How To Record Audio On Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

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6 min. read

Published on November 1, 2025

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Recording audio on Windows 11 is a straightforward process, whether you need to capture a voiceover, record a meeting, or create a podcast. Windows 11 comes equipped with built-in tools and offers compatibility with various third-party applications, making it easy for users of all skill levels to achieve their audio recording goals. This guide will walk you through the essential steps for recording audio using the built-in Voice Recorder app and explore alternative options for more advanced recording needs.

From capturing quick voice notes to creating more elaborate audio projects, understanding the different methods available on Windows 11 is key. This guide aims to equip you with the knowledge to confidently record high-quality audio, regardless of your experience level.

What’s the Best Way to Record Audio on Windows 11?

Using the Voice Recorder App

The Voice Recorder app is a pre-installed Windows 11 application designed for quick and easy audio recording. Here’s how to use it:

Open the Voice Recorder App: Search for “Voice Recorder” in the Windows search bar and click on the app to open it.
Start Recording: Click the blue microphone icon to begin recording. The app will start capturing audio immediately.
Pause/Resume Recording: During recording, you can pause by clicking the pause icon. Click it again to resume recording.
Stop Recording: Once you’re finished, click the stop icon (square button).
Review and Manage Recordings: Your recording will be automatically saved in the “Sound recordings” folder within your Documents folder. You can rename, trim, or share the recording from within the Voice Recorder app.

Using Audacity (Free and Open-Source)

Audacity is a powerful, free, and open-source audio editor that provides more advanced recording and editing features.

Download and Install Audacity: Go to the Audacity website (https://www.audacityteam.org/) and download the version for Windows. Install the software following the on-screen instructions.
Configure Audio Input: Open Audacity. Go to “Edit” > “Preferences” (or press Ctrl+P). In the “Devices” tab, select your microphone as the recording device under the “Recording” section.
Start Recording: Click the red “Record” button (circle icon) to begin recording.
Stop Recording: Click the yellow “Stop” button (square icon) when you’re done.
Edit and Export: Use Audacity’s editing tools to refine your recording. When finished, go to “File” > “Export” and choose your desired audio format (e.g., MP3, WAV).

Using Filmora (Paid Software)

Filmora is a video editing software that also includes robust audio recording and editing capabilities.

Download and Install Filmora: Go to the Filmora website (https://filmora.wondershare.com/) and download the version for Windows. Install the software following the on-screen instructions.
Open Filmora and Start a New Project: Launch Filmora and create a new project.
Record Audio: Click the microphone icon in the timeline area to start recording audio.
Configure Audio Input: Select your microphone as the recording device.
Start and Stop Recording: Click the record button to start and stop recording.
Edit and Export: Use Filmora’s editing tools to refine your recording. When finished, export the video with the audio.

Adjusting Audio Settings in Windows 11

Before recording, ensure your microphone is properly configured in Windows 11 settings:

Open Sound Settings: Right-click the speaker icon in the system tray and select “Open sound settings.”
Select Input Device: Under the “Input” section, choose your microphone from the dropdown menu.
Adjust Microphone Volume: Use the volume slider to adjust the microphone input level.
Test Your Microphone: Speak into the microphone and check the input level indicator to ensure it’s picking up your voice clearly.

Troubleshooting Audio Recording Issues

If you encounter problems, try these solutions:

Check Microphone Connection: Ensure your microphone is properly connected to your computer.
Update Audio Drivers: Outdated audio drivers can cause issues. Update them through Device Manager.
Grant App Permissions: Make sure the app you’re using has permission to access your microphone in Windows privacy settings.
Restart Your Computer: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve audio recording problems.

Tips for High-Quality Audio Recording

Use a Good Quality Microphone: A dedicated microphone will significantly improve the quality of your recordings compared to built-in microphones.
Record in a Quiet Environment: Minimize background noise to ensure clear audio.
Adjust Microphone Placement: Position the microphone close to your mouth but not directly in front of it to avoid popping sounds.
Monitor Your Audio: Use headphones to monitor your audio levels during recording and make adjustments as needed.
Test Your Setup: Before recording anything important, do a test recording to check audio levels and sound quality.

Choosing the Right Tool

Here’s a quick comparison of the tools discussed:

Feature	Voice Recorder	Audacity	Filmora
Price	Free	Free	Paid
Ease of Use	Very Easy	Medium	Medium
Editing Features	Basic	Advanced	Advanced
Best For	Quick Notes	Audio Editing	Video & Audio

Capturing Clear Audio on Windows 11

With these methods, you can effectively record audio on Windows 11 for various purposes. Experiment with different tools and techniques to find what works best for your needs.

FAQ

How do I record internal audio on Windows 11? To record internal audio, you’ll need a virtual audio cable or software that supports loopback recording.

Why is my microphone not working on Windows 11? Check your microphone connection, update drivers, and ensure the app has permission to access your microphone.

Can I use the Voice Recorder app for professional recordings? While convenient, the Voice Recorder app is best for basic recordings. For professional quality, consider using software like Audacity or Adobe Audition.

How do I reduce background noise in my recordings? Record in a quiet environment, use a noise-canceling microphone, and use audio editing software to remove background noise.

What audio format should I use for recording? WAV is a high-quality, uncompressed format suitable for editing. MP3 is a compressed format that’s good for sharing due to its smaller file size.