Fix Audiodg.exe High CPU Usage in Windows 7

What is Audiodg.exe?

Audiodg.exe is the audio component for both Windows Vista and Windows 7.  Inside your Windows Task Manager,  it is represented as an “Audio Device Graph Isolation”. The process enables your PC audio driver to run under a separate  session as the user that is currently logged in, and is the audio engine for Windows. This prevents other software applications from modifying  or changing and content or plug-in enhancements.

Is Audiodg.exe Safe?

Yes, it is part of the Windows file system. But this does not mean it’s not responsible for causing errors  See below…

Common Errors With Audiodg.exe

Even though the audiodg.exe system process is safe, it has been known to cause the following problems:

• Poor performance of “stuttering” while playing movies on Media Player or VLC player.
• Constant “beeping” sounds while performing regular tasks in Vista of Windows 7.
• High CPU usage or memory leakage, sometimes peaking at 100% CPU and causing lockups.
• Can cause all audio/sound/speakers to stop working after a few minutes. Even after reboot.

Preventing Audiodg.exe From Hogging  CPU Usage

Out of all the possible problems, the most common complaint is that the audiodg.exe process hogs CPU process and causes the PC’s sound to “stutter” or completely lose audio altogether. Some users report that their computer locks up from CPU usage being tapped out as high as 95-100 percent.

To minimize the effect of audiodg.exe on your system, you can try the following method.

• Right-click on the speaker icon on the bottom right corner of the screen.
• Select Playback Devices.
• Look for the icon with the green check mark.
• Highlight the icon.
• Click Properties and then click on the Enhancements tab.
• Check the “Disable All Enhancements” checkbox.

Another solution offered is to simply disable the service at reboot. This prevents the utility from automatically running at system Startup. You can re-enable the process when you need to use it.

I also recommend you perform a free driver scan on your PC and make sure your audio drivers are updated.

Outdated drivers cause a majority of Windows errors so you should keep them up to date on a weekely/monthly basis.