The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 driver enables Windows to communicate with your audio interface so you can record inputs and play back sound through its outputs. Installing the appropriate Focusrite driver helps your recording software access the interface reliably, with ASIO support for low-latency audio work.

Key Features

• Low-latency ASIO support: Allows compatible recording applications to use the Scarlett 18i20 for responsive recording, monitoring, and playback.
• Multichannel audio access: Makes the interface’s available inputs and outputs accessible to supported audio software for recording sessions and flexible playback setups.
• Audio configuration: Provides access to supported sample-rate and buffer-size settings, helping you balance monitoring latency against system stability.
• Focusrite software integration: Works with the control application appropriate to your Scarlett generation, allowing you to manage supported routing and monitoring options.

How to Install

1. Identify your Scarlett generation and Windows version. The Scarlett 18i20 has multiple hardware generations, and driver compatibility differs between them. For Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7, check that the selected package explicitly supports both your operating system and your particular interface. Older Windows versions may require legacy software and may not support newer hardware.
2. Download the matching Focusrite package. Choose the driver and any required control software listed for your model. Depending on the generation, the appropriate application may be Focusrite Control, Focusrite Control 2, or Scarlett MixControl.
3. Run the installer. Close your recording applications, open the downloaded installer, and approve the Windows permission prompt if requested. Follow its instructions, including any directions about when to connect or disconnect the interface.
4. Connect and check the interface. Power on the Scarlett 18i20 and connect it to a suitable USB port on your computer. Restart Windows if prompted, then open the relevant Focusrite application to confirm that the hardware is detected.
5. Configure your audio software. Select the Focusrite ASIO driver in your recording application and enable the inputs and outputs you need. Start with a moderate buffer size, test recording and playback, and adjust it if you hear clicks or experience excessive delay. For everyday playback, select the interface in Windows sound settings as needed.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Installer fails or hangs: Disconnect the Scarlett 18i20 before installing. Close DAWs and audio apps, run the Focusrite installer as administrator, reboot, then connect the interface to a direct USB port.
• Device not detected: Try a known-good USB cable and a direct USB 2.0/3.0 port—avoid hubs. Power-cycle the 18i20, check Device Manager for unknown USB devices, and reinstall the latest Focusrite driver/Focusrite Control.
• Driver or firmware conflicts: Uninstall older Focusrite Control and Scarlett drivers, reboot, then install the matching latest package. Update firmware in Focusrite Control. Set Windows and Focusrite Control to the same sample rate, e.g. 48 kHz, to prevent playback errors.