3 Ways to Record Audio on Windows 11

Forget grainy phone recordings; now, you can capture pro-level audio with your Windows device. You can do so with the native Windows app, third-party apps, and websites. In this article, we’ll check how to record audio on Windows 11.

Whether you want to capture a perfect riff, record a crystal-clear lecture, or narrate your epic gaming moments to your YouTube family, Windows 11 has you covered. Follow along with the article to see how to record audio using various methods.

Method 1: Record Audio With the Native Windows Sound Recorder App

What We Think: Simple to use.

Microsoft consistently updates Windows to optimize its performance. The Voice Recorder app exemplifies this commitment, as it has not only undergone rebranding but also supports various recording formats such as MP3, M4A, WAV, FLAC, and WMA.

A notable feature is the ability to select audio quality, including auto, medium, best, and high options. Additionally, users can change the recording device (microphone) directly within the app, enhancing flexibility. Here’s a guide on using the app:

Step 1: Press Windows + S, type Sound Recorder, and select Open.

Step 2: In the bottom left corner, click the drop-down button and select your preferred microphone device for recording.

Note: The app uses your built-in microphone by default unless you’ve changed it in Settings.

Step 3: Press the Record button (the red round button with a white circle) to start.

Tip: You can also press ctrl + R to initiate recording.

Step 4: If you want to take a short break between your recordings, click the Pause button (the white round button with two parallel black lines).

Tip: Press the Spacebar on your keyboard to pause the recording.

Step 5: Resume the recording by pressing the Resume button (the white round button with a red circle).

Tip: You can also press the Spacebar for the same.

Step 6: End the recording by clicking the Stop button (the white round button with the black square).

Tip: You can also press the Escape key.

Your saved recordings are listed on the left side of the pane. To view the recording, right-click on it and select Show in folder from the options. Remember that they are saved in MP4 by default.

Also Read: How to fix Sound Recorder not working on Windows 11

Method 2: Record Audio With a Third-Party App

While the native Windows app is suitable for recording sound on Windows 11, some users can find it limited. You need not worry. Here are two of the best voice recording apps that give you complete control while recording. So, without further ado, let’s check these apps and how to use them:

1. Using the Audacity App

What We Think: Feature-rich audio recorder.

Follow the simple steps below to record sound on Windows 11 using Audacity:

Step 1: Download and install the Audacity app.

Download Audacity

Step 2: Click the Windows icon in the taskbar. Type Audacity in the search box and choose Open.

Step 3: Select the Audio Setup button, hover over the Recording Device option, and choose a device.

Note: The app uses the built-in microphone by default unless you’ve changed it in Settings.

Step 4: Press the red Record button or use the shortcut Shift + R to start recording.

Step 5: Click the Pause button or use the P key to pause the recording. Now, press the same button again to resume the recording.

Step 6: Click the black Stop button when you’re finished.

2. With the OBS Studios App

What We Think: Beginner-friendly voice recorder.

Step 1: Launch a web browser. Head to the OBS website.

Visit OBS Studios

Step 2: Press the Download Installer button and install the application once downloaded.

Step 3: Click the Windows icon, type OBS Studio in the search box, and choose Open.

Step 4: Under the Sources box, click the + icon and select Audio Input Capture.

Step 5: Rename the file under the Create new section and press OK.

Step 6: Click the drop-down button next to Device and select the microphone for recording. Once done, press the OK button.

Step 7: To ensure your mic is working, you can see the dB fluctuating under the Audio Mixer section.

Relatable: How to fix the microphone not working issue on Windows 11

Step 8: Click the Start Recording button to initiate the recording.

Step 9: When prompted to record a black screen, select Yes.

Step 10: Close the recording by pressing the Stop Recording button.

Note: You also have an option to record internal audio on your device.

Method 3: Record Sound With an Online Voice Recorder

What We Think: Low complexity audio recorder.

Online voice recorders provide a convenient and user-friendly way to capture audio without additional software or hardware. These tools allow users to record sound directly through their web browsers, eliminating installation hassle. Here’s one of the best tools to record audio playing on your computer or surroundings.

Step 1: Open a web browser and go to the Online Voice Recorder website.

Open Online Voice Recorder

Step 2: Press the red button with the mic to start recording.

Step 3: To take a break, click the Pause button. Press the Pause button again to resume recording.

Step 4: To end the recording, click the red stop button.

Step 5: Click the Save button to download the recording to your device.

Also Read: How to record screen with audio on Windows 11

Audio Recorded

We hope the simple and easy-to-follow methods above helped you record audio on your Windows 11 device. Also, if you get stuck or face issues with your devices, comment below. We’ll assist you.