5 Useful Methods to Fix OBS Desktop Audio Not Working

No doubt, there are valuable video & audio recording software in the market for presentations, podcasts, etc. However, OBS is a popular open-source software that comes up with a lot of unique recording and streaming features. But sometimes, both beginners and professionals can face the problem of OBS not recording audio. The live streams can end abruptly, or your recorded video may not have the desktop sound at the end.

In this scenario, there is no need to panic because this guide does not only offer the possible reasons but also the practical solutions behind the OBS desktop audio not working issue!

Why Isn't Desktop Audio Working on OBS?

It is a must to acknowledge various possible reasons behind this problem before digging into the details of the effective methods to resolve OBS desktop audio not working. Once they know the actual cause of the audio of the platform, the users can fix this issue in an effortless manner. Let's start!

• In case the sound settings of your system are on mute or adjusted incorrectly. Sometimes, the desktop audio is muted from the Audio Mixer section.
• A third-party audio management service may not allow OBS Studio to take charge of the desktop audio. Multiple audio software can block its proper functioning.
• Sometimes, the audio output selection is not right in OBS settings, leading to OBS desktop audio not working.
• Though it can be the result of some minor software glitches, there is a possibility that your system may encounter malicious malware that is hindering OBS from managing desktop audio properly.
• Lastly, the audio can get corrupted, so you can't hear anything. It's not because of your computer or OBS Studio but the audio itself.

Effective Ways to Fix OBS Desktop Audio Not Working

After determining the cause of the OBS desktop audio not working, you may resolve the problem soon. However, let's consider some feasible ways to fix this issue, one by one:

Method 1. Restart or Reinstall the Program

Are you facing any issues in the OBS Studio? If yes, this can be a software glitch you need to fix by restarting OBS or the computer. However, reinstall this open source screen recorder again if the issue is not solved.

Below are the short steps to complete this task quickly:

Step 1. Firstly, launch the "Control Panel" and hit "Uninstall a Program under the "Programs" section." You will see a new window of the "Programs and Features."

Step 2. Now, search for the "OBS Studio" to checkmark and right-click the program to uninstall.

Step 3. Later, open the official website of OBS to download & install the program again. Make sure the problem is resolved or not.

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Method 2. Check OBS from Your Computer Volume Mixer

There are times when you mute the audio from the Volume Mixer accidentally. So, this troubleshooting step is about checking the Volume Mixer to unmute the OBS in case it is muted.

Here is how to unmute OBS on your computer:

Step 1. Right-click the little speaker icon available on the lower right side of your screen. This will open the "Volume Mixer."

Step 2. If the OBS speaker is muted, click the speaker icon to unmute. You can adjust the volume as desired.

Step 3. Next, it's time to launch OBS and check whether the desktop audio works properly or not. That's all!

Method 3. Look into OBS Audio Settings

The problem may be due to the multiple audio tracks selection when you have not chosen the proper device for desktop audio in OBS. Hence, it is a must to check devices in the audio settings.

Let's comply with this tutorial to fix the OBS desktop not working problem:

Step 1. After launching OBS Studio, click "File" from the menu to open "Settings."

Step 2. Now, you have to expand the "Audio" section using the side panel and consider the "Devices" section.

Step 3. Select the correct audio device for the "Desktop Audio" and "Mic/Auxiliary" options. Hopefully, it will help you record the desktop audio properly.

Method 4. Change OBS Output Encoding Settings

OBS is unable to capture the audio from both microphone and desktop if you aren't using the correct output encoding settings for both streaming and recording. So, you need to inspect the OBS output settings.

Here are the quick steps:

Step 1. After opening "Settings" in the OBS Studio, you have to choose the "Output" section from the left-side column. The "Output Mode" must be set to simple.

Step 2. Now, alter the "Streaming" options. Set "Audio Bitrate" to 128 and enter 3500 in the "Video Bitrate" box. Through the "Recording" section, "Recording Quality," you must choose "Same as Stream."

Step 3. You can also set "Output Mode" to "Advanced" and adjust "Rate Control" under the "Streaming" section. Now, restart OBS to ensure that the issue is resolved.

Method 5. Keep Your Audio Driver Up-to-Date

The desktop audio not working in OBS problem appears when the audio driver is malfunctioning or is not installed correctly, So keeping your drivers updated is essential!

Here is a step-by-step tutorial on to fix the desktop audio, not working issue:

Step 1. The first step involves opening the "Device Manager" by tapping the "Start" button and using the "Search" bar.

Step 2. Secondly, look for "Audio inputs and outputs" from the drivers' window. Double-click it, go to the required driver, right-click it, and press the "Update driver" tab.

Step 3. Finally, select "Search automatically for drivers" to get the latest update of the driver, if any. That's all!

Record Desktop Audio with OBS Alternative

If you are unable to fix the desktop audio not working on the OBS Studio problem, the OBS alternative can be your way to go. Among its various efficient alternatives, EaseUS Screen Recorder is the leading solution.

Just like OBS, this software assists you with whether you want to record microphone and desktop sound separately or both at once.

It provides an AI noise reduction feature for high-quality screen recordings without background noise. You can also enjoy a variety of advanced video recording features. These include multi-screens and schedule recording, audio extraction, green screen technology, and many more.

However, it offers a cleaner and simpler-to-use interface for easier workflow than OBS. Even you won't have to face lag or crash problems while recording.

Final Words

To conclude, this article has provided all the valid reasons for the desktop audio not working on the OBS problem. Along with that, you have learned the top ways to fix this problem properly.

However, EaseUS RecExperts is the most recommended method. It's because you can efficiently record your videos like in OBS Studio.

OBS Desktop Audio Not Working FAQs

Besides presenting an in-depth discussion on the causes and fixes of OBS desktop audio not working, here are some additional questions to answer. Let's look into that!

1. How do I reset my OBS audio?

To reset OBS audio, you must reset all the settings. For this purpose, launch OBS, click File > Show Settings Folder. Now, exit the OBS Studio, and delete all the cached files from the already opened folder. Launch OBS again, and it will be restored to the default settings, including audio.

2. How do I separate desktop audio from mic audio OBS?

You can separate desktop audio from mic audio from OBS advanced settings. Launch OBS Studio, click Settings from the lower right side menu to open the main window. Go to Output, expand its drop-down menu, and select Advanced. Now, choose Recording, and checkmark all 6 tracks for separate audio recordings.

3. Why my PC sound is not working?

The hardware problem behind your PC sound not working is the outdated audio drivers. Update it, and if the issue persists, uninstall it quickly. Though it reinstalls at the moment, you must use a generic audio driver if it still doesn't work after reinstallation. Also, you need to get the speakers checked physically.