To enable Stereo Mix in Windows 10, press Windows + R, type mmsys.cpl, and select the Recording tab. Right-click an empty area and select Show Disabled Devices. Then right-click Stereo Mix and select Enable. Stereo Mix lets you record whatever your PC is playing.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked on September 27, 2026. Stereo Mix comes from your audio driver, not from Windows itself, so not every PC has it. The steps follow the Windows 10 Sound control panel.
Turn on Stereo Mix
- Press Windows + R, type
mmsys.cpl, and select OK. You can also right-click the speaker icon and select Sounds. - Select the Recording tab.
- Right-click an empty area of the list and select Show Disabled Devices.
- Right-click Stereo Mix and select Enable.
- Select OK.
Record with Stereo Mix
- Play the sound you want to record, at a normal volume.
- In your recording app, choose Stereo Mix as the microphone or input.
- Start recording.
With the built-in Voice Recorder app, the easiest way is to right-click Stereo Mix and select Set as Default Device while you record, then set your microphone back afterward. See how to record audio in Windows 10 and how to set the default audio device in Windows 10.
Only record audio you have the right to record.
Record with Audacity
Audacity is a free recorder that works well with Stereo Mix:
- In the toolbar, set Audio Host to MME.
- Set the recording device to Stereo Mix.
- Play your sound and select Record.
If your PC has no Stereo Mix, Audacity can still record what your PC plays. Set Audio Host to Windows WASAPI and choose your speakers with (loopback) in the name as the recording device.
If Stereo Mix isn’t listed
- Make sure Show Disabled Devices is checked.
- Update or reinstall the audio driver from your PC maker. See how to update audio drivers in Windows 10.
- Check which driver you have. Right-click Start, select Device Manager, and expand Sound, video and game controllers. If it shows only High Definition Audio Device, Windows is using its generic driver, which has no Stereo Mix. Install the sound driver (often Realtek) from your PC or motherboard maker’s support page, restart, and check the Recording tab again.
- Some audio drivers simply don’t include Stereo Mix. In that case, use a recording app that can capture your PC’s own sound, or record your screen with sound. See how to record your screen in Windows 10.
If Stereo Mix doesn’t record
- It says Currently unavailable. Stereo Mix only works with the sound card it belongs to. Set that card’s speakers or headphones as the default playback device on the Playback tab.
- It disappeared after an update. Windows may have swapped the maker’s driver for the generic High Definition Audio Device driver, which has no Stereo Mix. Reinstall the driver from your PC or motherboard maker.
- Apps can’t use it. Windows treats Stereo Mix like a microphone. Go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone and make sure apps are allowed to use it.
- You hear an echo. Open Stereo Mix’s Properties, select the Listen tab, and clear Listen to this device.
- The recording is too quiet or crackles. On Stereo Mix’s Levels tab, set the level to about 80 to 100. If it crackles, turn down the volume of the sound you’re playing a little.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my Stereo Mix recording silent?
Check that sound is playing through your PC’s own speakers or headphone jack. Some USB and Bluetooth headsets bypass Stereo Mix. Also make sure Stereo Mix isn’t muted on its Levels tab.
Will Stereo Mix record my microphone too?
No, only what the PC plays. To record both, your recording app needs to use two inputs.
Does Stereo Mix work in Windows 11?
Yes, if your audio driver includes it. The steps are the same: open mmsys.cpl, go to the Recording tab, and enable it.
How do I change the recording quality?
Open Stereo Mix’s Properties and select the Advanced tab. Under Default Format, choose a higher sample rate, such as 48000 Hz, then select OK.
Can I record the sound from just one app?
Not with Stereo Mix, which records everything your PC plays, including notification sounds. Close other apps and mute alerts before you record, or use a recorder such as OBS Studio that can capture one app’s audio.
Microsoft’s reference is Sound Recorder app for Windows: FAQ. Microsoft doesn’t document Stereo Mix itself, because it comes from audio drivers. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Related: record a WAV file on Windows 10.
Related: how to trim an MP3 file in Windows 10.
Related: how to mute your microphone in Windows 10.
Related: how to play music through your mic in Windows 11.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.