This article explains how to record your voice using a Windows computer. If you are using the Windows 10 operating system, you will already have a free audio capture application called "Voice Recorder". If you are using Windows 8.1, you can use the "Recorder" app which works very similar to the "Voice Recorder" program, but does not have the same number of features. If you are looking for more advanced audio capture software, you can use Audacity (free app) or Ableton Live (paid app).
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using the Windows 10 Voice Recorder App
Step 1. Launch the "Voice Recorder" app
This is a very simple program for recording voices and sounds that is built right into Windows 10. You can start it by accessing the "Start" menu or by typing the keywords voice recorder into the Windows search bar.
Step 2. Click on the microphone icon to start recording
This is a large circular button: it is located at the bottom of the left panel of the application window.
Alternatively, you can press the key combination Ctrl + R keypad to start a recording.
Step 3. Sing, read a text or speak
After starting the recording, a stopwatch will be displayed at the top of the window.
- To temporarily stop recording, click on the "Pause" button (characterized by two parallel vertical lines). You can pause and resume playback whenever you want and as many times as you like, without the need to change files.
- If you want to mark a specific point of the registration with a special marker, in order to be able to reach it quickly and simply, you will have to click on the icon in the shape of a stylized flag.
Step 4. Click on the "Stop" button after registration is complete
It has a circular shape with a small black square in the center.
The audio recording will be stored in a folder named Voice recorder that you will find inside the directory Documents.
Step 5. Click on the "Play" button to listen to what you have recorded
It is a circle that contains a black triangle facing right. It is located in the center of the right window pane. The sound will be reproduced using headphones or computer speakers.
If you don't hear any sound, make sure your computer's volume is adequate and that the external speakers are on and playing
Step 6. Cut the recording (optional)
Click on the icon Cut (the second from the left, displayed at the bottom of the window) to delete a portion from the beginning or end of the recording. Use the "Start of section cut" and "End of section cut" sliders to select only the part of the recording you want to keep, then click on the disk-shaped "Save" icon to save the file.
When you save the recording after cutting it, you will be asked if you want to overwrite the original file or if you want to create a new one. Choose the option that best suits your needs
Step 7. Manage your recordings
All the recordings you are going to create will appear listed in the left pane of the window. Click on any of the recordings with the right mouse button to access other specific features, such as Share, Rename, Delete or Open file path '.
It may be a good idea to rename the recording files after creating them, so that they do not have generic and not very descriptive names. This will make it much easier to search for the registration you need in the list
Method 2 of 3: Using the Windows 8.1 Recorder App
Step 1. Launch the "Recorder" app
Access the "Start" menu, type the keyword recorder in the search bar and click on the corresponding icon when it appears in the list of results.
If this is your first time using this program, follow the on-screen instructions to authorize access to your computer's microphone
Step 2. Click on the red microphone icon to start a recording
This is the large circular button in the center of which a stylized microphone is visible. After clicking on the indicated icon, you will see a stopwatch appear at the top of the window.
Step 3. Sing, read a text or speak
There is a green bar that will move according to the detected sound, indicating that the recording is in progress.
- To temporarily stop recording, click on the "Pause" button (characterized by two parallel vertical lines). You can pause and resume playback whenever you want, as many times as you like, without the need to change files.
- If you minimize the application window to be able to use another program, the ongoing recording will automatically pause until you bring the program window back to the front. If you wish, you can use the "Recorder" app simultaneously with another program, placing the corresponding windows side by side vertically or horizontally.
Step 4. Click on the "Stop" button after registration is complete
It features a red circular icon with a square in the center. The recording file will be automatically saved and displayed in the list of already existing recordings.
Step 5. Click on the "Play" button to listen to what you have recorded
It has a circular shape and inside there is a black triangle facing right. It is located in the center of the right window pane. The sound will be reproduced using headphones or computer speakers.
- If you don't hear any sound, make sure your computer's volume level is adequate and the external speakers are turned on.
- If for some reason you don't want to keep the recording file, you can delete it by clicking on the option Delete corresponding.
Step 6. Cut the recording (optional)
Click on the icon Cut (the first round icon displayed below the recording file) to delete a portion from the beginning or end of the recording. Use the cursors present to select only the part of the recording you want to keep, then click on the disk-shaped "Save" icon to save the file.
When you save the recording after cutting it, you will be asked if you want to overwrite the original file or if you want to create a new one. Choose the option that best suits your needs
Step 7. Rename the file
Click on the current registration name, click on the button Rename at the bottom, then type the new name you want to give the file. This will make it easier for you to keep your recordings in order.
Method 3 of 3: Use a Third Party Program
Step 1. Find a reliable and safe audio capture program that meets your needs
There are many applications, both free and paid, created for different purposes and many of them have been made by very reputable developers. Make sure you download the program of your choice from a reliable and secure website; before doing so, read as many reviews as possible from users who have already used it.
Step 2. Experiment with the recording settings
Many of these third-party programs allow you to modify the way audio is captured by your computer. For example, you can reduce the recording speed to be able to isolate individual words or increase the pitch of your voice so that it has a different effect.
Step 3. Create high quality audio files
High-end audio capture programs are capable of significantly increasing sound quality. If you have a quality microphone and need to create and edit a large number of voice recordings, programs of this type are ideal.
Step 4. Take your creations to the next level
Recording yourself singing or playing is the first step to make your creations be successful in the whole world. You can use free software to record your songs on your own right in your home, while adding a professional style and sound to your music.
