Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Realtek\Audio\HDA\RealtekAudioSvc64.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Realtek\Audio\HDA\RealtekAudioSvc32.exe
Warning
Many processes normal
Realtek audio can run multiple related processes per component (driver, control panel, helper).
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Disabling will stop audio; only do if you plan to rely on another audio device. Use Services to stop Realtek Audio Service.
What is RealtekAudioSvc64.exe?
realtekaudiosvc.exe is the Realtek High Definition Audio service that allows Windows to load and manage Realtek audio drivers for your installed sound hardware. It runs in the background to initialize devices, apply driver settings, and support audio enhancements across apps.
It operates as a Windows service, coordinating the Realtek driver stack and user-mode components to deliver playback, recording, and system sounds. It may spawn helper processes for control panel features and driver updates.
Quick Fact: Realtek pioneered integrated audio driver stacks that tie hardware, drivers, and Windows audio APIs together for broad compatibility.
Types of Realtek Audio Processes
- Service Process: Main Realtek Audio Service that runs in the background to coordinate driver operations and device state.
- Driver Loader: Loads and initializes Realtek HD Audio drivers during startup and after hardware changes.
- Audio Engine: Handles playback and capture routing, effects, and sample rate negotiation between apps and hardware.
- Control Panel Helper: Supports Realtek Audio Console/Control Panel features and settings synchronization.
- Diagnostics/Utility: Performs checks, updates, and diagnostics to maintain audio reliability.
Is realtekaudiosvc.exe Safe?
Yes, realtekaudiosvc.exe is safe when it's the legitimate Realtek file from Realtek Semiconductor Corp downloaded from official sources or pre-installed by your OEM.
Is realtekaudiosvc.exe a Virus or Malware?
The realtekaudiosvc.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware may masquerade with similar names. Verify the path and digital signature.
How to Tell if realtekaudiosvc.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Realtek\Audio\HDA\RealtekAudioSvc64.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Realtek\Audio\HDA\RealtekAudioSvc32.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Realtek Semiconductor Corp".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 0-4% CPU and modest memory. Abnormally high usage when idle warrants malware scanning.
- Behavior: Should run as a Windows service. If it behaves like a generic app or spawns unexpected processes, investigate.
Red Flags: If realtekaudiosvc.exe is located outside Realtek folders (e.g., C:\Windows or AppData), runs when audio is not used, has no valid digital signature, or uses constant high resources, scan with antivirus. Watch for similarly named files like "RealtekAudioSvc32.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is realtekaudiosvc.exe Running on My PC?
RealtekAudioSvc64.exe runs in the background to support Realtek audio hardware. It initializes the driver stack at boot, handles plug-and-play changes, and maintains audio routing and enhancements for apps and system sounds.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Audio Use: Windows audio playback, microphone capture, or system sounds cause the service to stay active.
- Driver Initialization: During startup or after hardware changes, the service initializes Realtek drivers.
- Device Changes: Plugging in or removing audio devices prompts the service to reconfigure routing.
- Audio Enhancements: Environmental effects, noise suppression, and mic boost features may keep the service engaged.
- Background Tasks: Some Realtek utilities and console wrappers run alongside the service to manage settings.
Can I Disable or Remove realtekaudiosvc.exe?
Yes, you can disable realtekaudiosvc.exe. Doing so will stop Realtek audio functionality on the device until you re-enable it. Use caution as audio output will be affected.
How to Stop realtekaudiosvc.exe
- Open Services: Press Win+R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- Stop the Service: Scroll to Realtek Audio Service (or Realtek Audio Service) and click Stop.
- Disable Startup: Right-click Realtek Audio Service → Properties → Startup type: Disabled.
- Optional: Disable Related Components: In Device Manager, disable Realtek High Definition Audio or uninstall the driver (not recommended unless replacing with another driver).
- Restart: Restart the computer to ensure changes take effect.
How to Uninstall Realtek Audio Driver
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Realtek Audio Driver → Uninstall
- ✔ Device Manager → Sound, video and game controllers → Realtek High Definition Audio → Uninstall device
- ✔ Restart and reinstall a driver from Windows Update or Realtek's official site if you need Realtek audio again
Common Problems: Realtek Audio Service Issues
If realtekaudiosvc.exe causes audio problems, try the following common fixes before deep-diving into driver rebuilds.
Common Causes & Solutions
- No Sound or Audio Devices Missing: Check Playback Device in Sound settings, verify Realtek service is running, and reinstall Realtek drivers if needed.
- Microphone Not Detected: Ensure microphone is enabled in privacy settings, update Realtek drivers, and check microphone granting permissions.
- Audio Distortion or Crackling: Disable enhancements, set proper sample rate, and update drivers. Check cables and connections.
- Headphones Not Switching Automatically: Set default playback device, disable auto-switch features, and re-seat audio jacks.
- Driver Update Fails: Use Windows Update or Realtek’s official driver package; avoid outdated OEM variants if problems persist.
- High CPU or Memory Usage: Disable unnecessary enhancements, restart the service, or reinstall drivers to fix corrupted components.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Services and restart Realtek Audio Service
2. Update Realtek drivers via Windows Update or Realtek site
3. Check playback devices and set the correct default device
4. Disable audio enhancements in Realtek Audio Console
5. Run audio troubleshooter from Windows Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot
Frequently Asked Questions
Is realtekaudiosvc.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate RealtekAudioSvc64.exe from Realtek Semiconductor Corp is not a virus. Verify the path: C:\Program Files\Realtek\Audio\HDA\RealtekAudioSvc64.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Realtek\Audio\HDA\RealtekAudioSvc32.exe and check the digital signature.
Why is Realtek Audio Service running at startup?
The service starts automatically to ensure audio devices are ready when you log in. It helps with driver initialization and device detection for Realtek hardware.
Can I disable or remove Realtek Audio Service?
Yes, but doing so will disable Realtek audio. You can stop the service and set startup to Disabled, or uninstall the driver if you switch to a different audio solution.
Where is the Realtek Audio Service located?
Typical locations are C:\Program Files\Realtek\Audio\HDA\RealtekAudioSvc64.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Realtek\Audio\HDA\RealtekAudioSvc32.exe. Always verify the digital signature to confirm legitimacy.
How do I update Realtek audio drivers?
Use Windows Update or download the latest Realtek driver package from Realtek’s official site or your PC OEM’s support page, then install and restart.
Why do I have no sound after a Windows update?
A driver mismatch can occur after updates. Reinstall Realtek drivers, set the correct playback device, and ensure the Realtek service starts automatically.