Audacity Internal PortAudio Error in Windows
Audacity is an excellent music editing and recording software. PortAudio is the core library used by Audacity to manage audio input/output. When “Internal PortAudio error” appears, it usually means that the software could not find any audio devices and access the device correctly. The following are common reasons for the error:
- The audio device is occupied by another program
- Outdated or damaged sound card driver
- Conflicting sample rate settings
- System permission issues
- Firewall/security software blocking access

How to Fix Internal PortAudio Error in Audacity
After knowing the Audacity Internal PortAudio error, you can take action to fix it. Here are some effective ways you can refer to.
Way 1: Run the Playing Audio Troubleshooter
When the audio-related issues happen, what you can do first is run the Playing Audio troubleshooter. It can quickly diagnose and fix problems related to audio playback. Here is how you can do it.
Step 1: Press the Win + I keys to open the Settings app and click on Update & Security.
Step 2: Choose Troubleshoot and click on Additional troubleshooters.
Step 3: Under Get up and running, click on Playing Audio and Run the troubleshooter.
See Also: A Quick Guide to Fix Speaker Setup Unknown Windows 10 Error
Way 2: Enable the Windows Audio and Endpoint Builder Services
If the Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder services are not running, your audio device may not play sounds or be detected by the system. These services manage the communication between audio devices and services, and enabling them ensures that audio functions properly. Here are the steps.
Step 1: Press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog.
Step 2: Type services.msc in the box and press Enter.
Step 3: Scroll down the list to find Windows Audio, right-click on it, and choose Properties.
Step 4: In the Startup type box, choose Automatic from the menu.
Step 5: Finally, click on Start > Apply > OK to confirm the change.

Step 6: Repeat the steps with the Windows Audio Endpoint Builder service.
Way 3: Enable all Playback and Recording Devices
Enabling all playback and recording devices can help ensure that your computer can recognize and use all connected audio devices. If you are having problems with your audio devices, enabling all devices can help you determine which devices are working properly and which are not. Work with the following steps.
Step 1: Right-click on the Start button and choose Run to open the dialog.
Step 2: Type mmsys.cpl in the box and press Enter.
Step 3: Under the Playback tab, right-click on all disabled devices and choose Enable.
Step 4: After that, go to the Recording tab and then enable all the devices.
Way 4: Perform Rescan Audio Devices
This problem may be caused by the system not recognizing it. Performing a “Rescan Audio Device” can ensure that your system can accurately recognize all connected audio devices. This is very important for solving audio problems and optimizing device usage. Refer to the steps below.
Step 1: Launch the Audacity app and go to the Transport tab.
Step 2: Click on Rescan Audio Devices from the drop-down list.
This practice will restart your Audacity.
Way 5: Update or Reinstall Audio Device Drivers
If none of the methods work, reinstalling the audio device or updating the audio driver can be your last resort. This operation can fix problems related to audio devices and ensure that they work properly. Do as follows.
Update the audio driver:
Step 1: Right-click on the Windows icon and choose Device Manager.
Step 2: Click on the small arrow in front of Audio inputs and outputs to expand it.
Step 3: Right-click on your device and choose Update driver.
Step 4: In the new window, select Search automatically for drivers.
Reinstall the audio driver:
Step 1: Open the Device Manager and double-click on Audio inputs and outputs.
Step 2: Right-click on the device and choose Uninstall device.
Restart your computer, and Windows will install the driver automatically.
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Bottom Line
You may know how to fix the Audacity Internal PortAudio error in Windows after reading this article, where many ways, such as running the troubleshooter, enabling the service, updating the audio driver, and so on, are listed. Try them now!
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