Windows 11 Notebook Audio Issue – Seeking Help with Sound Problem

[Chirs_Root]

Hello Everyone,

I’m currently facing an issue with the audio on my notebook that’s running Windows 11, and I’m hoping to get some guidance or suggestions from others who might have experienced something similar. The problem is that the sound output is either completely missing or distorted at random intervals. At times, audio services stop working entirely until I restart the system or manually restart the Windows Audio service from the Services panel. I’ve already ensured that the audio drivers are up to date using both Windows Update and the manufacturer’s official support page, but the issue persists.

I’ve also tried the following steps without success:

Running the Windows Troubleshooter for audio
Disabling audio enhancements
Reinstalling Realtek (or default system) audio drivers
Checking for BIOS updates

If anyone has resolved a similar issue or has any suggestions for advanced troubleshooting (like registry tweaks, compatibility fixes, or specific driver versions), I would really appreciate your input.Thank you in advance for your time and support.

[Max3Aj]

@Chirs_Root, Hello and welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your question. I'm here to help you get things back on track.

Based on your detailed description, it sounds like you've already covered many of the common troubleshooting steps. Since the issue persists despite driver updates and BIOS checks, here are some advanced steps you can try to resolve the intermittent audio issue on your Windows 11 notebook:

Advanced Troubleshooting Steps

Check for Conflicting Audio Drivers

Sometimes, multiple audio drivers (e.g., Realtek + Intel Smart Sound Technology) can conflict.

• Press Win + X → Device Manager
• Expand Sound, video and game controllers
• Right-click and uninstall all audio devices (check the box to delete drivers if prompted)
• Restart your PC and let Windows reinstall the default driver

Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup can sometimes cause services like audio to fail on boot.

• Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do
• Click Change settings that are currently unavailable
• Uncheck Turn on fast startup
• Save changes and reboot

Manually Restart Audio Services with Dependencies

You mentioned restarting the Windows Audio service. Also restart its dependencies:

• Press Win + R, type services.msc
• Restart these services in order:
  • Windows Audio Endpoint Builder
  • Windows Audio
  • Multimedia Class Scheduler (if available)

Use HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI

This tool can help detect hardware-level audio issues.

• Turn off your notebook
• Power on and immediately press Esc repeatedly → then press F2 for HP PC Hardware Diagnostics
• Run the Audio Test

Registry Tweak (Advanced)

Backup your registry before proceeding.

• Press Win + R, type regedit
• Navigate to:

  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Audiosrv

• Ensure Start is set to 2 (Automatic)
• Also check:

  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\AudioEndpointBuilder

• Start should also be 2

I hope the information shared has been useful and resolves your concern.

Wishing you a smooth and hassle-free experience ahead!

If this solution helped, please click “Accepted Solution” so others can benefit too. Don’t forget to hit the “Yes” button if you found this helpful!

Warm regards,

Max3Aj

HP Support