Realtek audio admin background is preventing shutdown

[horst71701]

Whenever I shutdown my Laptop I get the above mentioned error message. After a few. The shut down the starts even, when I chose "Cancel" instead of shut down anyway.

(I do not know the real wording because I have a German system.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @horst71701 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I understand how inconvenient it feels to see an error about Realtek audio background processes when shutting down, especially after you’ve already tried to cancel and the system still proceeds. 

Thank you for sharing the details—it shows real attentiveness. This type of message usually means the Realtek audio driver or its background service is not closing properly during shutdown.

Here are steps you can take to resolve it:

 

1. Update the Realtek audio driver

• Visit HP’s driver page:
  https://support.hp.com/in-en/drivers
• Enter your laptop’s product number and download the latest Realtek High Definition Audio Driver.
• Install it and restart the system.

 

2. Disable Realtek audio background tasks from startup

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Go to the Startup tab.
• Look for any Realtek audio entries (such as “Realtek HD Audio Manager”).
• Right‑click → Disable.
• Restart the laptop and check if shutdown proceeds without the error.

 

3. Run Windows audio troubleshooter

• Open Settings → System → Sound → Advanced → Troubleshoot common sound problems.
• Follow the prompts to detect and fix issues with audio services.

 

4. Check for Windows updates

• Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
• Install all available updates, especially cumulative updates that improve driver handling.

 

5. Confirm audio service behavior

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Locate Windows Audio and Realtek Audio Service.
• Ensure they are set to Automatic and running.
• If they hang during shutdown, updating the driver usually resolves this.

You’ve already shown great care in troubleshooting. These steps will help ensure the Realtek audio background process closes cleanly, allowing smooth shutdowns. 

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye