WINDOWS SERVICE
AudioEndpointBuilder: Windows Audio Endpoint Builder
Manages audio devices for the Windows Audio service.
TECHNICAL SUMMARY
| Service name | AudioEndpointBuilder |
|---|---|
| Display name | Windows Audio Endpoint Builder |
| Runs from | C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe |
| Command line | svchost.exe -k LocalSystemNetworkRestricted -p |
| Runs as | LocalSystem |
| Verdict | Leave it alone |
| Microsoft, Windows Server 2016 guidance | OK to disable (on Windows Server, where audio is not used) |
Paths, signer and service account observed on Windows 11 build 26300 on 11 November 2026. Run the commands below to check your own PC.
Should you touch it?
Leave it aloneMicrosoft states that if it is stopped, audio devices and effects stop functioning properly, and that services which explicitly depend on it cannot start if it is disabled. Microsoft's lists rate it OK to disable, which suits a server or a device that never plays sound; on a PC with speakers or a headset, leave it.
What PC Tweaker does with it
PC Tweaker does not change this service. No control in the catalogue stops it, disables it or edits its start type.
Check it yourself
See its state and start type
PowerShellGet-Service AudioEndpointBuilder | Format-List Name, DisplayName, Status, StartType sc qc AudioEndpointBuilder
Common questions
What does the AudioEndpointBuilder service do?
Manages audio devices for the Windows Audio service. It runs C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe (svchost.exe -k LocalSystemNetworkRestricted -p) as LocalSystem.
Can I disable AudioEndpointBuilder?
Leave it alone. Microsoft states that if it is stopped, audio devices and effects stop functioning properly, and that services which explicitly depend on it cannot start if it is disabled. Microsoft's lists rate it OK to disable, which suits a server or a device that never plays sound; on a PC with speakers or a headset, leave it.
Which services depend on the Windows Audio Endpoint Builder?
On Windows 11 build 26300: Audiosrv (Windows Audio), AarSvc (Agent Activation Runtime) and midisrv. Get-Service AudioEndpointBuilder -DependentServices lists them on your PC.
How do I check that it is the real service?
On build 26300 it ran in its own svchost.exe -k LocalSystemNetworkRestricted -p process as LocalSystem and loaded C:\Windows\System32\AudioEndpointBuilder.dll, signed by Microsoft Windows.