Windows
Recommended Download
System RequirementsClick the appropriate link below, which takes you to the Sourceforge download page - don't "save link as.." or "save target as..". The Sourceforge download should start automatically. If you are having trouble, try disabling any automatic download managers you might have running.
Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista: Audacity 1.2.6 installer (.exe file, 2.1 MB) - The latest version of the free Audacity audio editor. See further information about Vista.
Optional Downloads
LADSPA plugins 0.4.15 installer (.exe file, 1.5 MB) - over 90 plug-ins.
LAME MP3 encoder - Allows Audacity to export MP3 files.
VST Enabler - Allows Audacity to load VST plug-ins.
Plug-Ins - Download additional effects and filters.
If you have trouble with your download, or need an older version of Audacity, try our alternate download links (older versions can be viewed by clicking on the appropriate package).
Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista: Audacity 1.2.6 zip file (3.0 MB) - If you cannot run the installer because you are in a computer lab or other restricted environment, download and unzip this file instead.
System Requirements
Windows 95 and NT are not supported.
The values in the "Recommended RAM/processor speed" column below are for tasks like recording for an hour, or editing three 20 minute tracks simultaneously. The values in the "Minimum RAM/processor speed" column will be fine for smaller/shorter tasks, especially if unnecessary programs are closed.
| Windows version | Recommended RAM/ processor speed |
Minimum RAM/ processor speed |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 98, ME | 128 MB / 500 MHz | 64 MB / 300 MHz |
| Windows 2000, XP | 512 MB/1 GHz | 128 MB/300 MHz |
| Windows Vista Home Basic | 2 GB / 1 GHz | 512 MB / 1 GHz |
| Windows Vista Home Premium/ Business/Ultimate |
4 GB / 2 GHz | 1 GB / 1 GHz |
Generally, Audacity works best on computers meeting more than the minimum requirements in the table above. Where Audacity is to be used for lengthy multi-track projects, we recommend using Windows 2000, XP or Vista running on machines of substantially higher specification than the minimum stated above.
