How to Fix an Audio Renderer Error in Windows 10

Annoying software-related problem and how to fix it

Do you keep getting an “Audio renderer error. Please restart your computer” message while watching—or trying to watch—YouTube in Windows 10? If you haven’t already, do what the message says and try restarting your computer. Then, follow up by clearing the browser cache.

If that doesn’t get rid of the YouTube audio renderer error (or if it keeps popping back after some time), there could be a software-related problem with your audio devices. The fixes below should help you patch that up.

Unplug/Replug the Sound Device

Do you have a wired audio playback device (such as a headphone) connected to your computer? If so, unplug it and try playing a video on YouTube.

If you don’t encounter the YouTube audio renderer error, you can plug the device back in. That alone could end up fixing the issue for good.

Having a couple of external playback devices connected to your computer at the same time can also result in the YouTube audio renderer error.

In that case, keep the default playback device connected and disconnect the other audio device. Then, check if that fixes things. No luck? Read on.

Close Audio Mixing Programs

Audio mixing programs such as Mixcraft can take exclusive control of the audio drivers, preventing your browser from using them. If you have a similar program up and running in the background, exiting it completely before watching YouTube can help.

You can also prevent these applications from taking control of your audio devices. In Mixcraft, for example, head intoFile>Preferences>Sound Deviceand turn off the switch next toExclusive Mode.

That can result in latency issues while using the program, so remember to enable Exclusive Mode (or its equivalent) when needed.

Disable/Enable Sound Devices

Disabling and enabling the default audio playback device on your computer is another potent fix that can resolve the audio renderer error in Windows 10.

  1. Right-click theStartbutton and selectDevice Manager.

  2. ExpandAudio inputs and outputs.

  3. Right-click your default audio device and chooseDisable device.

Note:If multiple devices are listed, select theVolumeicon on the system tray to figure out your default playback device.

  1. SelectYesto confirm.

  2. Right-click the audio device again and selectEnable device.

Run Audio Troubleshooter

If you still see the YouTube audio renderer error, it’s time to use the built-in audio troubleshooter in Windows 10. It can detect and help you fix underlying problems.

  1. Open theStartmenu, typetroubleshoot settings, and then selectOpen.

  2. Select the option labeledAdditional Troubleshooters.

  3. SelectPlaying Audio, and then selectRun the troubleshooter.

  4. Follow any on-screen instructions and suggestions tosort out issues related to your audio devices.

Rollback Audio Drivers

Did the YouTube audio renderer error begin to pop up after updating any audio playback device or sound card-related drivers? In that case, try rolling them back.

Note:You can’t use theRoll Back Driveroption in the steps below if you haven’t updated your audio drivers.

  1. Right-click theStartbutton and selectDevice Manager.

  2. ExpandAudio inputs and outputs.

  3. Right-click your default audio device and chooseProperties.

  4. Switch to theDrivertab.

  5. SelectRoll Back Driver.

  6. Expand theSound, video and game controllerssection within the Device Manager.

  7. Right-click the audio card driver and selectProperties.

  8. Switch to theDrivertab.

  9. SelectRoll Back Driver.

  10. Repeat steps 2-4 if you see multiple audio drivers.

Update Audio Drivers

If you can’t roll back your audio drivers (or if that didn’t fix the YouTube audio renderer error), do the opposite and update them instead.

  1. Right-click theStartbutton and selectDevice Manager.

  2. ExpandAudio inputs and outputs.

  3. Right-click your default output device and chooseUpdate driver.

  4. Select theSearch automatically for driversoption to apply the latest driver updates, if available.

  5. ExpandSound, video and game controllerswithin the Device Manager.

  6. Right-click your sound card driver and selectUpdate driver.

  7. Repeat step 2 if you see multiple audio drivers.

Update Windows 10

Did youupdate Windows 10recently? An outdated system can cause all sorts of technical glitches and anomalies to crop up. If you haven’t, do that now.

  1. Open theStartmenu, typewindows update, and pressEnter.

  2. SelectCheck for updatesand install any updates, if available.

  3. SelectOptional Updates(located just below theCheck for updatesbutton) to install any audio-related updates, if available.

Update Web Browser

An outdated web browser can also cause issues in web apps such as YouTube. Although browsers such as Chrome and Firefox have been designed to update automatically, it’s always a good idea to double-check.

In Google Chrome, open theChrome menu, point toHelp, and then selectAbout Google Chrome.

In Mozilla Firefox, open theFirefox menu, point toHelp, and then selectAbout Firefox.

In Microsoft Edge, open theEdge menu, point toHelp & Feedback, and then selectAbout Microsoft Edge.

Disable Hardware Acceleration

Your browser uses hardware acceleration to speed things up. However, the feature isknown to cause YouTube-related issuesat random. Disable hardware acceleration and check if that fixes the audio renderer error in Windows 10.

  1. Open theChrome menuand selectSettings.

  2. ExpandAdvancedand chooseSystem.

  3. Turn off the switch next toUse hardware acceleration when available.

  4. Open theFirefox menuand selectSettings.

  5. Scroll down theGeneraltab until you come across thePerformancesection.

  6. Uncheck the box next toUse hardware acceleration when available.

  7. Open theEdge menuand selectSettings.

  8. ExpandAdvancedand chooseSystem.

  9. Turn off the switch next toUse hardware acceleration when available.

Switch Browsers

At times, the YouTube audio renderer error can be specific to a particular browser. If you use Chrome, for example, try switching to Firefox or vice-versa.

Update BIOS

Forum chatter indicates updating the system BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) as a possible solution for the YouTube audio renderer error, especially on laptop devices manufactured by Dell. However, that can put your entire computer at risk if done incorrectly.

In case you want to go ahead, we strongly recommended you togo through our BIOS update guideto learn everything you need to know about the procedure.

Start Watching

Hopefully, the troubleshooting tips above helped you resolve the YouTube audio renderer error in Windows 10 for good. If you know of any other fixes that worked for you, do share with other readers in the comments section below.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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