What you can record on a PC and which tool to use
Your PC has built-in recording tools for both audio and video, and which one you use depends on what you're capturing. If you want to record your screen with sound — for a tutorial, gameplay, or a meeting — use the Xbox Game Bar (Windows 10 and 11) or OBS Studio (free, works on any PC). If you need to record just your voice or audio from your microphone, use the Voice Recorder app that comes with Windows, or Audacity (free, more powerful). For video calls, many platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams have built-in recording buttons you click during the call itself.
The choice matters because each tool saves files in different formats, takes up different amounts of disk space, and works best for different situations. A quick voice memo uses almost no space. A 30-minute screen recording can use 500 MB to 2 GB depending on your resolution and the tool you pick.
Key Takeaways
- Windows comes with Voice Recorder for audio-only and Xbox Game Bar for screen recording with sound, both free and built in.
- OBS Studio is free software that gives you more control over what gets recorded and how it looks, and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- Before you record, check that your microphone is plugged in and set as the default device in Windows Sound settings.
- Screen recordings take up significant disk space — check that you have at least 5 GB free before recording long sessions.
- Video call platforms like Zoom and Teams have their own record buttons built in; you do not need separate software for those.
Recording audio only with Voice Recorder
The Voice Recorder app is the simplest way to record your voice or any audio coming into your microphone. Open the Start menu, type "Voice Recorder", and click the app. You will see a microphone icon and a red circle button. Click the circle to start recording, and click it again to stop. The file saves automatically to your Documents folder as an M4A file (a compressed audio format).
Before you record, make sure your microphone is connected and working. Right-click the speaker icon in your system tray (bottom right corner), select "Open Sound settings", and look for "Input". You should see your microphone listed under "Choose your input device". If you do not see it, your microphone is not connected or Windows does not recognize it. Plug it in, wait a few seconds, and refresh the page.
Voice Recorder is best for quick memos, interviews, or voice notes. It does not let you edit the recording — if you make a mistake, you have to start over. If you need to trim, cut, or add effects, use Audacity instead.
Recording your screen with Xbox Game Bar
The Xbox Game Bar records everything on your screen plus your microphone audio in one file. Press Windows key + G on your keyboard. A panel will appear on the left side of your screen with several icons. Look for the circle icon (the recording button) or press Windows key + Alt + R to start recording when ready. Your screen will show a small timer in the corner. Press the same keys again to stop.
The recording saves to your Videos folder in a folder called "Captures". The file is an MP4 video file. By default, Game Bar records at 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second, which is fine for most tutorials and meetings. If you want to change the quality or microphone settings, press Windows key + G, click the settings icon (gear), and look for "Captures".
Game Bar works well for quick recordings of your screen, but it has limits. You cannot select which part of the screen to record — it captures everything. You cannot add text, arrows, or highlights while recording. If you need those features, use OBS Studio instead.
Recording with more control using OBS Studio
OBS Studio is free software that gives you precise control over what gets recorded and how. read it from obsproject.com, install it, and open it. The interface looks complex at first, but the basic steps are straightforward: add a source (your screen, a window, or a camera), set your microphone, and click "Start Recording".
To record your screen in OBS: click the plus sign under "Sources", select "Display Capture" (to record your whole screen) or "Window Capture" (to record one window only), and click "Create New". Then click the plus sign again, select "Audio Input Capture", choose your microphone from the dropdown, and click "Create New". Now click the red "Start Recording" button. OBS saves the file to a folder you choose in Settings > Output.
OBS is worth learning if you record often, because you can create scenes (different layouts for different parts of your recording), add text overlays, and switch between multiple cameras or windows during recording. The trade-off is that it takes more time to set up and uses more of your computer's processing power while recording.
Recording video calls on Zoom, Teams, and other platforms
If you are on a video call, the platform itself usually has a record button built in. You do not need separate software. On Zoom, click "Record" at the bottom of the window. On Microsoft Teams, click the three dots menu during the call and select "Start recording". On Google Meet, click the three dots, select "Record on Meet", and confirm. The recording starts when ready and saves to your account's cloud storage (Zoom saves locally to your PC by default).
Check the platform's rules before you record. Some require you to tell the other people on the call that you are recording. Zoom and Teams will usually show a notification to all participants that recording has started. If you record without consent where it is required by law, you could face legal consequences.
Checking your disk space and file sizes
Screen recordings use a lot of disk space quickly. A one-hour recording at 1080p can be 1 to 2 GB depending on how much motion is on screen and which tool you use. Before you record, check how much free space you have. Right-click your C: drive in File Explorer, select "Properties", and look at the bar showing "Free space". You should have at least 5 GB free for a long recording.
If you are running low on space, delete old files or move them to an external drive. You can also lower your recording resolution in the settings of your recording tool — 720p uses about half the space of 1080p. After you finish recording, the file stays on your PC until you delete it, so move important recordings to a backup drive or cloud storage.
Troubleshooting common recording problems
If your microphone is not recording, check that it is set as the default input device. Open Sound settings (right-click the speaker icon in the system tray), go to "Input", and make sure your microphone is selected under "Choose your input device". If it is not listed, your microphone is not connected or the driver is missing. Unplug it, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. If it still does not appear, visit the microphone manufacturer's website and read the latest driver.
If your recording is choppy or freezes, your PC does not have enough processing power. Close other programs, especially web browsers with many tabs open. Lower your recording resolution or frame rate in your tool's settings. If you are using OBS, lower the bitrate in Settings > Output > Recording.
If you cannot find your recording file, check the default save location. Voice Recorder saves to Documents. Game Bar saves to Videos > Captures. OBS saves to the folder you set in Settings > Output > Recording Path. Use File Explorer to search for the file name if you are not sure where it went.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record my screen without the microphone picking up background noise?
Yes. In Voice Recorder, do not use it — record your screen with Game Bar or OBS instead and mute your microphone in the settings. In Game Bar, press Windows key + G, click settings, and look for "Microphone" to turn it off. In OBS, right-click the audio source and select "Mute".
What format should I save my recording in?
MP4 is the most common and works on almost any device or website. Voice Recorder saves as M4A (audio only). Game Bar and OBS save as MP4 by default. If you need a different format, use free software like HandBrake to convert the file after recording.
Can I edit my recording after I save it?
Yes, but it depends on what you want to do. For straightforward trimming (cutting the beginning or end), use the built-in Photos app — open the video, click "Edit", and use the trim slider. For more complex editing (cutting sections out, adding text, or combining clips), use free software like DaVinci Resolve or Shotcut.
How long can I record before my PC runs out of space?
It depends on your resolution and how much free space you have. At 1080p, most PCs can record about 5 to 10 hours before filling a 50 GB drive. Check your free space first, and if you need to record longer, use an external hard drive or lower your resolution.
Do I need special software to record a Zoom call?
No. Zoom has a built-in record button. Click it during the call, and the recording saves automatically to your PC or Zoom's cloud storage. You only need separate software if Zoom's recording does not meet your needs — for example, if you want to record multiple Zoom calls at once.