How to record sound with Voice Recorder app on Windows 10

Source: Windows Central

On Windows 10, the Voice Recorder app is a quick and convenient solution that anyone can use to record lectures, conversations, interviews, podcasts, and virtually anything else.

Although you can find many other applications with many different features, the free Voice Recorder app included on Windows 10 is simple and ships with all the necessary functionalities to record, trim, flag important moments, and share audio tracks.

In this Windows 10 guide, we will walk you through the steps to use the Voice Recorder app on your computer.

How to add Voice Recorder app on Windows 10

Voice Recorder comes installed on Windows 10, but you will have to install it manually if you don’t have it.

To install the app to record voice, use these steps:

Click the Get button.

Source: Windows Central

Click the Open button (if applicable).

Click the Get\Install button.

Once you complete the steps, the app will be available from the Start menu to record audio on your desktop or laptop.

How to use Voice Recorder app on Windows 10

On Windows 10, Voice Recorder is a straightforward app. You only need one of the best microphones. The one built-in on your device, the one from a webcam, or any microphone will do just fine for basic recording.

The instructions below include everything you need to get started recording, listing, and editing sound files.

Record audio

To record audio on Windows 10, make sure the microphone is connected (if applicable), and use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Video Recorder, and click the top result to open the app.

Click the Record button.

Source: Windows Central

Quick tip: You can also start recording using the Ctrl + R keyboard shortcut.

(Optional) Click the Flag button to add a marker to the recording.

Quick note: This option won’t interrupt the audio recording, but you can quickly jump to important parts of the recording when editing the track. You can use the marking feature while recording or listening to the audio file.

Click the Stop button to end the voice recording.

Source: Windows Central

Quick note: You can also use the Spacebar, Backspace, Enter, or Esc key to stop recording.

Once you complete the steps, the audio will save automatically using a .m4a file format in the «Sound recordings» folder inside the «Documents» folder.

If you need the best microphone, we recommend the Blue Yeti Nano since it offers good quality sound and a relatively low price.

Budget friendly

Blue Yeti Nano

The Blue Yeti Nano has impressive sound and built quality considering its price. It’s a USB-powered plug-and-play device, and it features no-latency headphone output, headphone volume, and mute button.

Play audio recordings

To play recorded audio tracks on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Video Recorder, and click the top result to open the app.

Select the track from the left pane to play the audio.

Source: Windows Central

Click the Pause/Play button as necessary.

Once you complete the steps, click the Pause button to stop listening or select another recording from the playlist.

Trim audio recording

To trim an audio track after a recording session, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Video Recorder, and click the top result to open the app.
3. Select the recording from the left pane.

Click the Trim button from the bottom-right corner.

Source: Windows Central

Use the pins in the track to select the beginning and end of the recording, leaving out the parts you want to trim.

Source: Windows Central

Select the Save a copy (recommended) or the Update original option.

Source: Windows Central

After you complete the steps, you will end up with a shorter version of the file.

Rename audio files

Although the app saves every recording file automatically, it uses generic names, which are not descriptive enough to keep your recordings organized.

To rename a recording file on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Video Recorder, and click the top result to open the app.
3. Select the recording from the left pane.
4. Click the Rename button in the bottom right corner.
5. Type a descriptive name for the file — for example, interview_satya_nadella_april2021.

Click the Rename button.

Source: Windows Central

Once you complete these steps, the audio file will be saved with the name you specified in the «Sound recording» folder inside the «Documents» folder.

Share audio recording

To share a recording on social media or email, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Video Recorder, and click the top result to open the app.
3. Select the recording from the left pane.

Click the Share button from the bottom-right corner.

Source: Windows Central

Select the app to share the audio file.

Continue with the on-screen directions to share the audio file.

If you have to import the audio file into another project, you do not need to share it. Instead, copy and paste the file from the «Sound recordings» folder to your «Documents» folder or any other location.

How to fix Voice Recorder app problems on Windows 10

In the event that the app is not working, there is likely a problem with the microphone or privacy settings on Windows 10.

Fix Voice Recorder microphone access

To allow the Voice Recorder app to access the microphone, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Privacy.
3. Click on Microphone.
4. Under the «Allow access to the microphone on this device» section, click the Change button.
5. Turn on the Microphone for this device toggle switch.

Under the «Allow apps to access your microphone» section, make sure the toggle switch is in the On position.

Source: Windows Central

Under the «Choose which Microsoft Store apps can access your microphone» section, turn on the Voice Recorder toggle switch.

Source: Windows Central

After you complete the steps, the app should now be able to record audio from the microphone.

Fix microphone problems

If the app can’t find the microphone, you can use the «Sound» troubleshooter to fix this problem.

To fix microphone problems on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Click on Troubleshoot.

