How to Fix the Audacity Error Code 9999 in Windows 10

Audacity is a popular audio-editor program for Windows users. The app can edit, record, and produce music. However, many users find it difficult to listen to their music recordings on the app due to an unanticipated host error. If you are wondering how do I fix error code 9999, there is not much to worry about. This error generally occurs when a user records audio and tries to play it on the app. This is a common error and can be resolved by using a few simple troubleshooting methods. In this guide, we will discuss all the possible reasons for this issue, and then we will also explain how to fix the Audacity error code 9999 in Windows 10.

How to Fix the Audacity Error Code 9999 in Windows 10

Here, you will get to know about the solutions for Audacity error code -9999 unanticipated host error on Windows 10 PC.

Reasons for Audacity Error Code -9999 Unanticipated Host Error

There are multiple reasons why this error code appears while playing Audacity recordings on your Windows 10 computers. Some of the reasons are mentioned here.

• A glitch with the Audacity application is a common reason for error code 9999.
• Improper loading of the application can also cause this issue.
• The issue can also be caused by various background applications.
• Other system issues can also cause this error with the Audacity app.
• If you have disabled microphone access on your computer, you may receive this error.
• Various bugs and other recording errors on Windows computers can also cause this error.
• An outdated or corrupt microphone driver can cause this issue.
• A third-party antivirus program can also cause this issue with the Audacity app.
• An outdated Audacity app version can also malfunction and cause this issue.
• Various other underlying issues with the Audacity application can cause this issue.

Ways to Fix the Audacity Error Code 9999 in Windows 10

Below, we will discuss methods to figure out how do I fix error code 9999 in Audacity application.

Method 1: Basic Troubleshooting Methods

Generally, error code 9999 unanticipated host error, is not caused by any major problem on your computer, and a few simple basic methods can help you fix the issue. The following are some of the basic troubleshooting methods that you can use to figure out how do I fix error 9999 in Audacity.

1A. Record Audio Again

The Audacity error code -9999 unanticipated host error mostly appears when a user tries to play a recording on the Audacity application. If this is the case with you, you can try to delete the current recording and start over. Sometimes, simply recording the audio again will resolve this issue.

1B. Restart Audacity

If the issue remains, it can be caused by improper loading of the application on your computer. Again, this is not an issue to worry about, and you can fix it by simply restarting the Audacity application on your computer. You can simply close the Audacity app and then relaunch it after a couple of minutes.

1C. Close Similar Background Applications

If you are running similar recording applications or other applications that may require a microphone in the background, it can interfere with the Audacity processes and cause the microphone to malfunction. It is a good idea to end all the other background processes on your computer before you start recording on the Audacity application to avoid issues like error code 9999. You can read our guide on How to End Task in Windows 10 to know all the steps to close the background applications to figure out how do I fix error code 9999.

1D. Perform Clean Boot

If the previous troubleshooting methods did not help and you still don’t know how do I fix error 9999 in Audacity, you can try performing a clean boot of Windows on your device to fix the Audacity error code -9999 unanticipated host error. This method will help you erase all the bugs and corrupt files on your computer that may be causing Audacity to fail. You can check out the  How to Perform Clean boot in Windows 10 to safely perform the clean boot of your device.

Method 2: Enable Microphone Access

Sometimes, the issue can be a little bit more complicated, and you may need to make changes to the system settings to fix it. If you haven’t enabled microphone access on your Windows 10 computer, you will not be able to use the recording feature in the Audacity application. Therefore, try enabling microphone access on your computer to fix this issue.

1. Press Windows + I keys together to open Settings and go to Privacy.

2. From the left-side panel, navigate to Microphone.

3. Here, locate Allow access to the microphone on this device and click Change.

4. Now, turn on the toggle for Microphone access for this device.

5. Finally, reboot the PC.

Also Read: How to Fix Latency in Audacity in Windows 10

Method 3: Set Microphone as Default Device

If enabling microphone access does not help and the issue remains, you can try to set the microphone as the default audio device on your computer. This will make your microphone the default output audio device and will fix the error code 9999.

