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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTo capture desktop audio in OBS Studio, first play sound and check whether the Desktop Audio meter moves in the Audio Mixer. OBS enables desktop audio by default on supported setups, so you may not need to add a source. If the meter is silent, select the right playback device in Settings → Audio. For audio from just one app, use an application capture source where your operating system and OBS version support it.
Before you start: decide what audio to capture
Choose between capturing all desktop audio—everything playing through the selected output device—or one application, such as a browser or media player. If the sound should appear only in a particular scene, a scene-specific source may be more appropriate than the global Desktop Audio setting.
Play audio and watch the relevant meter in the OBS Audio Mixer. If it moves, OBS is receiving audio. Make a short test recording and listen to it before an important session; OBS recommends testing for a few minutes rather than starting a real stream or recording without checking. OBS Quick Start Guide
Capture all desktop audio on Windows
- Open Settings → Audio in OBS.
- Under the global audio devices, check which device is selected for Desktop Audio. Choose the output device that is actually playing your computer sound if the current selection is wrong or silent.
- Click Apply and OK, then play audio and verify that the Desktop Audio meter moves.
- Record a short test and listen back to confirm the sound is present and at a usable level.
If you want audio tied to a particular scene instead, add an Audio Output Capture source and select the playback device. Avoid capturing that same device through both the scene source and global Desktop Audio: the duplicate signal can cause echo. Disable the corresponding global device when you use it as a scene source. OBS Audio Sources
#1 Best Overall
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Capture audio from one Windows application
OBS documents Application Audio Capture for Windows 10 version 2004 or later and Windows 11. It is useful when you want one app’s sound without also capturing unrelated system audio.
- In the Sources dock, click + and choose Application Audio Capture. Give the source a descriptive name.
- Select the window or application producing the sound.
- Choose a matching preference. OBS recommends matching by type for most applications. If a window title changes frequently—for example, when a browser tab or playlist changes—matching by executable name may keep the capture attached to the application.
- Play audio in that app and confirm the source’s meter responds.
- Disable the matching global Desktop Audio device in Settings → Audio so the same sound is not captured twice.
OBS 30.1 and later also offers a Capture Audio (BETA) option on Window Capture or Game Capture sources. Availability depends on the OBS version and source type. The OBS guide explains application capture and its options: Application Audio Capture Guide
Rank #2
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If Application Audio Capture does not pick up the app
Some application audio paths may not work with the built-in capture source. OBS documents a virtual-cable routing workaround: route the app’s output to VB-CABLE, then add the cable’s output to OBS as an Audio Input Capture source. On Windows, you can assign an application to CABLE Input in the Volume Mixer. This is a software-routing option, not a requirement to buy a physical cable. Follow OBS’s current instructions for setup: Application Audio Capture Guide
Capture desktop audio on macOS
On macOS 13 Ventura and later, OBS Studio 30 and later includes a macOS Audio Capture source. It can capture all desktop audio or a selected application. The macOS Screen Capture source can also capture audio on macOS 13 and later. OBS describes Screen Capture-based audio for OBS 28 and 29 on macOS 13 or later as well. Source availability depends on both the macOS and OBS versions, so check the OBS guide for your setup: macOS Desktop Audio Capture Guide
Rank #3
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- In Sources, click + and add the suitable macOS audio or screen capture source.
- Choose desktop-wide capture or the application you need, depending on the source’s available options.
- Play audio, check the Audio Mixer meter, and make a test recording.
For older macOS versions, OBS says additional software is needed for desktop audio. Its guide describes VB-CABLE setup and names Loopback and Sound Siphon as routing options. These are third-party software choices; they are not required for the supported newer built-in capture path.
Capture audio on Linux
OBS marks Audio Input/Output Capture as unavailable on Linux and points users to ALSA or PulseAudio audio capture sources. The exact setup depends on the Linux distribution and audio system, so choose the appropriate ALSA/PulseAudio source in OBS rather than following Windows device steps. The official source-availability reference is OBS Audio Sources.
Rank #4
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- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Fix common desktop-audio problems
- The meter does not move: Play audio, then open Settings → Audio and select the output device that is actually in use. Verify the meter again.
- The wrong sounds are captured: Decide whether you need all system playback or one application, then use the corresponding global device or application source.
- You hear an echo or doubled audio: Check whether the same output is captured globally and again through a scene or application source. Disable the duplicate Desktop Audio device.
- A Windows app is missing from Application Audio Capture: Try OBS’s VB-CABLE routing fallback and assign the application to CABLE Input in the Windows Volume Mixer.
- You are unsure whether the recording is correct: Make a short test recording and listen to the file before going live or recording the full program.
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Best Value
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- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
