Learning how to screen record on pc with audio is a valuable skill for creating tutorials, capturing gameplay, or saving video calls. Screen recording on a PC with audio requires configuring both video capture and the correct sound input source in your chosen software. This guide will walk you through several reliable methods, from built-in tools to free and paid software, ensuring you capture both system sounds and your microphone clearly.
How To Screen Record On Pc With Audio
Before you start recording, it’s helpful to understand the two main types of audio you can capture. System audio (also called desktop audio) is the sound coming from your computer, like video playback, game sounds, or application alerts. Microphone audio is your voice or any external sound captured through your mic. Most screen recorders allow you to select one or both of these sources.
Using The Built-In Xbox Game Bar On Windows
Windows 10 and 11 include a powerful, free tool called the Xbox Game Bar. Despite it’s name, it can record any window or application on your PC. It’s a great starting point because it requires no installation.
First, you need to enable some permissions. Press the Windows key + G to open the Game Bar. If prompted, check the box that says “Yes, this is a game.” You may also need to grant permission for the Game Bar to record your desktop in Windows Settings under Gaming > Captures.
Steps To Record Your Screen With Audio
- Open the application or window you want to record.
- Press Windows key + G to summon the Game Bar overlay.
- Click the “Capture” button (the white circle) or press Win + Alt + R to start recording. A timer will appear.
- To stop recording, press the “Stop” button on the capture widget or press Win + Alt + R again.
Your recordings are automatically saved to your “Videos/Captures” folder. To manage audio settings, click the audio widget (looks like a speaker) on the Game Bar. Here, you can adjust the system volume and microphone volume sliders. Ensure the microphone is not muted if you want to include commentary.
Recording With Windows Snipping Tool
For a more straightforward, newer option, the updated Snipping Tool in Windows 11 (and some versions of Windows 10) now includes screen recording. It’s simpler than the Game Bar but very effective for quick captures.
- Open the Snipping Tool by searching for it in the Start menu.
- Click “New” and then select “Record” from the dropdown menu, or simply press Win + Shift + R.
- Drag your cursor to select the area of the screen you wish to record.
- A small toolbar appears. Click the microphone icon to enable or disable your mic audio. System audio is recorded by default.
- Click the “Start” button to begin. Record your screen, then click the “Stop” button.
- The recording will open in the app for quick playback and saving.
This method is excellent for short instructional clips. However, it lacks advanced settings like customizing audio bitrate or seperate audio tracks.
How To Screen Record On PC With Audio Using OBS Studio
For maximum control and professional results, OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is the industry standard free tool. It’s open-source and incredibly powerful, though its interface can seem complex at first. Here’s how to set it up for basic screen recording with audio.
Initial Setup And Configuration
First, download and install OBS Studio from its official website. When you first open it, the interface will be mostly blank. The key areas are “Scenes,” “Sources,” “Audio Mixer,” and “Controls.”
- In the “Sources” box at the bottom, click the ‘+’ icon.
- Select “Display Capture” and click “OK.” You can name it, like “Main Screen.”
- In the properties window, choose the display you want to record and click “OK.” Your screen should now appear in the preview.
Configuring Audio Sources In OBS
This is the most crucial step for capturing audio. You will see two default audio tracks in the “Audio Mixer” section: “Desktop Audio” and “Mic/Aux.”
- Desktop Audio: This should automatically capture your system sounds. If the green bar doesn’t move when you play sound, click the settings cog > Properties and ensure the correct device is selected.
- Mic/Aux: This is for your microphone. Click the cog > Properties to select your correct microphone input. You can click the speaker icon to mute or unmute it.
To start recording, simply click the “Start Recording” button in the “Controls” panel. Click “Stop Recording” when finished. Your video file will be saved to the location set in File > Settings > Output > Recording Path. OBS records both audio tracks into the video file by default, which is perfect for most users.
Third-Party Software For Screen Recording
If built-in tools lack features or OBS feels too advanced, many excellent third-party applications offer a balance. They often provide a cleaner user interface with one-click recording options.
Using ShareX For Free Advanced Recording
ShareX is a free, open-source tool that goes beyond simple screen recording. It includes annotation tools, workflow automation, and various sharing options. After installing ShareX, follow these steps.
- Open ShareX and click “Task Settings” on the left.
- Navigate to “Screen recorder” under the “Capture” section.
- Here, you can set your video encoder, frame rate, and most importantly, audio sources.
- Under “Audio sources,” check “Capture audio” and select your primary sound device for system audio. Check “Capture microphone” and select your mic if needed.
- To start a recording, you can use the hotkey (Ctrl + Print Screen by default) or click “Capture” in the main window and select “Screen recording.”
ShareX allows you to select a specific region, window, or the entire screen. It’s a very robust option that many users prefer for its all-in-one feature set.
Quicktime Player For Mac Users
While this article focuses on PC, Mac users have a similiar built-in tool. QuickTime Player makes screen recording with audio straightforward.