Click the Additional troubleshooters option.

Source: Windows Central

Click the Run the troubleshooter button.

Source: Windows Central

Click the Next button.

Source: Windows Central

Continue with the on-screen directions to resolve the problem.

Once you complete the steps, any problems with the microphone should be resolved, and Voice Recorder should now work correctly.

If the microphone still does not work, check it is connected properly to the computer. In the case that you have multiple microphones, you can use these steps to set the system default. If it is a USB microphone, you can try a different port on the device or USB cable.

In the case that you have a Bluetooth microphone, confirm it appears on Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. Also, make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on your device from the settings page. You can learn more about using Bluetooth in this comprehensive guide.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

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How To Record Your Computer Screen And Audio

Whether it’s to record a live stream or create a video training for work, you often need to record computer screen and audio together.

That should be easy, right?

Yeah… Not really.

When you want a screen recorder with sound that can truly deliver amazing features for free, well, let’s just say your options are limited. No worries, however. I’m going to break down the best FREE screen recorders on the market today. The criteria are based on screen capture abilities, audio recording capabilities, sharing options, and user-friendliness.

The Easy Solution: Use ScreenRec To Record Screen Audio And Video

Hiding in the mess of the internet is ScreenRec and it may be the best screen and sound recorder for Windows you’ve used thus far. It’s easy to use, free and lightning fast and works on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10. I know this might be saying a lot, so let me show you. Here’s how to record your screen with audio on Windows. Watch this video:

Or see the text-based guide below.

Step 1: Download and Install Screenrec For Windows

Screenrec will launch automatically after it is installed.

Step 2: Configure audio recording settings

Screenrec can record your computer screen WITH sound coming from both your microphone and/or your computer audio. Believe it or not, this is a big deal as many other screen recording tools make it look impossible.

The microphone is selected by default to allow you to add audio narration. To record system (desktop) audio, go to Settings and slide the system audio toggle to “On”.

Step 3: Record your screen video

Press Alt-S or click the camera icon and then use your mouse to select a capture region. For a full-screen capture, click and drag the mouse over the entire screen.

Once you select a capture region, the screen recording (screencast) will start automatically. You will see a big orange countdown, starting from 3.

Step 4: Share your recorded videos instantly

When you finish your screen and audio recording, a unique sharing link is automatically created. If this is the first time you are using Screenrec, you will be asked to create a free account. You can paste your unique sharing link in an email, a messaging app, directly on social media, you name it. Pretty cool, huh?

Screenrec is actually the only free screen recording tool on the market that gives you a sharing link instantly. It is possible because Screenrec uploads your screen recording in the background (while you’re recording). So, if you ever forget to save locally or somehow accidentally delete your video, it’s already online!

Step 5: Manage the screen recordings in the gallery and user panel

Not only is a sharable link automatically created, but your video screen capture is uploaded directly to the cloud in high quality. Click the gallery icon to view your existing recordings. Hover on a recording to preview it, get a sharing link or delete it.

User-friendliness

As far as user-friendliness, Screenrec is so simple, it’s insane. There are no complicated buttons or settings. You don’t have to think about encoding or uploading your video. It’s all done for you. With just a few clicks and within a few minutes, you can record your screen audio and video and share it.

Two Alternative Ways To Capture Your Screen With Audio

Option 1: ShareX – open source screen recorder that gets the job done

If you’re looking for a basic screen recorder, then ShareX is a good choice. It’s simple, easy to use and gets the job done. Think of it as the flip phone of screen recorders. Durable, reliable, and even with the advancement of today’s technology, somehow not yet obsolete.

User-friendliness

Sharex is definitely user-friendly simply because it has very basic functions. Reminding you of a Windows menu, the interface is minimal. This could be a good thing for those who don’t care for bells and whistles. But a little color wouldn’t hurt. Let’s just say it’s not very pretty.

Here’s how to record your computer screen and audio with ShareX.

Step 1: Download and Install ShareX

Step 2: Start the app

Step 3: Record your computer audio and microphone

Technically with ShareX, you can record your voice and/or your computer audio. Don’t get too happy, though. In order to create a screen video and audio capture, you have to download additional software, install it and make changes within the editing menu.

You can, however, narrate with your microphone as you record your screen. If that’s what you need to do, I guess you’re in luck.

To record your microphone, go to Task settings > Capture > Screen recorder > Screen recording options > Audio source. Select “Microphone” as a new audio source.

For screen capture with audio, click the “Install recorder” box on the left side of the screen. You will be prompted to download and install additional software. Follow the instructions. Once complete, choose “Virtual audio capturer” in the audio source drop-down menu.

Step 4: Select video capture area

Click “Capture” found on the left side of the screen. Select the desired recording region and click “Screen recording” from the drop-down menu to capture video.

