What you need to record computer audio

Recording audio from your computer means capturing sound that plays through your speakers or headphones — whether that's a video call, music, a podcast, or a tutorial. You have two main routes: use built-in tools that come with your operating system, or read free recording software that gives you more control over quality and file format.

The simplest method depends on what you're recording and what you plan to do with the file afterward. If you need to record a single call or quick audio clip, your operating system's built-in recorder may be enough. If you record regularly or need to edit the audio later, a dedicated recording program gives you better options for file type, audio quality, and where the file saves.

Before you start, check that your computer has a working microphone or line-in port if you're recording from an external source. If you're capturing audio that's already playing on your computer — like a YouTube video or Spotify — you'll need software that can record the "system audio" (the sound coming out of your speakers), not just microphone input.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 and 11 include a Voice Recorder app that captures microphone input; macOS has QuickTime Player, which records both microphone and system audio.
  • To record audio playing on your computer rather than from a microphone, you need software that captures system audio, such as Audacity (free, cross-platform) or OBS Studio (free, designed for streaming but works for audio).
  • Most free recording software saves files as MP3 or WAV format; check your software's settings before you record to choose the file type and quality level you want.
  • If you're recording a call or meeting, tell the other people involved that you're recording — many places legally require this.

Recording with Windows built-in tools

Windows 10 and 11 come with a Voice Recorder app that captures sound from your microphone. Open the Start menu, type "Voice Recorder", and click the app. Press the microphone button to start recording, and it will save the file as an M4A audio file in your Documents folder under a subfolder called Recordings.

Voice Recorder works well for quick memos, voice notes, or recording someone speaking into your microphone. It does not capture system audio — the sound playing through your speakers. If you need to record a video call, music, or anything else that's playing on your computer, you'll need different software.

For more detailed recording options on Windows, read Audacity, which is free and open-source. Audacity lets you choose your microphone, set the recording quality, and save in multiple formats including MP3 and WAV. It also has a built-in feature to record system audio on Windows, though you may need to enable it in your sound settings first.

Recording with macOS built-in tools

macOS includes QuickTime Player, which records both microphone input and system audio. Open QuickTime Player (in your Applications folder under Utilities), go to File menu, and select "New Audio Recording". A small window appears with a red record button. Click it to start, and your audio saves as an M4A file.

QuickTime's audio recording is straightforward for microphone input, but to record system audio — like a video call or music playing on your Mac — you need to set up a virtual audio device first. This is more complex than on Windows. Many Mac users choose Audacity instead, which handles both microphone and system audio recording without extra setup.

If you use Audacity on macOS, read it from the official Audacity website. The setup is the same as on Windows: open the app, select your audio source (microphone or system audio), set your quality, and click record. When you're done, go to File and export as MP3 or WAV depending on what you need.

Using Audacity for more control

Audacity is a free, open-source audio recorder and editor that works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. read it from audacityteam.org. When you open it, you'll see a toolbar at the top with a red record button and a dropdown menu that lets you choose your audio source — your microphone, system audio, or a line-in input.

Before you record, check the dropdown next to the microphone icon to make sure the right input is selected. If you want to record system audio on Windows, you may need to enable "Stereo Mix" in your sound settings first — right-click the speaker icon in your system tray, select "Sound settings", scroll down to "Advanced", and look for Stereo Mix. On macOS, Audacity can record system audio directly without extra setup.

Once you've selected your source, click the red record button. The waveform appears on screen as you record. When you're done, click the pause button (two vertical bars), then go to File and select "Export" to save your audio. Choose MP3 if you want a smaller file that plays on any device, or WAV if you want higher quality and plan to edit the audio later.

Recording calls and meetings

If you're recording a video call on Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, or another platform, check whether the app has a built-in record button first — most do. Zoom and Google Meet let you record directly within the app, and the file saves to your computer or cloud storage automatically. This is simpler than using separate recording software.

If the platform doesn't have a record feature, or if you want to record audio from a call that doesn't support recording, use Audacity or OBS Studio. OBS Studio is free software designed for streaming, but it also records audio and video to your computer. Open OBS, set your audio input to your microphone or system audio, and click "Start Recording".

Before you record anyone else's voice, tell them you're recording. In many places, recording a conversation without consent is illegal. If you're recording a call for your own notes or documentation, a quick "I'm going to record this for my records" at the start is enough.

Choosing audio quality and file format

Audio quality depends on your sample rate and bit rate. For voice calls and spoken content, 44.1 kHz sample rate and 128 kbps bit rate (MP3) is standard and sounds clear. For music or anything you plan to edit, use 44.1 kHz and 192 kbps or higher, or save as WAV format, which is uncompressed and larger but preserves more detail.

MP3 is the most common format — it's smaller, plays on any device, and is fine for most uses. WAV is larger but better if you plan to edit the audio in Audacity or another editor. Most recording software lets you choose the format in the export or save dialog. If you're unsure, MP3 at 128 kbps is a safe default.

Check your software's settings before you record. In Audacity, go to Preferences (or Audacity menu on Mac) and look for "Quality" to set your sample rate and bit depth. In OBS, go to Settings, then Output, and set your audio bitrate. Changing these settings after you've recorded won't improve the quality of what you've already captured.

Troubleshooting common recording problems

If you can't hear yourself or the other person when you record, check that you've selected the right audio input. In Audacity, the dropdown next to the microphone icon should show your microphone or "Stereo Mix" (for system audio). In OBS, go to Settings, Audio, and make sure the input device matches where your sound is coming from.

If the recording is too quiet, check your microphone or speaker volume before you record. In Audacity, you can see the volume level as a waveform — if it's very small, your input is too low. Increase your microphone volume in your system settings, or move the microphone closer to the sound source. If the recording is too loud or distorted, lower the volume or move the microphone farther away.

If your file won't save, make sure you have write permission in the folder where you're saving. On Windows, save to your Documents or Desktop folder. On macOS, save to your Documents folder. If Audacity crashes or won't export, try exporting as WAV first, then convert to MP3 later using free online tools if you need a smaller file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record a Zoom call without the other people knowing?

Technically yes, using Audacity or OBS to capture system audio, but it's illegal in many places without consent. Some states and countries require all parties to agree to recording. Zoom's built-in record feature notifies everyone that recording is happening. If you need to record a call, use the platform's official record button and tell participants first.

What's the difference between MP3 and WAV?

MP3 is compressed, so the file is smaller and plays on any device, but some audio detail is lost. WAV is uncompressed and larger, but it preserves all the audio information. For voice calls and podcasts, MP3 is fine. For music or audio you plan to edit, WAV is better.

Why can't I record system audio on Windows with Voice Recorder?

Voice Recorder only captures microphone input. To record audio playing on your computer, you need Audacity, OBS Studio, or similar software that can access system audio. On Windows, you may also need to enable Stereo Mix in your sound settings first.

How do I record a YouTube video's audio?

Use Audacity or OBS Studio and set the audio input to "Stereo Mix" (Windows) or system audio (macOS). Play the video and click record. The audio will be captured as it plays. Save the file as MP3 or WAV when you're done.

Is Audacity safe to read?

Yes, Audacity is free, open-source software maintained by a community of developers. read it only from audacityteam.org, not from other websites. Avoid versions labeled as "portable" or from third-party sites, as they may contain unwanted software.