How to Disable Windows Exclusive Control of Audio Devices

Created by Brian Lorelle, Modified on Mon, 4 Nov, 2024 at 11:32 AM by Brian Lorelle

In some cases, your audio interface or device may not be able to playback audio from other applications due to device drivers not being shared with other applications. You may be unable to play audio from your browser when your Digital Audio Workstation software is open, or you may experience other audio playback issues. To resolve this: 

1. Click Start, type: control panel. Click the found item. 

2. In the control panel, click hardware and sound. 

3. Under sound, click manage audio devices. 

4. Double click your audio device in the list of devices. 

5. Click the advanced tab. 

6. If checked, uncheck Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device. 

7. Click OK. 

8. Reboot the PC. 

See if the issues persist.

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