How Audacity Audio Recording Works on All Platforms Available

Without proper configuration, you can get an empty or distorted result, especially if you use Audacity to record computer audio. It is a common problem when you have an incorrect device selection or missing loopback support, but in this guide, you will learn how to set up Audacity so you can use it correctly and avoid these errors before starting.

Understanding the Basics: How Audacity Records Audio

Recording Device vs. Playback Device

The recording device is the input source Audacity captures, and the playback device is the output device your computer uses to play sound. In simple terms, the recording device collects audio, while the playback device sends audio to your speakers or headphones, which matters for Audacity audio recording.

The Challenge with System Audio

System audio is the sound your computer is already playing, such as a video, music, or app audio. Audacity usually cannot record internal sound by default on Windows, so you may need to switch the host to Windows WASAPI and choose the loopback option for your output device. That setup lets you record computer audio with Audacity.

Copyright Note

Not all audio can be recorded and reused freely. Music, streamed media, and other protected content may be covered by copyright, so it is best to record only your own material, public domain audio, or content you are authorized to use when you Audacity record PC sound.

Method 1: How to Record Computer Audio on Windows 10/11

Option A: Using WASAPI (The Easiest Modern Method)

WASAPI, o Windows Audio Session API, is a built-in Windows audio technology that helps you record sounds directly from your computer or system sound without the need for extra cables or additional setup in settings. As you continue reading this, you will learn how to record desktop audio with Audacity using this option.

Passo 1Open Audacity, go to the Audio Setup menu, fare clic Ospite, and tick WASAPI.

Passo 2Under the recording device, choose the playback device with the loopback option since you want to record the system sound included. Play the audio that you want to capture, and press the Disco pulsante per iniziare.

Passaggio 3When you are done, click the Fermare button and review the recording to see if it records the System audio of your computer. Once you are satisfied with the result, export it as MP3 or your choice of audio output.

Option B: Using Stereo Mix (The Classic Method)

Mix stereo is a Windows recording feature that records all audio being played through your sound card on the computer. If your computer supports Stereo Mix, you can use Audacity to record system audio by setting it up as a recording input. Yet, some users unknowingly disabled it, so you may need to enable it first before using the Audacity computer sound recording software we have here.

Passo 1To enable the Stereo Mix, you need to right-click the speaker button on Windows > Sounds > Registrazione > right-click the Mix stereo, quindi fare clic Abilitare. Do not forget to click the ok pulsante per salvare le modifiche.

Passo 2Vai a Audio Setup > Ospite > MME. Again, open the Audio Setup, seleziona il Recording Devicee scegli il Mix stereo dalla lista.

Passaggio 3Just like previously, click the documentazione button, start to play the audio you want to capture, and click fermare to end it. Now that you have done that, preview the recorded file to see the final result.

Method 2: How to Record Computer Audio on Mac

Option A: Using BlackHole (Free & Open-Source)

BlackHole is an open-source virtual audio driver that routes your system audio directly into Audacity. It works as a pre-setup before recording that allows you to create an Aggregate Device to combine system audio with other audio into a single output source. If you are looking for an Audacity record computer audio on Mac solution, then this is one of the most popular and reliable options available here.

Passo 1Download the app, open the MIDI on your Mac, click the + pulsante e scegli Create an Aggregate Device. Rename it according to what you want, and check the boxes you want to enable in your recording of Audio Devices.

Passo 2Start Audacity, go to Audio Setup menù > Recording Device > e scegli il BlackHole as your recording device. After that, play the audio you want to record and press Record on Audacity.

Passaggio 3Per terminare la registrazione, fare clic su fermare button. You can also use this with QuickTime to record audio on a Mac with internal sound.

Option B: Using Loopback (Paid, Professional)

For a professional who wants to have a virtual audio routing application on macOS to combine multiple apps and devices into a single output for Audacity, choose Loopback. It offers greater flexibility compared to what you can get from the free options available. Learn how to use it and start recording your computer audio with Audacity.

Passo 1Vai a + New Virtual Device, fare clic + under the Sources, and select the apps you want to record. Rename the virtual device to what you want, so it is easy to find.

Passo 2Configure the Mac settings by opening the Impostazioni di sistema and choosing Suono. Vai al Produzione and select the one you have set up earlier.

Passaggio 3Open Audacity, go to the Audio Setup > Recording Device > Loopback virtual audio. Then, set the Recording Channels a 2(Stereo) Channels. Colpire il Disco iniziare.

Passaggio 4Once you have done that, click the fermare pulsante.

Option C: Hardware Loopback (For Audio Interface Users)

For those who are in the recording industry, surely you know how to use the Hardware Loopback. It is an audio interface that sends your computer's playback audio back into Audacity as your recording source. This method is the best choice if you want to have an exceptional audio quality with minimal latency. It is also useful if you want to troubleshoot your audio not recording on Audacity, which is caused by virtual audio drives or software configurations.

Passo 1Activate the Loopback feature in your control software or hardware settings. Open Audacity, and select the audio interface as your playback and recording device.

Passo 2Play the audio you want to record, and click the documentazione button on Audacity.

Passaggio 3Tic tac fermare, listen to the recording to ensure everything is perfect.

Method 3: Recording Computer Audio on Linux (Brief Overview)

Recording computer audio on Linux is possible with Audacity. However, the setup varies depending on your Linux distribution and audio system, such as PulseAudio or PipeWire. If you are looking for a single universal method to record computer audio on Linux, unfortunately, there is not one. Each Linux distribution, desktop environment, and sound server uses a different configuration, so that the setup process can vary significantly. In most cases, you will need to select a monitor or loopback input in Audacity to capture the system audio of your computer.

Troubleshooting "Audacity Record Computer Audio Not Working"

1. Why There Is No Audio Being Recorded

This issue happens because you chose the wrong recording device. In Audacity, verifying that you have selected the right recording device is important. Use WASAPI for your playback device on Windows, and choose the virtual audio device you have set up on Mac.

2. Why the Recording Is Silent

This issue happens because the computer audio is not correctly routed to Audacity. Ensure that your system audio is playing through the same device selected in Audacity. You can try to restart the recording or the app itself after confirming the correct output device.

3. Why the Stereo Mix Is Missing

This issue happened because the audio driver does not include Stereo Mix or is disabled. If you are using Windows, it is ideal to use the WASAPI Loopback as an alternative to this. But if you still want to use the Stereo Mix, then we suggest that you copy the steps we have included above on how to enable it.

Bonus: Best Audio Recorder to Record Computer Audio Easily

When recording system audio is difficult to do on Audacity, we suggest that you use a reliable, built-for-long-lasting recording, AVAide Screen Recorder. It has a variety of options for recording computer audio; you can do it with the screen, external audio, webcam, or just the computer audio only. Compared to what needed to be done on Audacity just to complete the system recording, you can do it with ease here. With a single click, it works like magic.

Di Aisha Johnson on Lug 03, 2026