FFmpeg library is the most important aspect in running Audacity. In this guide, we show you how to fix the Audacity FFmpeg error on Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC. FFmpeg is a popular software for processing, converting or manipulating video and audio files. Audacity, a free, open-source, cross-platform audio editor and recording application.
What is FFmpeg on Audacity?
FFmpeg library helps Audacity in importing or exporting various audio/video format files without a hassle. Without FFmpeg, you will see many errors while importing some audio format files on Audacity. Some users are seeing errors with the FFmpeg library when they are trying to import or export audio files. Let’s see how we can fix the error and use Audacity.
Fix Audacity FFmpeg Error Importing Library on Windows PC
If you are seeing FFmpeg error on Audacity, it can be fixed in the following ways.
- Install FFmpeg
- Locate FFmpeg
Let’s get into the details of each process.
1] Install FFmpeg
Generally, when you install Audacity, it automatically installs FFmpeg along with Audacity. Sometimes, we see the FFmpeg error. It can be fixed by installing it manually. To install FFmpeg:
- Open Audacity program
- Click on Edit in the menu bar
- Select Preferences
- Click on Libraries
- Then, click on Download
To install FFmpeg, you need to first download it. It can be done through the Audacity program on your PC. Open Audacity and click on Edit in the menu bar. Then, click on Preferences or use the Ctrl+P keyboard shortcut.
It will open the Preferences window. Click on Libraries. Then, click on the Download button beside FFmpeg Library.
It will take you to the official website to download FFmpeg. Download the installation file according to the OS of your PC. After the download is complete, install FFmpeg on your PC after closing the Audacity program.
This way you can get rid of the FFmpeg error on your PC while using the Audacity program.
2] Locate FFmpeg
If the FFmpeg error is not yet fixed, you can fix it by locating ‘avformat-*.dll’ in the FFmpeg folder in the Program Files of your PC. To do that, go to Preferences in the Audacity and then to Libraries. Then, click on the Locate button beside FFmpeg Library.
Locate the file correctly and restart the Audacity program. It will fix the issue.
If the error is still not fixed, remove Audacity completely from your PC along with the installed FFmpeg. Then, install Audacity again after downloading it from the official Audacity website.
How do I get Audacity to recognize FFmpeg?
Audacity recognizes FFmpeg automatically. Sometimes, it cannot locate due to various reasons. You can just use the Locate features in the Preferences settings (mentioned above) to make Audacity recognize FFmpeg.
How can I use Audacity without FFmpeg?
You can use Audacity without FFmpeg if you import and export only files in WAV or AIFF formats. If you want to use files or other formats, FFmpeg is a must and it needs to be installed if you see the error.
Related read: Reduce or Remove Background Noise using Audacity.
