HPAudioSwitch.exe throws Application Error and then the laptop hangs

[TChalms]

I'm not sure if these problems are related, but it sure seems suspicious.

First, the Application logfile shows that .NET Runtime throws an Event ID: 1026

Application: HPAudioSwitch.exe
Framework Version: v4.0.30319
Description: The process was terminated due to an unhandled exception.
Exception Info: System.IO.FileLoadException
at Hardcodet.Wpf.TaskbarNotification.TaskbarIcon..cctor()

...

Then, there is an Application Error with Event ID: 1000

Faulting application name: HPAudioSwitch.exe, version: 1.0.179.0, time stamp: 0x5d0cf7ef
Faulting module name: KERNELBASE.dll, version: 10.0.18362.1049, time stamp: 0xc4675baa
Exception code: 0xe0434352
Fault offset: 0x001144c2
Faulting process id: 0x29a0
Faulting application start time: 0x01d68e0454ddb588
Faulting application path: C:\Program Files (x86)\HP\HPAudioSwitch\HPAudioSwitch.exe
Faulting module path: C:\WINDOWS\System32\KERNELBASE.dll
Report Id: 76e8456c-0675-4896-b514-57a6c8aa7658
Faulting package full name:
Faulting package-relative application ID:

Perhaps coincidentally, after a few minutes, the laptop freezes and the only way forward is to hold the power button until the system shuts off.

I have run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

sfc /scannow

All run without complaints about errors.

chkdsk /f

reported that it cleaned up some security descriptors, but no bad sectors.

I found two copies of HP Audio Switch in the Windows 10 Settings App list, so I uninstalled v.179, leaving v.150.

I also applied Windows Updates KB4576947 which included updates for .NET.

What does HPAudioSwitch.exe do? Is it needed? What happens if I uninstall it? Is there an update?

[The_Fossette]

@TChalms

I reviewed your post and I understand that you are getting HP audio switch errors on the event manager.

Don’t worry, I assure you I will try my best to get this sorted.

I recommend you uninstall the HP audio switch completely from the computer and check whether the issue is resolved.

You can download and install the HP audio switch (If required) from the below link.

https://support.hp.com/in-en/drivers

Let me know how it goes and you have a great day!

P.S: Welcome to the HP Support Community 😊

If you wish to show appreciation for my efforts, mark my post as Accept as Solution. Your feedback counts!

Cheers!

Stay Home – Stay Safe

[TChalms]

Thank you for the reply.

You said, "You can download and install the HP audio switch (If required) ... ". How can I tell if it is required? What does it do?

Thanks again,

Cheers,

TChalms

[Echo_Lake · Accepted solution]

@TChalms

Thank you for posting back.

HP Audio Switch is a program developed by HP and it used to change Audio settings. It converts audio files among multiple known and not-well-known formats. It is similar to Bang & Olufsen Program.  A scheduled task is added to Windows Task Scheduler in order to launch the program at various scheduled times (the schedule varies depending on the version). 

If you are not using the Program and would like to uninstall it, you can uninstall it and it will not affect your computer performance.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.
Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.