How to Fix Discord Screen Share Audio not Working?

Discord’s screen share audio not working is an issue that often occurs due to incorrect Discord settings, corrupted audio drivers, using Windows version 1702, and corrupted cache files. Notably, the problem has been chiefly reported by users with Windows version 1702, which may be incompatible with Discord.

How to Fix Discord Screen Share Audio not Working?
How to Fix Discord Screen Share Audio not Working?

Below, we have outlined some of the primary causes:

  • Corrupted Discord Cache: Corrupted cache files can lead to issues. Cache files are meant to store images and other data to prevent the need for repeated downloads.
  • Having Windows 1702 Version: Discord may not function properly if you have Windows version 1702, as there may be compatibility issues. Learn more about Discord and Windows compatibility.
  • Outdated and Corrupted Audio Drivers: Not updating your audio drivers can result in audio issues while streaming games and applications, as outdated or corrupted drivers can interfere with Discord’s audio functions.
  • Using Full-Screen Mode: Streaming in full-screen mode might cause this issue. It is recommended to switch to windowed mode when streaming on Discord.

1. Add Game and Application to Activity Settings

To enhance Discord’s recognition of the programs you’re using, you can manually link each game or application within the Activity Settings. By doing this, you make sure that Discord accurately detects and broadcasts audio from the specific application during screen sharing sessions, potentially resolving instances where the audio fails to transmit correctly to other users.

  1. Open Discord and navigate to Settings.
    Navigating to Discord Settings
    Navigating to Discord Settings
  2. Select Registered Games under Activity Settings from the left sidebar.
  3. Click Add it, then type the name of the application causing the issue.
    Adding Application to Game Activity
    Adding Application to Game Activity
  4. Click Add Game.
    Click to Add Game
    Click to Add Game
  5. After adding the application or game, test it to see if the audio issue has been resolved.

2. Enable Audio Capture in Discord

Discord provides an option to capture audio while screen sharing. If this option is disabled, other users will not be able to hear application sounds. Enabling this feature is an important step if viewers have been missing out on the audio side of your shared application or gameplay.

By activating Audio Capture, Discord is given the green light to transmit system sounds over your stream, creating a more immersive and complete sharing session. So, making sure this function is turned on could effectively be the missing link to resolving audio issues during your Discord screen shares.

  1. Launch Discord and click the profile’s Settings icon, located in the bottom left corner.
  2. Head to Voice & Video in the left sidebar.
  3. Scroll down to the Screen Share section.
  4. Toggle on Use An Experimental Method To Capture Audio From Applications.
    Enabling Audio Capture
    Enabling Audio Capture
  5. Check to see if the audio issue is now resolved.

3. Enable Windowed Mode

When applications operate in full-screen mode, they can sometimes override user permissions and system resource priorities, potentially leading to conflicts with Discord’s screen sharing capabilities. By switching to windowed mode, you minimize such conflicts since windowed mode allows for better coexistence with the desktop environment and other running applications.

This change can enhance compatibility and restore the smooth functioning of Discord’s audio sharing features during your screen sharing sessions.

4. Reset Discord Voice Settings

By resetting discord’s voice settings, you basically grant Discord a fresh start, wiping away any misconfigured settings or glitches that might have sneaked in and disrupted the app’s functioning. It’s like hitting a reset button on your audio experience, making way for a smoother, uninterrupted voice chat or screen share session.

  1. Open Discord and proceed to Settings.
  2. Navigate to Voice & Video on the left.
  3. Scroll down and click on Reset Voice Settings.
    Reset the Voice Settings
    Reset the Voice Settings
  4. Confirm the action by clicking OK.
  5. Test the application again to check if the issue has been resolved.

5. Reinstall Audio Driver

Basically, audio drivers act as vital communicators between your computer’s operating system and the audio hardware. Over time, these drivers can become outdated or corrupted, causing issues in sound transmission, which may include the screen share audio glitches. Reinstalling the drivers refreshes this connection, replacing faulty data with the latest software designed to sync with your system’s specifications and Discord’s audio demands.

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type devmgmt.msc and click OK.
    Navigating to Device Manager
    Navigating to Device Manager
  3. Expand the Audio Driver Menu and right-click on your current adapter.
  4. Select Uninstall Device and click Uninstall to confirm.
    Click to Uninstall Audio Driver
    Click to Uninstall Audio Driver
  5. Visit your headset manufacturer’s or Realtek’s website to download the latest driver.
  6. Download and install the driver.
    Downloading Latest Realtek Audio Driver
    Downloading Latest Realtek Audio Driver
  7. Restart your computer and verify if the audio issue has been fixed.

6. Switch to Legacy Audio

Changing to Discord’s Legacy audio subsystem can potentially resolve the screen share audio malfunction by reverting to a previous, proven version of the audio handling process. This switch can improve compatibility with certain hardware or drivers that might not be fully aligned with Discord’s newer audio subsystem updates, thus ensuring smoother audio transmission during your screen sharing sessions.

  1. Within Discord’s Settings, proceed to Voice & Video.
  2. Scroll down to Audio Subsystem and select Legacy from the dropdown menu.
    Switching to Legacy
    Switching to Legacy
  3. Attempt to share the screen again and check for audio issues.

7. Update Discord

Basically, developers regularly push out updates to tackle a host of problems, including audio malfunctions that users encounter. By running the newest version of Discord, you align the software with the most current patches and enhancements, which can effectively restore and optimize your screen share audio functionality. It’s an important step in maintaining smooth communication and an undisrupted streaming experience.

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type %AppData% and click OK.
    Navigating to AppData Directory
    Navigating to AppData Directory
  3. Go to the Local folder and find the Discord folder.
  4. Execute the Update.exe file.
    Updating Discord
    Updating Discord
  5. Follow the update process, if available, then check for resolution of the issue.

8. Upgrade Windows Version

Newer versions of Windows come with updated features, bug fixes, and improved support for modern software. By moving away from an older version, such as Windows 1702, you are equipping your system with the latest patches that could contain important improvements for running Discord effectively.

This upgrade makes sure that Discord can utilize the latest system capabilities and integrations, thereby potentially fixing audio problems encountered during screen sharing sessions.

  1. Download the Media Creation Tool.
  2. Run the Media Creation Tool and accept the terms and conditions.
    Accept Terms and Conditions
    Accept Terms and Conditions
  3. Select Upgrade This PC Now and click Next.
    Upgrading Windows Version
    Upgrading Windows Version
  4. Test to see if the issue continues after the update.

9. Clear Discord Cache

When cache files become corrupted, they may block Discord’s ability to properly transmit sound. By deleting these files, you’re basically giving Discord a fresh start to rebuild its cache, which can often eliminate existing conflicts and restore audio functionality during your screen shares.

  1. To open the Run dialog, press Win + R.
  2. Type <%AppData%> and click OK.
    Go to AppData Directory
    Go to AppData Directory
  3. In the Roaming folder, Delete the Discord folder.
    Deleting Discord's Roaming Folder
    Deleting Discord’s Roaming Folder
  4. Return to the previous folder and open the Local folder.
  5. Delete the Discord folder there as well.
    Deleting Discord's Cache
    Deleting Discord’s Cache
  6. Restart Discord and share your screen to verify the resolution of the issue.

If the problem persists despite trying all the above solutions, consider that Discord isn’t the only option for sharing games and applications with friends. Alternatives such as Parsec and other remote desktop applications may be used.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.