If you got error “Error opening sound device” while using Audacity to record sound, don’t worry. You can fix the error by following the simple instructions below.
There are six solutions for you to try to fix this error. You may not have to try them all. Just work your way down at the top of the list until you find the one that works for you.
- Ensure the external sound device is plugged in (desktop only)
- Ensure the external sound device is enabled
- Ensure audio device settings in Audacity are configured correctly
- Turn off Software Playthrough in Audacity
- Update the audio driver
- Restart the Windows Audio Endpoint Builder service
Solution 1: Ensure the external sound device is plugged in (desktop only)
If you’re using a desktop computer, ensure the device you use to listen to the sound such as external speakers, is plugged in.
If you’ve plugged the external sound device into the computer, ensure they are recognized by your computer.
How to check: In the system tray, if you see a red x with circle icon the speaker icon, it indicates the external sound device (for example, your speakers or your microphone) is not connected to the computer. In this case, unplug the device then replug it. After that, if the issue is still there, refer the steps in Solution 2 to check if the device is disabled.
Solution 2: Ensure the external sound device is enabled
If the external speakers or microphone is disabled, error “Error open sound device. Try changing the audio host, recording device and the project sample rate” would occur. So when you get this error, check if the device is disabled. If it’s disabled, enable it manually.
Follow steps below to check if the speakers are disabled:
1) Right-click on the speaker icon in the system tray, and select Playback devices.
2) If you see the Speakers disabled, right-click on the item, then select Enable. If you see the Speakers enabled, skip this step.
If you’re using a laptop computer, you also need to check if the microphone device is disabled.
Follow these steps:
1) Right-click on the speaker icon in the system tray, and select Recording devices.
2) If you see the Microphone disabled, right-click on the item, then select Enable. If you see the Microphone enabled, skip this step.
Solution 3: Ensure audio device settings in Audacity are configured correctly
This error can be caused by incorrect audio device settings in Audacity. So check and ensure the audio device settings in Audacity are configured correctly.
Follow these steps:
1) Open Audacity.
2) Click Edit in the menu bar and select Preferences.
3) Click Devices.
3) Ensure the Host field set to Windows WASAPI.
After you set the Host to Windows WASAPI, you’ll see the values of Device field under Playback and the Device under Recording change automatically.
5) Click the OK button.
6) Check to see if you can record successfully.
Solution 4: Turn off Software Playthrough of input in Audacity
Software Playthrough should not be enabled when you record sound. If it’s enabled, error “Error opening sound device” will probably occur.
Follow below steps to check if Software Playthrough is checked. And uncheck it if you need.
1) Open Audacity.
2) Click Edit in the menu bar and select Preferences.
3) Click Recording.
4) Under Playthrough, if you see Software Playthrough of input is checked, uncheck it. Then click the OK button. If not, skip this solution then try other solutions.
Solution 5: Update the audio driver
If the installed audio driver is outdated, it may not support the Audacity record feature. To fix the error, you can try to update the audio driver.
You can update the audio driver manually. Just go to your PC manufacturer’s website or the sound card manufacturer’s website to check for and download the latest audio driver. If you don’t have the time, patience or computer skills to update the driver manually, you can do it automatically with Driver Easy.
Driver Easy will automatically recognize your system and find the correct drivers for it. You don’t need to know exactly what system your computer is running, you don’t need to risk downloading and installing the wrong driver, and you don’t need to worry about making a mistake when installing.
You can update your drivers automatically with either the FREE or the Pro version of Driver Easy. But with the Pro version it takes just 2 clicks (and you get full support and a 30-day money back guarantee):
1) Download and install Driver Easy.
2) Run Driver Easy and click Scan Now. Driver Easy will then scan your computer and detect any problem drivers.
3) Click the Update button next to a flagged audio driver to automatically download and install the correct version of this driver (you can do this with the FREE version).
Or click Update All to automatically download and install the correct version of all the drivers that are missing or out of date on your system (this requires the Pro version – you’ll be prompted to upgrade when you click Update All).
4) After updating the driver, check to see if you can record sound successfully.
Solution 6: Restart the Windows Audio Endpoint Builder service
If Windows Audio Endpoint Builder service is not running properly, this error would occur. So restart the Windows Audio Endpoint Builder service to try to fix the “Error opening sound device “ issue.
Follow steps below:
1) On your keyboard, press the Win+R (Windows logo key and R key) at the same time to invoke the run box.
2) Type services.msc and press Enter to open the Services window.
3) Click Windows Audio Endpoint Builder, then click Restart. The follow the on-screen instructions.
4) Check to see if you can record successfully.
Hopefully the solutions above help you resolve the problem. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave your comments. I’d love to hear of any ideas or suggestions.