Fix Audacity Not Recording on Windows
No input levels, errors opening the device, or silent loopback? Use these quick checks to restore recording with MME/DirectSound/WASAPI on Windows 10/11.
Quick fixes
- Allow microphone in Windows Privacy & Security.
- Select the right input and host in Audacity.
- Match project rate and device format (44.1/48 kHz).
- Disable Exclusive Mode or close other audio apps.
- For loopback: pick the active speakers (WASAPI) and start playback first.
No input levels or flat waveform
- Windows Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone → Allow access.
- In Audacity, select the correct input device and host (try MME or DirectSound).
- Check cables and that the device has not been muted or disabled in Windows Sound.
WASAPI loopback is silent
- Pick the active speakers/headphones loopback as the input.
- Start audio playback in the source app before pressing Record.
- Ensure Windows output is not muted and project rate matches the device.
Error opening recording device
- Close other audio apps that may lock the device.
- In Windows Sound → Device properties → Advanced, uncheck Exclusive Mode.
- Switch the Audacity host (MME/DirectSound/WASAPI) and retry.
Sample rate mismatch
- Set Audacity project rate to 44100 or 48000 Hz.
- In Windows Sound → Device properties → Advanced, match the Default Format.
- Restart Audacity after changes.
No playback or monitoring
- Select the correct playback device in Audacity and Windows.
- Unmute the track; raise the output volume slider.
- Enable Software Playthrough if you need live monitoring.
USB mic/interface not detected
- Unplug/replug and try a different USB port (avoid hubs for testing).
- Update device drivers/firmware; reboot Windows.
- Check Device Manager for errors; disable/enable the device.
Latency or dropouts
- Close heavy apps; set a moderate buffer length in Audacity.
- Use 44100/48000 Hz; try a different host (MME/DirectSound/WASAPI).
- Prefer USB 2.0+/3.x ports; update drivers.
Device locked by another app
- Quit DAWs, conferencing tools, and browser tabs using the mic.
- Disable Exclusive Mode in Windows Sound → Advanced.
- Restart the Windows Audio service or reboot.
Quick answers
Why is Audacity not recording any sound?
Top causes: blocked mic permissions, wrong input device, device locked by other apps, or sample-rate mismatch. Check Windows Privacy settings, select the right device/host, and align sample rates.
How do I record system audio (what‑you‑hear)?
Select WASAPI as host and choose your active speakers loopback. Start playback in the source app, then press Record.
What buffer and rate should I use?
Use 44100 or 48000 Hz. Increase buffer length if you get dropouts; reduce if latency is too high. Close heavy apps.
Playback is silent even after recording — why?
Pick the correct output device in Audacity and Windows, unmute the track, and raise the output volume. Enable Software Playthrough for live monitoring.
Still stuck?
Reinstall with the latest 64‑bit build, then follow the steps above.