How to Record Audio on Your Computer

This article serves as a guide to help you use your Windows computer to capture sound from both internal and external sources. You can use free applications like Audacity to record audio playing from your computer, such as music or video sounds. If you wish to record using your computer's microphone, the built-in Voice Recorder app, available on all Windows versions, can be used. For more advanced recording, especially for multiple tracks (e.g., for your band or music project), consider learning how to record songs with Audacity.

Download and Install Audacity. Audacity is a free program that allows you to record and edit audio on your computer, including sound from movies and videos. To download Audacity, open your web browser and go to https://www.audacityteam.org/download/, then follow these steps:

• Click on Audacity for Windows
• Click on the link for Audacity 2.3.2 installer to download the installation file.
• Double-click the installation file.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to install Audacity.

Click on the main audio selection box. This is located at the top left corner of Audacity, where the default option typically appears as MME. A list of options will appear here.

Select Windows WASAPI. By selecting this, Audacity will record sound from other applications, such as music or video player apps.

Click on the input sound selection box. This option is located next to the microphone icon, immediately to the right of the "Windows WASAPI" box.

Click on Speakers (loopback). This ensures that Audacity records the sound coming from your computer's speakers rather than external sounds (such as keyboard typing noises).

• If you are listening through headphones, select Headphones (loopback).

Disable Software Playthrough. To ensure the recording is free from distortion or feedback, follow these steps:

• Click on the Transport menu.
• Click on Transport Options.
• Uncheck "Software Playthrough" (if it’s selected). If you don’t see a checkmark here, you’re all set.

Click the red circle to start recording. This circle is located at the top left corner of the Audacity window. Once you click it, Audacity will begin recording the audio output from your computer's applications.

Play the sound you want to record. It’s best to begin after you hit the record button, as you can always trim the beginning of the recording to remove any unnecessary parts.

Switch the "default sound" selection to MME. This option is located near the top-left corner of the application, currently showing "Windows WASAPI". Once you select it, the program will update both the input and output audio settings so you can play back the recorded sound.

Save the recording. To save the file, follow these steps:

• Click on the File menu located at the top-left corner of the window.
• Select Export.
• Choose Export as MP3 (or any other desired format) from the menu.
• Select the folder to save the file.
• Enter a file name in the "File name" field.
• Click Save.
• Click OK when prompted.

Search for voice recorder. This will locate the Voice Recorder application on your computer. It is a free tool available on Windows 10.

Click on Voice Recorder in the search results. The app's microphone icon typically appears at the top of the search results. Once you click, the Voice Recorder app will open on your screen.

Click on the blue and white microphone icon to begin recording. This option is located at the bottom left corner of the application window. The Voice Recorder app will start recording from the microphone.

• If you want to record your voice, simply speak into the microphone.

Click the blue and white square to stop the recording. This button is located in the center of the window. This action will save your recording and return you to the main screen of Voice Recorder.

• Your recordings will be saved in the Sound Recordings folder within Documents by default.

Click on the recording date to listen to the selected recording. Your recordings will appear in the left panel, with the newest ones displayed at the top.

• To rename a file, right-click on its name in the left panel and choose Rename.
• To share a recording, right-click on the file and select Share. This allows you to choose an app for sharing.