Want to know how to record computer audio? Here, we’ll review different recording apps, including an online screen recorder, desktop programs, and a built-in tool.
Program | Best for | Download | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Capture | Making fast recordings on‑the‑go | ||
| Audacity | Professional sound recording and audio editing | ||
| Movavi Screen Recorder | Screen recording and simple editing |
| Windows Voice Recorder | Simple audio recording on Windows |
View all programs |
How to record computer audio online with Screen Capture
Best for: making fast recordings on-the-go
Trustpilot rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars, 411 reviews
Let’s start with the easiest and fastest way to record sound from a PC. Let us introduce you to Screen Capture – an online app that records PC audio for free. Whether you need to capture output from speakers, video playback, or internal audio coming from your computer, you can easily do it online for free.
The grabber has a simple interface that is comfortable to work with. You can record audio and video simultaneously or separately. Webcam recording is also supported.
Advantages of Screen Capture:
- You don’t need to install any software on your computer.
- The service has an easy-to-use interface and clear settings.
- It provides high-quality output files.
Disadvantages of Screen Capture:
- No audio editing tools
- No choice of output formats
- Watermark on the video in the free version
Here’s a short guide to how to record audio from a computer online.
Step 1. Open Screen Capture to record computer sounds
Open the app in your browser to record sounds from the computer.
Step 2. Set up audio recording and record system sound
To record your PC’s audio, enable the Sound icon. If you need to capture sound from your speakers or microphone, activate the Microphone icon.
Press the Start Recording button to grab the audio playing. Allow access to your microphone and webcam. Your privacy will be quite secure!
Choose the tab to start recording.
Step 3. Save the file
When you’re done, download the recording from the website directly to your computer. All your files are confidential to you. Nobody can see your recordings except you.
You can also check out our desktop recorder and use advanced settings to record system audio.
How to record sounds from a computer with Audacity
Best for: professional sound recording and audio editing
G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars, 380 reviews
The second best way to grab system sounds is to use a desktop program like Audacity. It’s a free program that grabs internal audio on macOS, GNU/Linux, Windows (including Windows 7), and other operating systems.
Advantages of the program:
- It offers advanced audio editing tools and many audio effects.
- It has a wide range of output formats, including MP3.
- The program is absolutely free of charge.
Disadvantages of Audacity:
- Challenging interface with a daunting number of settings
- No screen or webcam recording
- Sometimes audio effects can spoil the sound quality
Now we’ll show you how to record desktop audio with Audacity.
Step 1. Download the app
Go to the Audacity website and download the program onto your computer.
Step 2. Choose the settings and record the audio
Before you start recording, you need to choose the appropriate settings. The main parameters are audio host and loopback device.
If you’re recording sounds on Windows, you need to choose Windows WASAPI audio host. In the loopback device menu, choose Stereo Mix to grab internal audio.
When you’re done with the recording parameters, hit the Record button.
Step 3. Save the recording
If you want to add effects, you can do this right after recording. But we recommend you save the file first.
Open the File tab and select the Save Project option. Now export the file to your hard disk and continue audio editing. Even if something goes wrong, you’ll have an audio copy on your computer.
How to record sounds from a computer with Movavi Screen Recorder
Best for: screen recording and simple editing
G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars, 49 reviews
Another desktop app that can help you record audio from a PC is Movavi Screen Recorder. It’s an easy-to-use recording app that can capture system sounds, microphone, screen, and webcam. The program also lets you do basic editing – trimming and cutting out unnecessary fragments.
Advantages of the program:
- Simple interface
- Basic editing tools
- Option to schedule a recording
Disadvantages of Movavi Screen Recorder:
- Only one audio format for export
- The free version has limitations
Here’s how to record sound from a computer with Movavi Screen Recorder.
Step 1. Download the recorder
Download the installation file for your OS, install the program, and launch it.
Step 2. Record audio
Click the Audio Recording button on the sidebar.
Make sure the System Audio button is activated, and the microphone capture is turned off. Hit Start recording. Stop the recording when needed.
Step 3. Save the recording
Now, you can trim your audio or cut out unnecessary fragments. Use the scissors tool to make cuts and delete the parts you don’t need. Click Export, choose the output folder, and click Save.
How to record audio on a PC with a built-in Windows tool
Best for: simple audio recording on Windows
The last option we’d like to suggest is the built-in Windows tool – Windows Voice Recorder. It’s the easiest way for Windows users to grab external sounds. You just need to check the computer microphone accessibility and capture your voice.
But the tool only works for microphone recording. It doesn't capture internal audio playing on your computer.
Advantages of the tool:
- Simplicity and fast accessibility
- No installation
- Can be used offline
Disadvantages of Windows Voice Recorder:
- No internal audio recording
- No audio editing tools
Here’s how to record audio on a computer with the built-in Windows app.
Step 1. Check your microphone
First of all, check that your microphone is turned on. Open the system settings and go to the Input tab. Here you need to choose your microphone from the drop-down menu and set the volume.
Step 2. Open Windows Voice Recorder
Launch the Start menu and search for Windows Voice Recorder using the search bar. Click on the program icon to open the app.
Step 3. Make your audio recording
You’ll see the microphone icon on your screen. Hit it and start speaking. Be close to your microphone to get clear sound.
When you’re done, stop recording. The file will be automatically saved to the Sound Recordings folder.
Conclusion
Can’t decide which tool to use? The factors below will help you choose the right recorder.
Features: If you only want to record audio, almost any recording app will do the job. But if you also want to edit your recording, make sure the app includes the necessary editing tools. If it’s important for you to export a recording in a certain format, check out the supported output formats.
Interface: Some programs might have a confusing interface, so try to find an app that is easy to navigate.
OS: Make sure the app you’ve chosen is compatible with your OS.
Support: It’s a great advantage if a program includes technical support for users.
Frequently asked questions
How can I record audio on Windows?
To record audio on Windows, you can use any of the following tools: an online audio recorder, a desktop program, or the default Windows tool.
Here’s how to record audio on a PC online.
Step 1. Open the Screen Capture web page.
Step 2. Choose what you want to record – microphone, system sounds, or both.
Step 3. Grab the audio and save it to the desktop.
How can I record audio from my computer for free?
There are three ways to grab internal sounds for free. You can use Screen Capture (an online grabber), Audacity (a desktop recorder), or Windows Voice Recorder (a built-in Windows app).
If you need to record not just audio but also screen or webcam, try Movavi Screen Recorder. It’s an advanced desktop program that has many useful recording features. For example, you can schedule recordings, show your keyboard, and add effects to mouse clicks.
Does Windows 10 have an audio recorder?
Yes, there’s a Windows audio grabber that you can use to capture your voice and other external sounds. But note that it doesn’t capture audio playing on your computer.
To grab internal sounds, you can use Screen Capture or Audacity. Both apps are free to use. Screen Capture is an online tool, so it’s more convenient to use for quick recordings. Audacity is the desktop program that is best for professional sound recording and audio editing.