Fix Express Scribe Audio Issues on Windows

Express Scribe is widely used by court reporters and transcription professionals, but it can sometimes interfere with Windows audio. The symptoms can be confusing — sound may disappear, switch to the wrong device, or only return after a reboot.

This guide explains why that happens and walks you through the real-world fixes that restore audio quickly and reliably.

Common Symptoms

• No sound from speakers or headphones
• "No audio output device installed” messages
• Audio playing through the wrong device
• Sound returning after a reboot, then failing again later

Why Express Scribe Can Break Audio

1. It Hijacks the Default Audio Device

Express Scribe may switch Windows to a virtual or software audio device instead of your real speakers or headphones. When the program closes or crashes, Windows doesn’t always switch back automatically.

2. It Installs a Virtual Audio Driver

Some versions install an NCH virtual audio device. If this conflicts with Realtek or Intel audio — or fails after a Windows update — Windows may think no usable audio hardware exists.

3. It Uses "Exclusive Mode”

Express Scribe can take exclusive control of the audio device. If it doesn’t release that control cleanly, other programs (and sometimes Windows itself) cannot use the device until services restart or the system reboots.

Quick Checks Before You Start

• Make sure speakers or headphones are plugged in and powered on.
• Check that volume is not muted.
• If using a docking station or USB audio device, confirm it’s firmly connected.

Fix 1 — Turn Off Exclusive Mode (Most Effective)

1. Right‑click the speaker icon in the taskbar and choose Sound settings.
2. Under Output, select your real device (e.g., Speakers (Realtek)).
3. Click More sound settings (or Additional device properties).
4. Select your playback device and click Properties.
5. Go to the Advanced tab.
6. Uncheck:
   • Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device
   • Give exclusive mode applications priority
7. Click Apply, then OK, and restart Express Scribe.

Fix 2 — Re‑Select the Correct Playback Device

Express Scribe may switch Windows to a virtual or incorrect device.

1. Right‑click the speaker icon → Sound settings.
2. Under Output, choose your real speakers or headphones.

Avoid: anything labeled NCH, Virtual, or similar unless you specifically need it.

Fix 3 — Disable the NCH Virtual Audio Device

If you don’t use Express Scribe’s audio capture features, disabling its virtual device can prevent conflicts.

1. Press Windows + X → Device Manager.
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Look for entries such as NCH Sound Device or NCH Audio Capture.
4. Right‑click → Disable device (do not uninstall yet).
5. Restart the computer.

Fix 4 — Restart Windows Audio Services

If audio stops suddenly while using Express Scribe, restarting services can restore sound without rebooting.

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
2. Right‑click Windows Audio → Restart.
3. Right‑click Windows Audio Endpoint Builder → Restart.

Fix 5 — Prevent Windows from Auto‑Switching Devices

Windows sometimes switches audio devices when new hardware or virtual devices appear.

1. Go to Settings → System → Sound.
2. Confirm your preferred device is selected.
3. Turn off any options that automatically switch devices (if available).

Fix 6 — Update or Reinstall Your Audio Driver

If audio problems began after a Windows update or Express Scribe install, reinstalling the audio driver may help.

• Download the latest audio driver from your laptop manufacturer’s support page.
• Install it and restart the computer.
• Open Express Scribe and test playback.

When to Contact Support

• No audio devices appear in Windows Sound settings.
• Device Manager shows errors or warning icons.
• Audio fails every time Express Scribe starts.
• Reinstalling the audio driver does not fix the issue.

These cases may indicate a deeper driver conflict, Windows corruption, or hardware issue that requires technician‑level tools.

Related Articles

• Fix Windows Blue Screen Crashes That Look Like Memory Problems
• How to Rebuild a Corrupted Windows User Profile
• How to Safely Move Windows User Folders to Another Drive