Fix Audacity Error while opening sound device on Windows PC

Audacity is a popular and free-to-use digital audio editor and recording application. But while using it on Windows PC, users have reported coming across an error while opening sound devices on Windows 11/10 PC. The message pops up while recording or playing audio on the application. The error message says,

Error opening sound device. Try changing the audio host, recording device and the project sample rate.

Worry not if you are also struggling with the same problem. Just try the solutions below to get rid of the issue.

Audacity Error while opening sound device on Windows PC

Below is the list of all the effective solutions to try to fix Audacity Error while opening sound device on a Windows PC.

1. Plugin the external sound device
2. Enable the device
3. Use the same Playback and Recording devices
4. Change Audacity Host
5. Update Audio Driver

Now let’s check out all the solutions in detail.

1] Plug in the external sound device

The problem mainly occurs while trying to listen to the recorded audio. And the main reason behind it can be the unplugged external sound device. As it turns out, the external sound device should be connected to the Windows PC. If this isn’t the case, you will face a problem. So, check whether the devices are connected or not. If not, connect it to fix the problem.

2] Enable the device

If you notice that the device is connected and still you’re facing the problem, the possibility is high that Windows hasn’t recognized the device. Or, it can also be the case that the device is disabled under the sound settings. You will have to manually enable the device to solve the problem. Here’s how to do it.

1. Open the Run dialogue box by pressing the Windows + R shortcut key.
2. In the space provided, type mmsys.cpl and click on OK.
3. Right-click on the blank space in the Playback tab and checkmark the Show Disabled Devices option.
4. Right-click on the connected audio device and choose Enable from the context menu.
5. Click on Apply > OK to save the changes.

Now, switch to the recording tab, and repeat steps 4 and 5 again.

Relaunch the application and check if you’re still facing the problem. If not, you are good to go. But in case the problem continues, try the next solution on the list.

See: Realtek HD audio manager not working or showing

3] Use the same Playback and Recording devices

The problem will also occur if Audacity uses any other Playback and Recording device. You will have to manually select the devices to solve the problem. You can do it by following the below steps.

1. Launch the Audacity app.
2. Click on the Edit option and choose Preferences from the drop-down menu.
3. Click on the Devices option present on the left panel of the screen.
4. Under the Playback tab, select the enabled device.
5. Under the Recording tab, select the enabled recording device.
6. Click on OK to save the settings.

Relaunch the application and check if you are still facing the problem. If yes, continue with the guide.

4] Change Audacity Host

The next solution you can try in the situation is to change the Audacity Host. You can do it by following the below steps.

1. Launch Audacity > Edit > Preferences.
2. Click on Devices.
3. Under the Interface section, change Host to Windows WASAPI.
4. Click on OK to save the settings.

Relaunch the application and check for the problem.

See: Audio device is disabled in Windows 11/10

5] Update Audio Driver

The next thing you can try is downloading the latest audio driver update. As it turns out, not having the latest audio driver update can be the primary reason behind the problem. Below are the steps you need to follow to download the latest audio driver update.

1. Press the Windows + X key, and choose Device Manager from the list.
2. Double-tap on Sound, video, and game controllers.
3. Right-click on your audio driver and select Update driver from the context menu.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.

Read: No audio input device found on Windows 11/10

6] Turn off Software Playthrough

For many users, the problem was fixed by disabling the Software Playthrough option on Audacity. You can do the same to solve the problem. Here’s how to do it.

1. Open Audacity > Edit > Preferences.
2. Click on the Recording option present at the left final of the screen.
3. Uncheck Software Playthrough of input option.
4. Click on OK to save the settings.

Launch the application and check for the problem.

How do I fix error 9999 on Audacity?

It’s very easy to fix error 9999 on Audacity. You can try these solutions to solve the problem.

1. Restart the application
2. Allow the application to access Microphone
3. Close similar applications
4. Set the microphone as the default device
5. Disable third-party antivirus software
6. Troubleshoot in Clean Boot

If none of the steps were helpful, you could reinstall the application.

How do I change the audio Host on Audacity?

It’s very easy to change the Audio Host on Audacity. To do it, follow the below steps.

1. Launch Audacity.
2. Click on Edit and choose Preferences.
3. Click on the Host option present under Interface.

Change the Host as per your need.

Read Next: Front Audio jack not working in Windows 11/10.