Knowing how to capture an audio track using a Windows computer can be helpful when you need to record a webcast, VoIP phone call, radio show, or other content. You can capture audio by using the "Voice Recorder" (or "Sound Recorder") built into Windows or by using third-party software created to capture an audio source.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using the Voice Recorder
Step 1. Check that your computer has a microphone
Some computer manufacturers integrate a microphone into their products, others do not. In this last case, you will need to get an external microphone and connect it to the computer.
- Access the "Start" menu and choose "Control Panel";
- Select the "Hardware and Sound" category, then choose the "Manage audio devices" link;
- Go to the "Registration" tab to check if the system has a built-in microphone and if it works properly. If there is no microphone, you will need to purchase an external one and connect it to a USB port on your computer or to the appropriate audio input.
Step 2. Go to the "Start" menu and type in the keywords "voice recorder" (or "sound recorder" depending on the version of Windows you are using)
Step 3. Select the "Voice Recorder" icon from the result list that appears
The application window will appear on the screen.
Step 4. Press the "Record" button, then start speaking or start playing the audio track you want to record
Step 5. When finished press the "Stop Recording" button to finish the audio capture
Step 6. If you are using the "Voice Recorder", the acquired audio file will be saved automatically, while if you are using the "Sound Recorder" you will have to access the "File" menu and choose the "Save as" item
Step 7. If you are using the "Voice Recorder", press the "Rename" button, located in the lower right corner of the window, to be able to customize the name of the audio file
If you are using the "Sound Recorder", you will need to type in the name you want to assign to the track you just recorded and press the "Save" button.
Method 2 of 3: Using Third Party Software
Step 1. Right-click the speaker icon in the lower right corner of the Windows desktop
Step 2. Choose the "Recording Devices" option, then go to the "Recording" tab
Step 3. Select an empty spot on the "Recording" tab with the right mouse button, then choose "Show disabled devices" from the context menu that appeared
This will display the audio capture devices that are required to be able to use third-party recording software on your Windows system.
Step 4. Select the "Stereo Mix" icon with the right mouse button, then choose the "Enable" option from the context menu that appeared
By default on most Windows systems, the "Stereo Mix" device is disabled.
Step 5. Now press the "Default" button
This way the software you have chosen will be able to take advantage of the audio device installed on your computer.
Step 6. Start the audio recording program of your choice
If you haven't installed one yet, consider downloading Audacity. It is free and open-source software available for all versions of Windows.
Step 7. Access the Audacity "Edit" menu and choose the "Preferences" item
Now select the "Devices" option and set the "Stereo Mix" device as the default for recording.
Step 8. Press the "Record" button, then start playing the audio source you want to record
Step 9. At the end of the registration press the "Stop" button
Step 10. Enter the "File" menu and choose the "Export Audio" option
Now select the "Save as" drop-down menu and choose the format to use, for example "MP3" or "WAV".
Step 11. Now type in the name you want to assign to the newly acquired audio file and press the "Save" button
The file will be stored in the indicated folder.
Method 3 of 3: Troubleshooting
Step 1. Try using the Windows "Troubleshooter" tool to try to troubleshoot hardware and audio configuration settings if you are unable to capture an audio track
This Windows feature can help you resolve internal system problems related to incorrect configuration of the microphone or audio playback devices (speakers or headphones).
- Access the "Start" menu and choose "Control Panel";
- Type the keywords "troubleshoot" in the search field, then choose the "Troubleshoot" icon from the list of results that appears.
- Select the "Troubleshoot audio recording problems" link. Windows will try to automatically detect and fix any existing problems with the audio compartment of your computer.
Step 2. If you are having trouble recording an audio track, try downloading and installing an updated version of the microphone or speaker drivers
Do this using the system manufacturer's website. This step is often helpful in solving this type of problem. Remember that each computer has different internal hardware components, based on make and model.
Step 3. If you are unable to record audio using an external microphone, try plugging it into another free USB port on your computer
This way you can determine if the cause of the problem is the microphone itself or one of the communication ports.
