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
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
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 into File > Preferences > Sound Device and turn off the switch next to Exclusive 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
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.
Run Audio Troubleshooter
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.
Rollback Audio Drivers
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 the Roll Back Driver option in the steps below if you haven’t updated your audio drivers.
Audio Playback Device
Audio Card Drivers
Update 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.
Audio Playback Device
Audio Card Drivers
Update Windows 10
Update Windows 10
Did you update Windows 10 recently? An outdated system can cause all sorts of technical glitches and anomalies to crop up. If you haven’t, do that now.
Update Web Browser
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 the Chrome menu, point to Help, and then select About Google Chrome. In Mozilla Firefox, open the Firefox menu, point to Help, and then select About Firefox. In Microsoft Edge, open the Edge menu, point to Help & Feedback, and then select About Microsoft Edge.
Disable Hardware Acceleration
Disable Hardware Acceleration
Your browser uses hardware acceleration to speed things up. However, the feature is known to cause YouTube-related issues at random. Disable hardware acceleration and check if that fixes the audio renderer error in Windows 10.
Google Chrome
Mozilla Firefox
Microsoft Edge
Switch Browsers
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
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 to go through our BIOS update guide to learn everything you need to know about the procedure.
Start Watching
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.
