Discord has become one of the most popular platforms for voice, video, and text communication, especially among gaming and tech communities. One of its standout features is screen sharing with audio, allowing users to stream their screen along with sound to others in a channel. However, many users face the frustrating issue of Discord screen share audio not transmitting properly, both on Windows and Mac. This article provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to resolve this issue and get you back to seamless screen sharing in no time.
TL;DR
If your Discord screen share has video but no audio on Windows or Mac, it’s probably due to incorrect audio settings, missing permissions, or outdated drivers. This guide helps troubleshoot everything from app permissions to audio codecs. Start with basic checks like restarting Discord and enabling “Use an experimental method to capture audio” in Voice & Video settings. If that fails, dive into system-level solutions for both operating systems.
1. Basic Checks Before Troubleshooting
Before diving into advanced solutions, it’s essential to perform a few basic checks that often solve the issue immediately:
- Restart Discord: A simple restart can sometimes resolve minor bugs or glitches.
- Update Discord: Ensure that you are using the latest version of the Discord app.
- Check application sound: Verify that the app you’re sharing actually has sound and that your system volume is not muted.
2. Grant Required Permissions (Windows & Mac)
Both Windows and macOS require apps to have specific permissions to access system audio during screen recording or sharing.
On Windows:
- Press Win + I to open Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security > Microphone.
- Make sure Discord has microphone access enabled.
- Also go to System > Sound > App volume and device preferences and ensure Discord is not muted.
On macOS:
- Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
- Select the Privacy tab.
- Under Microphone and Screen Recording, ensure the checkbox for Discord is selected.
- If the checkboxes are greyed out, click the lock icon to unlock them using your admin password.
3. Select the Correct Audio Source
Sometimes, audio issues originate because Discord is not picking up the right input source.
- Open User Settings in Discord (gear icon at the bottom).
- Navigate to Voice & Video.
- Check the Input Device and Output Device match your actual devices (e.g., correct microphone and speakers).
- Scroll down and enable “Use an experimental method to capture audio from applications”.
This setting is especially helpful on Windows when audio isn’t being captured during screen sharing.
4. Share the Application Window (Not the Screen)
Audio capture works more reliably when a specific application window is shared instead of the entire screen.
- Click the Screen button in your voice or video channel.
- Instead of choosing “Your Entire Screen,” select the specific application that’s playing audio.
- Click Go Live.
This method allows Discord to isolate and capture application audio more effectively.
5. Install or Update Audio Drivers (Windows)
Outdated or missing drivers can prevent Discord from transmitting audio properly.
- Right-click the Start button and open Device Manager.
- Expand the Sound, video and game controllers section.
- Right-click your audio device and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
You can also visit the manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers for your audio chip (e.g., Realtek, Intel, Nvidia).
6. Reinstall Discord
Sometimes a corrupted installation can cause audio transmission issues. Reinstalling Discord can help address this.
- Uninstall Discord from your system settings.
- Download the latest version from the official website.
- Reboot your computer before reinstalling.
7. macOS-Specific Fix: Use Soundflower or Loopback
macOS has security limitations that may restrict Discord from capturing audio directly. You can use third-party audio routing tools to fix this:
- Soundflower (Free): Allows routing audio from apps into Discord.
- Loopback (Paid): More feature-rich and easier to configure than Soundflower.
To use Soundflower:
- Install Soundflower.
- Set your system audio output to Soundflower.
- Use an audio mixer (like BlackHole or Loopback) to direct that audio into Discord’s input.
8. Check for Background Apps Interfering with Discord
Some applications on your machine can interfere with Discord’s ability to transmit audio during screen sharing:
- Audio enhancement apps (e.g., Boom 3D, Nahimic, DTS)
- Screen recording software (e.g., OBS, Camtasia)
- Antivirus or firewall services blocking Discord’s permissions
Temporarily disable or close these apps while troubleshooting to see if they are the cause of the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is there no audio during screen share on Discord?
This usually happens due to incorrect app permissions, an outdated Discord version, or using the wrong screen share method (e.g., full screen vs. app window).
Does Discord support audio sharing on Mac?
Yes, but it requires third-party tools like Soundflower or Loopback due to macOS’s strict system audio permissions.
What is the “experimental method for capturing audio” in Discord?
This setting allows Discord to use an alternate method to capture sound from applications. It can be found under Voice & Video settings.
Which apps support screen share with audio?
Common supported apps include Chrome, Firefox, VLC Media Player, Spotify, and some games. Not all applications are supported for audio capture.
How can I test if audio is working before going live?
You can perform a test stream in a private channel with a friend or use the Sound Check feature in Discord’s Voice & Video settings.
By following these steps and using the tips provided above, users can usually resolve any issues related to Discord screen share audio not working on both Windows and Mac. Regular updates, proper configuration, and third-party tools for macOS will ensure a smoother screen sharing experience in every call.