Windows 10: No "stereo mix" option in sound settings

I was going to make a linux virtual machine using VMware. That was easy, however, in the virual machine, when I tried to play audio, it wouldn't work. I searched for some solutions and they said to enable stereo mix in the sound settings. However when I went to my settings, I couldn't see anything called "stereo mix". Is there any way that I can enable stereo mix?

:)

 

No Stereo Mix In Sound Control Panel


I used to be able to select Stereo Mix under the Recording tab in the Sound control panel but it's no longer there. I checked to be sure all devices, including disabled ones, are displayed, but that wasn't the problem. I also checked to be sure I'm running the latest drivers. I'm using a new laptop and it has more audio devices than my old laptop, so I'm not sure if this impacts the situation. All are working properly, according to the device manager. Just to be sure, I went to Realtek's website and downloaded the latest version for my x64 system and installed it. The result was no sound at all (EEK!), so I did a driver rollback and things went back to the way they were - normal audio, but still no stereo mix.
I also checked the sound section under System Settings. When I click the popup menu under input, Microphone Array is the only option listed there. I did a little research and saw something about Microsoft intentionally removing the Stereo Mix/Wave Out Mix option from its drivers. I'm running the latest May 2019 update, so perhaps this is the case?
My ultimate goal is to use the Snagit screen capture utility to record a a video (with sound) of a game I'm playing so I can send to a friend. Snagit is configured properly, but it still captures the microphone input - as well as some kind of distortion. Audio from the microphone is also poor. I know there are workarounds, such as Virtual Audio Cable and Stereo Mix Plus, but I don't know about the bona fides of these apps and I'd prefer to solve the problem with my existing software/drivers - if that's possible. If not, I'll consider workarounds. Anyone have any ideas? TIA for any help.
Apologies if this is a duplicate post. I did a search for "stereo mix" and found nothing.

 

Windows 10 Stereo Mix

Hi Nicholas,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

Sorry for the inconvenience caused.

I suggest you to follow the methods below and check if it helps:

Method 1:

Try the following steps to enable the stereo mix and check if that help.



a) Right click on the audio icon in your system tray and select “Recording Devices” to open the Recording device settings in the “Sound” window.



b) In the pane, right-click on a blank area, and make sure both “View Disabled Devices” and “View Disconnected Devices” options are checked. You should be able to see the “Stereo Mix” option appearing.



c) Right-click on “Stereo Mix” and click “Enable” to be able to use it.



This should enable the “Stereo Mix” on Windows



Method 2:

If the issue persists then I suggest you to uninstall and reinstall the sounds card driver and check if it helps.

• 
  Right Click on Start, Select Device Manager.
  
• 
  Find and double-click the category of device whose driver you wish to uninstall.
  
• 
  Right-click the device, and click Uninstall.
  
• 
  Windows will prompt you to confirm the device’s removal. Click
  OK to remove the driver.
  
• 
  After the uninstallation is complete, reboot your computer as soon as possible
  

Hope the above information helps. Reply with necessary information and the result to help you further. Thank you.

 

Stereo Mix

How can I get stereo mix back as it appears my windows 10 laptop has conexant smart Audio HD ( LenovoZ50) which I do not like. I am aware the sound card does not of itself support stereo mix.

Any suggestions please?