Audacity: "Error opening audio device" solutions

If you see an "error opening audio device" in Audacity, there can be many causes and just as many fixes. No sound is the result, incorrect settings, driver or hardware errors are often the origin of this error message. We'll go through the usual suspects with you to eliminate sources of error and get the sound back.

Audacity: Correct "Error opening audio device"

Since the "Error opening audio device" in Audacity can have many sources of error, you should make the following settings and test again and again whether the error persists:

• Calling up the audio device again under "Transport" -> "Search audio devices again" promises a quick solution to the problem.
• Otherwise, you may lack the authorization to make settings or to access the target path for the recording. So try if the problem persists if you start Audacity as an administrator.
• In practical tips, we will show you how to run programs as an admin in Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10.
• If you do not have access to admin rights, change a new path in Audacity under »Edit« -> »Settings« -> »Directory«, which you definitely have access to.
• Make sure that this path actually exists. Otherwise you will see the error message here: "Free space: not available - this location does not exist".
• Navigate to "Edit" -> "Settings" -> "Devices".
• Set the correct system under "Computer interface" under "Computer:". It is often the Windows DirectSound.
• Under "Playback", set your sound card under "Device:". Alternatively, you can always try "Primary Sound Driver".
• Select the appropriate device under "Recording".
• Caution: Even if you would like to record stereo or even 3 or more channels: If your hardware does not support this, this setting can trigger the error message. So try a mono recording.
• Also make sure to set only supported sample rates and bit depths under »Edit« -> »Settings« -> »Quality«. You will surely find a list of all supported sample rates and depths in the operating instructions for your sound card. 44100 Hz and 22050 Hz at 16 bit are supported by almost every audio device.
• If no device is found at all, the hardware is either not connected, defective, or the drivers are faulty. If necessary, check the connection of your audio device and reinstall the drivers. We'll show you how to automatically install drivers on Windows 7.
• CHIP Online also offers drivers for creative sound cards and drivers for Realtek sound cards.
• If you have a sound demon like aRts or EsounD running, you have to stop it before Audacity works properly. These audio frameworks are sound servers that exclusively control the settings of the sound card.
• Other audio software, from Flash to Audition and Reaper, Cubase and Ableton Live to video editing software such as Adobe Premiere and Windows Movie Maker, could prevent Audacity from making the desired audio settings. Quit all audio programs and restart Audacity.
• We have another tip for solving common Audacity problems. Try your luck with this.