- Open QuickTime Player from your Applications folder.
- Go to File > New Screen Recording.
- Click the arrow next to the record button to choose your microphone (for narration) and to set the microphone volume.
- Internal audio is not captured by default in older macOS versions. On newer versions (macOS Mojave and later), you can capture system audio by holding the Option key while clicking the record button.
- Click the record button, select an area, and begin. Stop recording via the menu bar icon.
Optimizing Your Audio Quality
A common problem is poor audio quality, which can ruin an otherwise perfect screen recording. Here are some tips to ensure your audio is clear and professional.
Balancing System And Microphone Audio
If your system sounds are too loud compared to your voice, viewers will struggle to hear you. You need to balance the two audio sources.
- In OBS or other advanced software, use the audio mixer sliders to lower the desktop audio and raise the microphone level during recording.
- Do a short test recording first. Play a video or game at the volume you’ll use and speak normally. Listen back to check the balance.
- Reduce background system notifications or close unnecessary applications that might make sounds during your recording.
Improving Microphone Clarity
Using your laptop’s built-in microphone often results in echo or fan noise. For better quality, consider these steps.
- Use an external USB microphone or a good quality headset. This is the single biggest improvement you can make.
- Record in a quiet, carpeted room with soft furnishings to reduce echo.
- Speak clearly and consistently, about a fist’s distance from the mic.
- Use software filters if available. OBS has built-in noise suppression and gain filters you can add to your microphone source.
Troubleshooting Common Audio Issues
Sometimes, things don’t work as expected. Here are solutions to frequent problems people encounter when trying to record audio with their screen.
No System Audio Is Being Recorded
This is a very common issue on Windows, often due to sound driver settings or software limitations.
- Check your recorder’s audio settings: Ensure “Desktop Audio” or “System Sound” is enabled and the correct output device is selected.
- For some recorders on Windows, you may need to enable “Stereo Mix” as an input. Right-click the sound icon in your taskbar, select “Sounds,” go to the “Recording” tab, and see if “Stereo Mix” is listed and enabled. Note: This option is not available on all PCs.
- Consider using third-party audio routing software like VB-Audio Cable (free) to create a virtual audio output that recorders can capture more reliably.
Microphone Not Working In Recordings
If your voice isn’t being captured, follow this checklist.
- Verify the microphone is selected as the input device in your screen recording software.
- Check the physical connection and ensure the mic is not muted on the device itself or in Windows Sound settings.
- In Windows, right-click the sound icon, select “Sounds,” go to the “Recording” tab, and speak into your mic. You should see green bars moving next to your selected device.
- Ensure you’ve granted microphone permissions to the recording app in Windows Privacy settings.
Editing Your Screen Recording
After capturing your screen and audio, you might need to make small edits, like trimming the start and end or adjusting volume levels.
Basic Editing With Free Tools
You don’t need expensive software for simple edits. Windows Photos app (included with Windows 10/11) or Shotcut (a free, open-source editor) are great options.
- Windows Photos: Open your video, click “Edit & Create” > “Trim.” You can drag the sliders to cut out sections. It offers very basic audio adjustment.
- Shotcut: Offers more control. You can import your video, split clips, and adjust audio levels on seperate tracks. It has a learning curve but is very capable.
For most tutorial creators, trimming the beginning and end is sufficent. Always watch your final edit to ensure the audio syncs correctly with the video, which is a common issue if your computer was under heavy load during recording.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Record My Screen With Internal Audio On Windows?
To record your screen with internal audio (system sound), use the Xbox Game Bar (Win + G) and ensure the system audio slider is up in the audio widget. For more control, use OBS Studio and add a “Desktop Audio” source. Some applications may require enabling “Stereo Mix” in your Windows sound control panel.
What Is The Best Free Software To Record Screen And Audio?
The best free software depends on your needs. OBS Studio offers the most professional features and control. ShareX is excellent for quick captures and workflows. The built-in Windows Snipping Tool or Xbox Game Bar are the most convenient for simple, fast recordings without any installation.
Why Is My Screen Recording Not Picking Up Audio?
If your screen recording has no audio, first check the audio settings within your recording software to ensure the correct sources are enabled and selected. Verify your system’s default audio output device. For microphone issues, check app permissions in Windows settings and ensure the mic is not muted physically or in software.
Can I Record Screen With Audio On A PC Without Any Software?
Yes, you can record your screen with audio on a PC without installing any software by using the built-in tools. On Windows 10 and 11, use the Xbox Game Bar (Windows key + G) or the Snipping Tool (Windows 11). These tools can capture both system audio and microphone commentary directly.
How Do I Separate Microphone And System Audio Into Different Tracks?
Separating audio into different tracks is useful for editing. OBS Studio can do this. Go to Settings > Output > Recording and set the audio track mode to “Advanced.” Then, you can assign your Desktop Audio to Track 1 and your Microphone to Track 2. This creates a single video file with isolated audio tracks you can adjust independently in editing software.