5 Ways to Record Sound on Windows 10 Without or With Apps

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Recording sound on Windows 10 can be useful for a variety of purposes, whether you’re capturing a podcast, creating a voiceover for a video, or simply making voice notes. Fortunately, Windows 10 provides both built-in methods and third-party applications that allow you to record sound effortlessly. In this article, we’ll explore five different ways to record sound on Windows 10, ranging from using native features to utilizing third-party software.

Built-in Methods for Recording Sound on Windows 10

Using the Voice Recorder App

Windows 10 comes with a built-in Voice Recorder app that makes sound recording a breeze. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Launch the Voice Recorder app: Search for “Voice Recorder” in the Windows search bar and open the app.
  2. Start recording: Click on the red circle button to start recording. You can pause or stop the recording at any time.
  3. Save the recording: Once you’re done, click the stop button, and the recording will be saved. You can find your recordings in the “Voice Recordings” folder in your “Documents.”

Using the Sound Settings

Another built-in method for recording sound involves using the Sound settings. Here’s how:

  1. Right-click the speaker icon: In the system tray, right-click on the speaker icon and select “Open Sound settings.”
  2. Sound Control Panel: Under the “Related Settings” section, click on “Sound Control Panel.”
  3. Recording tab: In the Sound Control Panel, go to the “Recording” tab. Select the microphone you want to record from and click “Properties.”
  4. Listen tab: In the microphone properties, go to the “Listen” tab. Check the box that says “Listen to this device.” Click “Apply” to enable listening.
  5. Recording: Open your preferred audio recording software or app. You can use Windows’ built-in Voice Recorder or other third-party apps.

Third-Party Applications for Sound Recording on Windows 10

While Windows 10 provides native methods for sound recording, you might want more advanced features. In such cases, third-party applications come to the rescue. Here are two popular options:

Audacity

Audacity is a powerful, free, and open-source audio recording and editing software. Follow these steps to record sound using Audacity:

  1. Download and install Audacity: Visit the Audacity official website, download the software, and follow the installation instructions.
  2. Select the recording source: Choose the microphone or audio source you want to record from in Audacity’s dropdown menu.
  3. Record: Hit the record button in Audacity and start capturing your sound. You can pause, stop, and edit your recording afterward.
  4. Export: Once you’re satisfied with your recording, you can export it in various audio formats.

OBS Studio

OBS Studio, primarily used for streaming, is also an excellent choice for recording sound. Here’s how:

  1. Download and install OBS Studio: Go to the OBS Project website and download the software. Install it following the provided instructions.
  2. Add a source: In OBS Studio, add an “Audio Input Capture” source. Choose your microphone as the audio source.
  3. Recording settings: Configure your recording settings in OBS, such as the audio bitrate and format.
  4. Start recording: Click the “Start Recording” button. OBS Studio will start capturing audio from your microphone.

Online Sound Recorders

If you prefer not to install any additional software, you can use online sound recorders. These tools allow you to record sound directly from your web browser. Keep in mind that this method requires an internet connection. One popular option is Online Voice Recorder.

Using Online Voice Recorder:

  1. Go to the website: Open your web browser and search for “Online Voice Recorder.”
  2. Allow microphone access: When prompted, allow the website to access your microphone.
  3. Start recording: Click the record button to start capturing audio. You’ll see a visual representation of the sound waves.
  4. Stop and save: Click the stop button when you’re done, and you can listen to the recording. You can usually download the recording in various formats.

Conclusion

Recording sound on Windows 10 is a versatile process, offering both built-in and third-party options. The Voice Recorder app and Sound settings provide quick solutions, while applications like Audacity and OBS Studio offer more advanced features. If you prefer a no-installation approach, online sound recorders are worth considering. Choose the method that suits your needs and get started on your audio recording endeavors.