How to Fix Audacity’s “Error opening sound device” Issue

Luckily, it’s not too difficult to deal with

Having troubleworking on your projects in Audacityas the app keeps saying, “Error opening sound device”? Your app may be facing difficulties working with your playback and recording devices, leading to the above error message. You can make a few changes here and there on your PC to resolve your error. We’ll show you how to do that.

A few reasons you get the above Audacity error are that you haven’t enabled all your sound devices, your PC doesn’t allow the app to access your microphone, your sound device drivers are outdated or faulty, a required Windows service isn’t running, and more.

Enable All Sound Devices on Your PC

When you get the “Error opening sound device” error in Audacity, check and enable all playback and mic devices on your PC. This ensures the app has access to the required device when you’re working on your projects in the app.

Let Audacity Access Your Microphone on Your PC

Audacity needsaccess to your microphoneto record audio. If you or someone has denied this permission on your PC, grant the app the mic permission to resolve your issue.

Select Your Preferred Sound Devices in Audacity

You may get an “Error opening sound device” message because Audacity isn’t using your preferred devices. To fix your issue, you can manually set your playback and recording devices in the app.

Adjust the Sample Rate in Audacity

Audacity’s “Error opening sound device” error might result from incorrect sample rates specified in the app. In this case, find your device’s default sample rate and use that rate in Audacity to fix your issue.

To find your device’s sample rate:

To change the sample rate in Audacity:

Update Your Sound Device Drivers on Windows

Outdated sound device drivers on your PC can cause Audacity not to open the sound stream, leading the app to display the above error message. In this case,update your device’s installed driversto resolve your issue.

Disable Software Playthrough and Overdub in Audacity

Audacity developers recommend disabling both Software Playthrough and Overdubfeatures in the appto possibly fix an “Error opening sound device” error. You can use this method and see if that resolves your problem.

Restart the Required Windows Audio Services

Windows runs various audio services in the background to help your installed apps open sound streams. When you experience issues in youraudio apps like Audacity, those required Windows services may not be running or malfunctioning.

In this case, reboot those services and see if that resolves your problem.

Remove and Reinstall Your Sound Devices

If your “Error opening sound device” issue isn’t fixed,your sound devices may be faulty. In this case, uninstall and reinstall those devices on your PC to potentially resolve your issue.

Many Ways to Resolve Your Audacity Sound Device Issues

Audacity displays an “Error opening sound device” error when the app hastrouble locating and working with your sound devices. This situation prevents you from using the app for your tasks. Luckily, the issue isn’t too difficult to deal with.

You can use the above methods to resolve your error and resume your activities in the app. Enjoy!

Mahesh has been obsessed with technology since he got his first gadget a decade or so ago. Over the last few years, he’s written a number of tech articles on various online publications including but not limited to MakeTechEasier and Android AppStorm.Read Mahesh’s Full Bio

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How to Fix Audacity’s “Error opening sound device” Issue#

Enable All Sound Devices on Your PC#

Let Audacity Access Your Microphone on Your PC#

Select Your Preferred Sound Devices in Audacity#

Adjust the Sample Rate in Audacity#

Update Your Sound Device Drivers on Windows#

Disable Software Playthrough and Overdub in Audacity#

Restart the Required Windows Audio Services#

Remove and Reinstall Your Sound Devices#

Many Ways to Resolve Your Audacity Sound Device Issues#

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