How to record computer audio on Windows 10/11
To record the sound your PC plays, record from the playback device (system audio) rather than from the microphone. The recorder app built into Windows (Sound Recorder on Windows 11, Voice Recorder on Windows 10) is designed for microphone recording, so the simplest way is an app that captures system audio directly. NowSmart Audio Recorder does this and is free to download from the Microsoft Store.
Built-in Windows options and their limits
| Option | What it records | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Sound Recorder (Voice Recorder on Windows 10) | A microphone or another input device | Not designed to record system audio. Sound Recorder records up to three hours per file, according to Microsoft. |
| Stereo Mix | Everything the PC plays, as a virtual input device | Provided by some audio drivers only. Often hidden or missing on newer PCs; when present, enable it on the Recording tab of the Sound control panel (press Win + R and run mmsys.cpl). |
| Snipping Tool screen recording (Windows 11) | The screen, with system audio and the microphone | Saves an MP4 video, not an audio file. System audio is turned on in the app’s settings. Not available on Windows 10. |
| Xbox Game Bar (Win + G) | An app or game together with its audio | Saves an MP4 video, not an audio file. Cannot record the desktop or File Explorer. |
If you only need an audio file of what your PC plays, a dedicated recorder avoids these workarounds.
Record computer audio with NowSmart Audio Recorder
- Install NowSmart Audio Recorder from the Microsoft Store. The free Basic version records up to 5 minutes per file; Pro removes the limit.
- Select the audio source. Choose the output you listen on. Device names vary by manufacturer: common choices are Speakers, Stereo Mix, or What U Hear.
- Name your file (optional). Click Add/New and enter a name such as
meeting.mp3orlecture.wav. The recording is saved directly to this file. - Press Record. Adjust the recording volume as needed. Start at a moderate level; a level that is too high causes distortion.
- Keep other sounds out. Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar, select Open volume mixer, and mute apps you do not want in the recording.
- Stop and play it back in NowSmart Audio Recorder.
Because the recording comes straight from the digital audio output, room noise does not get in.
Record your voice and computer audio together
NowSmart Audio Recorder can also mix your microphone with system audio, for example to record both sides of an online call. See Recording online chats.
Features that save time
- Voice activation and automatic splitting: skip silence and split long sessions into files. See Automatically splitting recordings and skipping silence.
- Scheduled recording: start a recording at a set time. See How to schedule a recording session.
- Edit afterwards: merge and convert files (merging, converting). Trimming is a Pro feature.
Turn the recording into text
To get a transcript of a recorded lecture or meeting, open the file in WizWhisp. It transcribes offline on your PC. See How to transcribe audio to text offline on Windows.
Record responsibly
Ask for consent before you record calls or meetings; laws differ by location, and some require the consent of everyone in the conversation. Respect the copyright of music and streams you record.
FAQ
Can I record audio from Zoom, Teams, or a web browser?
Yes. NowSmart Audio Recorder records anything that plays through your speakers or headphones, including meeting apps, browsers, games, and streaming audio.
Will background noise from the room be in the recording?
No, not when you record system audio. The app captures the PC’s audio output directly instead of through a microphone.
Is NowSmart Audio Recorder free?
The Basic version is free and records up to 5 minutes per file, without trimming. Pro is a one-time USD 9.99 purchase with no subscription and removes these limits.
Which formats can I save?
MP3, WAV, OGG, and FLAC. MP3 and WAV are the most widely supported.
Does it work on Windows 10?
Yes. NowSmart Audio Recorder runs on Windows 10 and Windows 11. The Microsoft Store listing shows the exact supported versions.
Why is my recording silent?
The wrong audio source is usually selected. Choose the device you are listening on (for example Speakers), then record a short test.
Start with the free version
The free version of NowSmart Audio Recorder records up to 5 minutes per file. NowSmart Audio Recorder Pro removes the limit and adds Trim for a one-time USD 9.99.