How to Fix the Error Code 0xc00d4e85

Windows 10/11 comes equipped with robust built-in multimedia apps, pre-installed on our computers. Nonetheless, certain users opt to install third-party apps for additional options in opening various multimedia files.

When a Windows 10/11 user opens an audio or video file, two devices often come into play. One is the graphics driver, which is responsible for displaying video graphics. The second one is the sound card, which will play the audio. The multimedia app will coordinate with the sound device in an effort to play the audio via external or internal speakers or headsets.

Unfortunately, despite having many multimedia app options, some users experience troubles when playing multimedia files. Whenever they attempt to open a file, they get the Windows 10/11 error code 0xc00d4e85. What does this error code suggest?

What Is the Error Code 0xc00d4e85?

Are you getting the error code 0xc00d4e85 in Windows 10/11? This error appears when an application is trying to get exclusive control over your speakers. As a result, all other sounds are muted. So, when you open multimedia files with a certain app, this error will be thrown since the app can no longer connect to the audio device. But what triggers this error to occur?

Why Does the Error 0xc00d4e85 Occur?

What triggers an app to seize full control over your sound device? Some Windows 10/11 users put the blame on the latest Windows 10/11 cumulative update KB2962407. According to them, there seems to be an issue with this update that causes your audio device to lock up to a certain multimedia app.

However, there are other potential reasons aside from the recent update. Other users believe that the error has something to do with the audio settings. There might be something wrong with the app that triggered the audio settings to change, allowing apps to take full control of the audio device.

How to Fix the Error Code 0xc00d4e85

Regardless of the reason the error 0xc00d4e85 occurred, here are some solutions to try to fix it.

Solution #1: Uninstall the KB2962407 Update.

If you suspect that the error is triggered by the KB2962407 update, then try to uninstall the update. After that, prevent Windows from automatically reinstalling the update. Here’s how:

1. Open the Run utility by pressing the Windows and R keys.
2. In the textbox, input appwiz.cpl.
3. Hit This will open the Program and Features window.
4. Find the View Installed Updates section and click on it.
5. Locate the update with the KB2962407 ID.
6. Right-click on it and choose Uninstall.
7. Wait for the uninstallation process to complete.
8. Restart your computer.
9. Once your computer has restarted, go to Control Panel.
10. Select Windows Updates.
11. Click Check for Updates.
12. Once the process is completed, it should show other important updates that are available.
13. Right-click on the KB2962407 update.
14. Hit Hide Update to keep the update from being installed.

Solution #2: Set the Windows Audio and Audiosrv Services to Run Automatically.

If the important audio services are not running, there is a chance that the 0xc00d4e85 error will surface. As a resolution, set the audio and audiosrv services to run automatically. You can do that by following the steps below:

1. Open the Run utility by pressing the Windows and R Alternatively, you can input Run into the Cortana search box and hit Enter.
2. Into the textbox, input services.msc.
3. Hit Enter.
4. In the Services window, locate the Windows Audio Check if its status is set to Running. If it’s not, right-click on it and select Start. Doing this will start the service.
5. If you want the service to run automatically on startup, right-click on it and select Properties.
6. Navigate to the General tab.
7. Scroll down to the Startup section, and select Automatic.
8. Hit Apply.
9. Confirm your action by clicking OK.
10. Repeat steps 1 to 9, but this time, make changes to the Audiosrv service.
11. Close the Services window.

Solution #3: Prevent Applications from Taking Full Control Over Your Audio Device.

If you have set your Windows 10/11 computer to allow apps to take full control over your audio device, then there is a chance that the 0xc00d4e85 error will appear. Follow the instructions below to disable this setting:

1. Hover over your taskbar and right-click on the Speaker icon.
2. Select Playback devices.
3. Under the list of playback devices, right-click on your default playback device.
4. Choose Properties.
5. Navigate to the Advanced tab.
6. Untick the box next to the Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device option.
7. Hit Apply.
8. Confirm your action by clicking OK.
9. Restart your computer.

Solution #4: Update Your Audio Device Driver.

If the error occurred after updating your current Windows 10/11 OS version, then try to update your audio device driver. It is possible that your current audio device driver is no longer compatible with your current Windows version.

To update your audio device driver, it is best that you use a third-party driver updater like Auslogics Driver Updater.Updating device drivers is best done by automation because of the risks involved.

Solution #5: Clear Your System of Junk.

Oftentimes, system junk interferes with your system processes, causing random Windows 10/11 errors to occur. To keep these errors from surfacing, make it a habit to clear your system of junk and unwanted files.

To clean your system folders, simply delete any suspicious-looking file that you think does not belong there. While this sounds easy, it’s actually a bit risky. Deleting the wrong file may cause irreversible damage to your system.

Hence, we recommend using a trusted PC repair tool to delete junk files from your system. One tool to consider is Outbyte PC Repair. Not only does this tool delete unnecessary system files, but it also gets your computer running fast and smooth by finding and fixing stability and speed issues.

In Conclusion

The error code 0xc00d4e85 may not be fatal, but if left unresolved, it can affect your overall Windows 10/11 experience. If you ever find yourself faced with this error, try any of the five solutions we have listed above. Better yet, consult an expert.

Which of the solutions above have you tried? Share your experience with us in the comments!