Bandicam error message: Failed to start audio capture

When the sound card driver is not installed properly or when the sound card is not available, you may see the 'Failed to start audio capture' error message.

Error message - Failed to start audio capture


To avoid this error message, uncheck the "Record sound" option like below:

uncheck - Record sound

If you uncheck "Record sound", you will be able to use Bandicam. However, you won’t be able to record computer sounds.


Failed to start audio capture - How to solve this problem


1. Disable audio tuning programs and uncheck "Enable audio enhancements"

If your audio device is used by another program, it can happen. Please disable audio tuning programs (Sonic Studio (ASUS Strix), Nahimic (Dell Alienware, MSI, EVGA)), uncheck the "Enable audio enhancements" option, and try again.

disable sonic studio, nahimic, disable audio enhancements



2. Plug the audio jack into the computer

Some computers recognize your sound card driver when you connect the audio jack to the computer.

Recording computer sound, not plugged in, disabled, ready, set as default device

1) If you see "Not plugged in" at the Windows Sound settings, please plug the audio jack into the computer.
2) If you see "Disabled", please select the "Enable" option.
3) If you see "Ready", please set 'Speakers (or Headphones)' as the default sound device.

3. Check the Bandicam and Windows settings

audio capture, sound capture,

  • Bandicam settings : Choose "Default Sound Device" (or Speakers, Headphones) as the Speakers and select "disable" as the Microphone.
  • Windows settings : Go to the 'Sound settings' of Windows, and set 'Speakers (or Headphones)' as the default sound device. The Speakers/Headphones will be green-ticked.

4. Try the 'Stereo Mix' device.

If there is a 'Stereo Mix' device under the [Recording] tab of the window, please select the “Stereo Mix” and click “Enable”, and then select "Stereo Mix" in Bandicam.

stereo mix

-If you cannot see the “Stereo Mix” device, please click “Show Disabled Devices”.
-If you still cannot see the “Stereo Mix” device, this method cannot be used.


5. Install the sound card driver

When the sound card drivers are not installed properly, you may see the 'Failed to start audio capture' error message.
Solution: Install the proper sound card driver from your sound card (or motherboard) manufacturer.

6. Uninstall/Reinstall graphics card drivers

Uninstall graphics card driver completely and then reinstall the latest graphics card driver.

7. Change the sound device of Bandicam

Click Settings button under the Video tab of Bandicam, and change the sound device of Bandicam.
If you use Windows 7/8/10, choose "(Default Sound Device)" as the primary sound device, and disable the secondary sound device.

8. Uncheck Compatibility mode in Windows Vista/7/8/10

If you can't see the "(Default Sound Device)" option in Windows Vista/7/8/10, it may be a compatibility problem. Right-click on the Bandicam icon > Properties > Compatibility > and then uncheck Run this program in compatibility mode for:. If you uncheck it, you can see the "(Default Sound Device)" option.

9. Upgrade your Windows XP to Windows Vista/7/8/10


10. Send your installed program list

If you still have the problem, download https://dl.bandicam.com/tools/bsa.exe and send your installed program list with the sound settings of Bandicam/Windows to bandicam@bandicam.com, and let us know if you have a problem with the 'Screen Recording Mode' of Bandicam




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