Device Proxy Service
Service name:ApxSvc
Service type:own
Error control:normal
Object:NT AUTHORITY\LocalService
Path:%SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k LocalService -p
File:%SystemRoot%\System32\ApxSvc.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\ApxSvc
Privileges:
  • SeChangeNotifyPrivilege
  • SeIncreaseWorkingSetPrivilege
  • SeCreateGlobalPrivilege
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege

Default Behavior

Windows Virtual Audio Device Proxy Service is a Win32 service. In Windows 11 it starts only if the user, an application or another service starts it. When the Windows Virtual Audio Device Proxy Service is started, it logs on as NT AUTHORITY\LocalService and running in its own process of svchost.exe. If Windows Virtual Audio Device Proxy Service fails to start, the failure details will be recorded into Event Log. Then Windows 11 should boot up and notify the user about the ApxSvc service startup failure.

Dependencies

Windows Virtual Audio Device Proxy Service cannot be started, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service won't start.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Windows Virtual Audio Device Proxy Service

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Windows Virtual Audio Device Proxy Service 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 command below, paste it into the command window and press ENTER:

sc config ApxSvc start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The ApxSvc service is using the ApxSvc.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 11 installation media.