How to Fix Stereo Mix not Working Issue?

Stereo Mix is an option that enables the user to record the sound that your computer is outputting. This can be very helpful in desktop recording sessions. But, you might get a problem while using the Stereo Mix. For some of the users, the Stereo Mix might not work properly even after enabling all the options.

In some cases, you might see the Stereo Mix bar moving while recording but the recording won’t have any audio. In this blog, we will troubleshoot the Stereo Mix Not Working Issue.

Methodologies To Fix Stereo Mix Not Working Bug:

The following are the methods for this problem.

Method 1: Enable And Change Stereo Mix To Default

The problem you might be facing is that the Stereo Mix might be disabled. Even if you enabled the Stereo Mix a few days ago, it is worth checking whether the Stereo Mix is enabled in the options. Another thing worth discussing is that simply enabling the Stereo Mix isn’t enough for it to work.

Many users just enable the Stereo Mix and start to think that it will work. You require the Stereo Mix enabled and choose as the Default Device in order for it to work properly. Yes, a lot of users make this mistake.

Below are the steps to enable the Stereo Mix and choose it as the Default Device

Select the sound icon from the icon tray (right bottom corner)
Select Recording Devices. This will open up the Sound option with the Recording pane selected.
Click on an empty space along with the Select a recording device below to change its settings as area and check the options View in not enabled Devices and View Disconnected Devices. If you are unable to see a Tick mark beside these options then click the option and it should turn this option on.
Once done, you should be able to see the Stereo Mix option in the list. Right-click the Stereo Mix option and select Enable
Now, here you can make the Stereo Mix as your default device. Hit on the Stereo Mix and press enter on Set as Default Device. Click Stereo Mix again and choose Set as Default Communication Device. Once completed, there should be a green tick mark beside your Stereo Mix option
Click Apply then select Ok

This should do the job for you.

Method 2: Disable Microphone To Fix Stereo Mix Not Working Issue

For some users, “disable the Microphone” option while using the Stereo Mix solves the issue with the Stereo Mix. So, follow the below steps to disable the Microphone.

Note: Before you move further, make sure your Stereo Mix is not disabled and set as the default device.

Select the sound icon from the icon tray from the right bottom corner.
Select Recording Devices. This will open up the Sound option with the Recording tab selected
Right-click your Microphone and select Disable
Click Apply then select Ok

Method 3: Fix Mic/Sound Volume

Sometimes, the Stereo Mix not Working Issue might be that your microphone is muted from the playback devices options. Simply unmuting your microphone will rectify the problem.

Hit on the sound icon from the icon tray (right bottom corner)
Select Playback Devices. This will open up the Sound option with the Playback tab selected.
Select your default playback device (speakers) and select Properties.
Select the Level tab.
Unmute the sound and microphone. You can adjust the sound and check if it resolves the issue.
Once done, click Apply then select Ok
Click Apply then select Ok again

Now try to work with the Stereo Mix and see if the problem is resolved.

Method 4: Avoid Using An HDMI Audio Device

Make sure you aren’t using an HDMI port/device or any other digital device for the sound. In order for stereo mix to work, your sound has to go through the sound card, and using HDMI will bypass your sound card. Sometimes, your HDMI device might be set as the default device which might be preventing Stereo Mix from working. So, modifying the setting of your speakers (or any other analog audio device) as your default device should solve this issue.

Follow the steps given below to set your speakers as the default device

Press enter on the sound icon from the icon tray (right bottom corner)
Select Playback Devices. This will open up the Sound button with the Playback tab selected
Right-click speakers (or any other audio device you might have connected) and select Set as Default Device. Note: If you don’t see any audio device then input your speakers/headphone via the audio output port and try again.
Click Apply then select Ok

Hence you have successfully fixed the Stereo Mix not Working Issue.