How to record audio files in Windows 10 for free

Audio recording is simple in Windows 10. All you need is a microphone and software to capture input.

However, you don’t have to spend money on a sound recording program. There are good paid programs, of course, but you can do well with the free offers. That’s especially so if you plan to do very little in the way of editing.

Not all sound recording software has the same level of features, so we’ve highlighted two that cater to both basic and more advanced needs. You are covered if it is easy for you to do, and also if you need more control over entries and edits. And both selections cost absolutely nothing to use.

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to include a video of the process.

Voice recorder

This very easy-to-use sound recording program comes bundled with Windows 10, so you can get started right away. To get started, tap the Windows key (or click the Start button), type voice or tape recorder to display Voice Recorder as the search result, and press Enter.

Starting a recording is as simple as clicking the large blue microphone icon on the left side of the window. The screen will change to show buttons to stop, pause, and mark specific times within the recording, as well as a counter that shows how long you’ve been recording. When you’re done, click the blue stop button in the middle of the screen.

In the main window, you will see a list of recorded clips. You can also select files to play, trim, and rename them. If you are having trouble recording through your microphone, or through the correct microphone, go to Win10 sound settings (Windows key, then type sound settings.) Below Input, verify that the microphone in use is set as the active device.

The files recorded in Voice Recorder are immediately accessible as .m4a files, which can be played by most modern devices through their default applications.

Audacity

Audacity It may not sound like much, but the sophistication of this popular free audio recording program lies in its feature set.

To record, just open Audacity after installation and hit the red record button. Audacity makes the most important basic controls obvious and available in this main window: you can start, stop, and pause recordings as needed, easily change the microphone you’re using as the input device, and change the output device to listen to playback. . Basic editing tools are also available here on this screen.

The real benefit of Audacity is its ability to accommodate more complicated recording setups, such as multiple tracks and / or multiple input devices, as well as more complex edits and settings. (Example: increasing the input levels because the microphone output is not strong enough). Learning the ins and outs of Audacity may take some time, but that time invested will make it easier to get the most out of your recordings.

You can also export your clips in a wide variety of common file types, which is beneficial for even basic users. Note that, unlike Voice Recorder, Audacity does not immediately save recordings as playable audio files. Instead, you save everything you have recorded as a project file, and you must export it via File> Export to an audio format such as .mp3 or .wav so that other devices or programs can play the file.

For more detailed information on how to dive into Audacity’s myriad of features, see our Audacity primer.

Recording tips

For higher quality recordings, keep these tips in mind:

• Record in a place free from background noise and echo. Oddly enough, the inside of a closet full of clothes works great.
• Stay closer to your microphone – straying too far from it can make the recording sound hollow.
• Hardware plays a big role in sound quality, so if you have some extra cash, upgrade to one of our best USB microphone selections from a laptop, webcam, or headphone mic will make your voice shine.

Alaina Yee is PCWorld’s resident bargain hunter; When it doesn’t cover building PCs, computer components, mini PCs, and more, you’re looking for the best tech deals. Previously, his work appeared in PC Gamer, IGN, Maximum PC, and Official Xbox Magazine. You can find her on Twitter at @morphingball.