Cannot play sound: device being used by another application

Solution 1:

I had the same error on Windows 7 and managed to fix it by simply restarting the Windows Audio service. If it doesn't work, disable and re-enable the sound device using device manager.

Solution 2:

In the properties of your audio device, there should be a checkbox option labelled "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device". IIRC it is enabled by default; disabling it and rebooting should resolve your issue.

Solution 3:

Best to combine both answers here.

As a resolution for now, execute in elevated prompt

net stop "AudioSrv" && net start "AudioSrv"

This restarts the Windows Audio Service. (Reboot will also work.)

To prevent future problems, disallow apps to get exclusive control to the device by going to sound -> (select device from list) -> properties -> advanced -> Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device .

Solution 4:

I had the same problem, and I solved it by installing an update (Chipset_Intel_Win_8) from the Asus website. I have an Asus RS51.