1. Press the Window + I keys together to open Settings and go to System.

2. From the left-side panel, navigate to the Sound tab.

3. Under Related Settings, click on Sound Control Panel.

4. Now, navigate to the Recording tab.

5. Locate and select Microphone, and then click Set Default.

6. Finally, click Apply and then OK to save the changes.

If this method does not work and you don’t know how do I fix error 9999 in Audacity, try the next method.

Also Read: How to Install Autotune VST Plugin in Audacity

Method 4: Run Recording Audio Troubleshooter

Recording Audio Troubleshooter is a Windows utility that helps you diagnose and resolve recording issues on your Windows computer. You can access this utility from the Control Panel. Since Audacity error code 9999 is a recording issue, you should try running this troubleshooter to fix the issue.

1. Open the Control Panel from the start menu.

2. Now, from the View by drop-down, select Large icons.

3. Scroll down and select Troubleshooting.

4. Now, select Hardware and Sound.

5. Here, select Recording Audio.

6. Finally, click Next to start the troubleshooting process.

Method 5: Update Microphone Driver

One of the most common reasons for this error with the Audacity application is an outdated microphone driver on your computer. An outdated driver can cause various issues with your computer and programs, and can even cause Audacity error code 9999. Therefore, try updating the microphone driver on your computer. Follow our guide on How to Update Realtek HD Audio Drivers in Windows 10 to perform the steps to update the driver on your computer.

Also Read: Fix Realtek High Definition Audio Driver Issue

Method 6: Reinstall Microphone Driver

If updating the microphone driver does not fix the problem, you can try to reinstall the driver to resolve the error code 9999 issue. You can check out the How to Uninstall and Reinstall Drivers on Windows 10 guide to safely reinstall the driver on your computer.

Method 7: Disable Third-Party Antivirus

If you are using a third-party antivirus program on your computer to protect yourself against internet threats, you can try disabling it for a while to resolve the error code 9999 issue with the Audacity application. Sometimes, when an antivirus wrongly flags a process as a threat, it can block it. In this case, disabling the antivirus will resolve this issue. You can check out the How to Disable Antivirus Temporarily on Windows 10 guide to resolve this issue.

Method 8: Install Latest Audacity Update

If you are using an old version of the Audacity program on your computer, you should consider installing the latest version of the application to avoid all the app issues. You can directly install the latest version of the app from the official website or install updates from the Microsoft Store.

1. Open the Microsoft Store from the start menu.

2. Here, click on Library from the bottom-left side of the screen.

3. Finally, click on Get Updates to install all the available updates.

Also Read: How to Fix Razer Audio Visualizer Not Working

Method 9: Reinstall Audacity

If none of the previous methods help and the issue remains with the Audacity application, you can try reinstalling it on your computer.

1. Press Windows + I keys simultaneously to open Settings and go to Apps.

2. Here, locate and select the Audacity app, then click Uninstall.

3. Click Uninstall again to confirm the action.

4. Open the web browser and visit the official Audacity Download page.

5. Here, click the Download for Windows link.

6. Open the downloaded setup and follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the Audacity application?

Ans. Audacity is a popular music editor for Windows and Mac computers. The application is popular among music composers and creators.

Q2. What is error code 9999 in Audacity?

Ans. Error code 9999 is a common error in the Audacity application. This error code can prevent you from playing recordings on the app.

Q3. What causes error code 9999?

Ans. There can be various reasons for the error code 9999 issue in the Audacity application. Some of the common reasons include improper privacy settings, improper loading of the app, and an outdated driver.

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We hope this guide was helpful to you and you were able to figure out how to fix the audacity error code 9999 in Windows 10. Let us know which method worked for you. If you have any suggestions or queries for us, please let us know in the comment section.