How to get started using Sound Recorder app on Windows 11
Do you need to record sound on Windows 11? Here’s how without third-party software required.
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OnWindows 11, you can use the Sound Recorder app to quickly record audio in any situation, such as conversations, interviews, lectures, and podcasts.
In the Microsoft Store and across the web, you can find many different audio recording apps, but the Sound Recorder app is easy to use with the basic features that you may need, and it comes already built into the operating system.
In thishow-to guide, I will outline the steps to use the Sound Recorder app on Windows 11.
The Sound Recorder app should be installed on your computer, but if not, you can download it directly fromthis Microsoft Store pageby clicking the “Get (or Install)” button.
How to use Sound Recorder on Windows 11
Once you connect a microphone, you can continue with the instructions to start recording audio on Windows 11 without third-party tools.
Record audio
To record audio on Windows 11, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the file with the audio will be saved in the “Sound Recordings” folder available through the “Documents” folder.
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Playback audio
To playback audio from the Sound Recorder, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the recording will play, and you can click the “Pause” button to control the audio.
Rename audio
To change the name of an audio file, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the new name will apply in the app and the file. If the file is selected, you can also access the option to change the name from the"More options for recordings"menu in the top-right corner.
If you want to delete a file, right-click the item from the left side and choose the"Delete"option.
Share audio
To share an audio file with other people from within the Sound Recorder app, use these steps:
Alternatively, you can always use the"Show in folder"option from the Sound Recorder context menu to access the folder containing your recordings to grab the file manually for sharing.
Change settings
To change the audio format or recording quality on Windows 11, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the new configuration will apply, and the app will use these settings on your next recording.
Import audio
To import an audio file to the Sound Recorder app, use these steps :
After you complete the steps, the file will appear in the left navigation pane, ready for playback.
How to fix Sound Recorder on Windows 11
If the app doesn’t seem to work, the problem could be related to the microphone or privacy settings.
Fix microphone access
To fix app access to the microphone on Windows 11, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, you should be able to use the microphone with the Sound Recorder app.
Fix microphone issues
To troubleshoot and resolve issues with the microphone, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the system will scan and fix the problem with the microphone, and it should now work with the Sound Recorder app.
Fix Sound Recorder problems
To fix problems with the Sound Recorder app on Windows 11, use these steps:
These options won’t delete your recordings, but the reset option will delete the app’s data, meaning that the next time you open the app, the files won’t appear in the left pane. However, you can use the import option to add them again.
Although the Sound Recorder app is similar to the Voice Recorder app on Windows 10, one of the biggest differences is that the app for Windows 11 doesn’t include the audio trimming feature.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
