Fix error

Audacity not recording on Windows — fix microphone & WASAPI issues

Audacity not recording on Windows is almost always caused by one of three things: Windows microphone permissions blocked, the wrong recording device selected, or the wrong audio host (MME instead of WASAPI).
Fix 1 — fastest

Check Windows microphone permissions

Windows Settings
Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone
# Ensure all three are ON:
✓ Microphone access
✓ Let apps access your microphone
✓ Let desktop apps access your microphone
# Then restart Audacity
Fix 2

Select the correct recording device

In Audacity: Edit → Preferences → Devices → Recording → select your microphone from the dropdown. Or use the toolbar dropdowns at the top of the Audacity window.

If your microphone is not in the list: unplug it, wait 5 seconds, plug back in, then go to Transport → Rescan Audio Devices.
Fix 3

Switch audio host to WASAPI

Edit → Preferences → Devices → Host → change to Windows WASAPI. Then re-select your recording device and try again.

More fixes

Other causes of Audacity not recording

Flatline waveform — no signal recorded
Mic not selected or gain too low
Check input level in Audacity toolbar; increase mic volume in Windows Sound settings
Error opening sound device
Driver conflict or exclusive mode
Disable exclusive mode in Windows Sound device properties > Advanced
Audacity records but only silence
Mic muted in Windows
Right-click speaker icon > Sounds > Recording tab > check mic volume and unmute
Recording stops after a few seconds
Disk full or temp folder issue
Check available disk space; change temp folder in Edit > Preferences > Directories
FAQ

Not recording questions

Audacity not recording after Windows Update

Windows updates often reset microphone privacy permissions. Go to Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone and re-enable access for desktop apps. Also restart Audacity after the permission change.

Audacity records but the waveform is flat

The microphone is selected but the input level is zero. Check: (1) the input level slider in Audacity's toolbar is above zero, (2) in Windows Sound settings the microphone volume is above 0%, (3) the microphone is not muted in Windows. Try speaking while watching the level meter — it should move.

WASAPI-specific issues?

Detailed WASAPI troubleshooting guide.

WASAPI guide
Related guides
WASAPI setup →
audio host fix
Microphone setup →
configure mic
Troubleshooting →
all errors