Recording errors
Recording not working
No sound being recorded (flatline)
Mic permissions blocked or wrong device
Settings > Privacy > Microphone > enable; check device in Audacity PreferencesError opening sound device
Exclusive mode conflict
Windows Sound > device > Properties > Advanced > uncheck exclusive modeRecording stops after a few seconds
Temp folder full or disk space issue
Edit > Preferences > Directories > change temp folder to drive with spacePlayback errors
Playback not working
No sound on playback
Wrong output device or volume zero
Audacity Preferences > Devices > Playback > select correct outputPlayback crackling or distortion
Buffer underrun or sample rate mismatch
Increase buffer: Edit > Preferences > Devices > Audio to buffer (ms)Audio out of sync after export
Sample rate mismatch between project and export
Set project rate to match recording: bottom-left Project Rate dropdownCrash errors
Audacity crashing on Windows
Audacity crashes on launch
Corrupted preferences or plugin conflict
Delete audacity.cfg: %APPDATA%\audacity\audacity.cfgCrash when applying an effect
Plugin bug or memory issue
Try with a shorter audio clip; update or remove the problem pluginFAQ
Troubleshooting questions
Audacity not working after Windows Update
Windows updates often reset microphone permissions. Go to Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone and re-enable access. Also check if the audio driver was updated — sometimes driver updates change device names or capabilities.
How to reset Audacity settings on Windows
Delete the Audacity preferences file: close Audacity, then delete %APPDATA%\audacity\audacity.cfg. Audacity will recreate it with defaults on next launch. Your projects and recordings are not affected.