Step 5: Share your screen captures

There are dozens of sharing destinations that you can choose from and upload directly to, right from the ShareX menu. The only downside is that you have to wait for your recording to be uploaded.

Click “After upload tasks” found on the left side of the screen. Select desired options to shorten, copy, or share URL. Choose “Destinations” to upload directly to a social media platform or website.

Step 6: Manage your screen captures

Once the screen has been captured, there are multiple task options in “After capture tasks”. Unfortunately, the best options apply only to screenshots and not video (ie; image effects, image editor, watermark creator, etc).

The only thing you can do with a recorded video is to share it. Oh, and delete it, I guess. So… two things!

Option 2: Microsoft Expression Encoder 4 – For advanced users

Microsoft’s Expression Encoder is a popular recording solution that gives you more properties that you might have missed with ShareX. However, these extra options seem to come at the cost of clutter. There is so much to look at, so much to decipher, that, if you’re not a genuine techie, you might as well look for a tutorial on YouTube now.

User-friendliness

I don’t mind a bit of sophistication with my apps, but there is a fine line between sophisticated and complex. A line that Microsoft certainly crossed.

The problem with Expression Encoder 4 is that it is clunky. The interface is much like a space shuttle control center—heavy with toggles, switches, and functions that you have to remember. One of the things you have to DIY is to actually encode your video. Once you’ve finished recording, you have to manually select “Encode” to receive your final video. It is not automatic.

I’m sure with time, you will get the hang of it, but, if you want something simple and easy to understand, this is definitely NOT it.

Here’s how to record your computer screen and audio with Microsoft Expression Encoder 4.

Step 1: Download and Install Microsoft Expression Encoder 4

Step 2: Start the app

Make sure to start Microsoft Expression Encoder 4 Screen Capture (not the other program). You will see the recording toolbar.

Step 3: Configure the audio recording settings

Recording audio is far simpler than it is with ShareX. When taking a screen capture, audio can be recorded from either the system speakers or a microphone without requiring any additional installations.

All you have to do is choose the proper audio option in the settings tab and voilà! System sounds recorded.

To record the Mic audio, click the settings icon within the user panel and check “Microphone”.

To record the system audio, follow the same procedure but check “Speakers”.

If you are using an older system, say Windows XP or Windows 7, you can forget about recording the computer audio. If there are any discrepancies between the systems audio output and the options within the encoder, you will receive an error message. In other words… your screen recording will have no sound.

I also tried recording my screen on Windows 10. I was successful with the microphone but, sometimes, ShareX simply refused to capture the system audio for no apparent reason. So, if you happen to have issues, don’t free. It’s not you, it’s the software.

Step 4: Create a screen capture with audio

In all fairness, even though it might take you a while to funnel through the abundance of information, once you start recording, it is quite simple. The play/pause/stop functions are easily accessible. You could either use your mouse to highlight a recording area or choose specific menus or regions from the drop-down menu within the panel.

To start the video recording, view the screen options by clicking the sun icon. Be sure everything is configured the way you like. Choose your desired capture region by using the crop tool or choosing a window from the drop-down menu. When you select capture area, click the record icon to begin.

Step 5: Encode the video

Yes, there is an extra step here and it’s not the most fun thing to do. When you stop recording, you have to actually click “Send to encoder” which will open the other Microsoft Expression Encoder program. You can edit the recording and adjust the encoding settings. If

If this makes you want to scream in horror and run, rest easy. You can simply click the Encode button at the bottom left of your screen and be done with it.

Step 6: Share your screen recording

Sharing your videos can be a bit tedious. Instead of having direct sharing capabilities like ShareX, you have to manually upload the video to YouTube after saving it locally.

There is no simple “Share on Facebook” buttons or “Tweet This!” option. It’s 2021. We’ve all been spoiled and expect to share our creations in an instant.

Come on, Microsoft! Get with the program! (No pun intended)

Conclusion

So, this is it! You now know three ways to record computer screen and audio. But how can you choose the right tool for the job?

Well, if you are looking for a free and easy screen recorder with sound, then go with Screenrec (but be careful not to get addicted to the instant sharing option). If you’re familiar with ShareX and you don’t care about instant sharing, then that may be a viable option. Finally, if you want lots of advanced features and you’re comfortable with encoding and uploading your screen captures manually, then the MS Expression Encoder might be what you’re looking for.

How To Record Computer Screen Video And Audio

Step 1: Download and Install Screenrec For Windows;
Step 2: Press Alt + S to select screen capture area and click the audio toggle to enable system sound recording;
Step 3: Click the video camera to start recording

What is the best way to record your screen with desktop audio?

You need a screen recording tool that can record system audio. Not all screen capture programs offer this functionality, so make sure that it is available.