By Ellie / Last Updated March 14, 2024

Help! My RDP audio not working Windows 10

 

Hello, I use Remote Desktop Connection to access my remote Windows 10 computer over RDP. But I can't hear anything playing on the remote desktop. Why is my RDP remote audio not working? What do I need to do to hear the sound from the remote computer?"

- Question from Superuser

Why is remote audio over RDP not working?

Normally, Windows Remote Desktop Connection allows you to play sound from the remote side on your local computer when controlling a PC remotely. When RDP audio not working, you can consider these three elements:

  • The sound isn't enabled on your local computer. 
  • Allow audio and video playback redirection isn't enabled.
  • Allow Audio Recording Redirection isn't enabled.

How to solve the RDP audio not working issue [5 solutions]

To fix the RDP remote audio microphone not working, you can try the following five solutions.

Solution 1.  Start the Windows Audio Service

To tackle the RDP remote audio not working issue, the initial step involves verifying the status of the Windows Audio Service. If, for any reason, this service is disabled, it can disrupt remote audio functionality. To perform this check, follow these step-by-step instructions:

Step 1. On the host computer, search for Administrative Tools in the Control Panel and click to open it.

Administrative Tools

Step 2. In the Administrative Tools pane, right-click on Services.

Services

Step 3. In the Services pane, right-click on Windows Audio.

Windows Audio

Step 4. On the General tab, in the Startup type box, select Automatic. In the Service status, select Start. And then hit OK.

Windows Audio Propertie

Solution 2. Check the Group Policy setting on remote computer

Ensure that the remote computer's group policy isn't preventing remote audio playback by following these steps:

Step 1. On the remote remote computer, Press Win + R to invoke the Run dialog box, then type in “gpedit.msc” and press OK to open the Local Group Policy Editor window.

Local Group Policy Editor Window

Step 2. Navigate here: Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Device and Resource Redirection.

Device and Resource Redirection

Step 3. Click on Device and Resource Redirection. On the right pane, click on Allow audio and video playback redirection and Allow audio recording redirection respectively, and make sure they are set to Enabled or Not configured. 

Allow Redirection

Playback Redirection

Solution 3. Check the Group Policy setting on local computer

Ensure that the local computer's group policy isn't preventing remote audio playback by following these steps.

Step 1. On your local computer, open Group Policy Editor window.

Step 2. Navigate here: Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Connection Client > RemoteFX USB Device Redirection > Allow RDP redirection of other supported RemoteFX USB devices from this computer.

Allow RDP Redirection

Step 3. Click Allow RDP redirection of other supported RemoteFX USB devices from this computer, and make sure it is set to Enabled or Not configured.

Allow RDP Redirection Setting

Solution 4. Check the Registry setting

To address potential audio synchronization issues caused by the remote computer's Registry settings, please follow the steps outlined below to modify the Registry setting:

Step 1. Press Win + R to invoke the Run dialog box and then type in “regedit” and hit OK to open Registry Editor.

Run Box Regedit

Step 2. Navigate here: Computer > HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SYSTEM > CurrentControlSet > Control > Terminal Server WinStations > RDP-Tcp

RDP Tcp

Step 3. On the right pane, click fDisableAudioCapture and set the value to 0. Then click OK.

Disable Audio Capture

Audio Value Data

Solution 5. Try a RDP alternative

Should you find yourself at an impasse with RDP remote audio not working issues, you might want to consider exploring an RDP alternative solution. AnyViewer emerges as a prime candidate in this regard. This free remote desktop software not only facilitates the synchronization of remote sound but also opens doors to tasks such as remote video editing and remote PC gaming.

Backed by a proficient technical team, AnyViewer ensures a seamless and stable remote connection, characterized by minimal latency and an impressive frame rate of up to 60 FPS. It's an option well worth exploring for an enhanced remote experience, so dive in and reap the benefits today. Getting started with AnyViewer is straightforward:

Step 1. Install AnyViewer on your chosen devices.

Download Freeware Win PCs & Servers
Secure Download

Step 2. Establish the foundational setup by registering and logging in with the same account on both devices.

Log in AnyViewer

Step 3. On your local device, locate the target remote computer listed under Devices and initiate connections effortlessly using the One-click control feature.

Connect to My Devices

Step 4. To enable remote sound, make sure sound is activated in the toolbar.

Sound

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Conclusion

In summary, when faced with the issue of RDP audio not functioning correctly, there are several viable solutions to consider. These include enabling the Windows Audio Service, adjusting the Group Policy settings on both the host and client computers, and verifying the Registry settings.

Furthermore, if you seek an alternative to Remote Desktop, we recommend exploring AnyViewer, a free remote access software. It offers a more satisfying remote control experience and can serve as a valuable substitute.

FAQs

What should I do if RDP audio still isn't working after troubleshooting?

If RDP audio continues to not work after troubleshooting, consider restarting both the local and remote computers, ensuring that both are properly configured for audio redirection. If the issue persists, consult technical support or forums for additional assistance, as there may be specific configurations or compatibility issues causing the problem.

How to recover my recorded audio if I accidentally deleted it?

You could use a professional audio recovery tool to quickly find your lost audio file. Just install the software, scan the drive where the audio was stored, and recover the deleted file if it's found in the scan results.

Does RDP support audio redirection?

Yes, RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) supports audio redirection, allowing audio from a remote session to be played on the local computer. However, issues with audio playback can arise due to configuration errors, incompatible devices, or network problems.