How to record audio files with Windows 11

Whether you’re recording an important lecture or your own thoughts, Microsoft’s integrated Audio Recorder tool is extremely easy to use. You can save the file in different formats and you can place markers within the file itself, allowing you to jump to different sections. You don’t have to download third-party software, either! Here’s how to use Microsoft’s Audio Recorder.

Further reading: How to transcribe audio files in Microsoft Word

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To start the program, enter Audio Recorder in the Windows search bar and select Open. Select the desired microphone at the bottom left of the program.

At the bottom center is the recorder button, which starts the recording. The recorded audio files are listed at the top left while the waveform diagram of the respective file can be seen on the right.

You can save audio files in various formats such as m4a, mp3, wma, flac, and wav. To select the desired format, click on the three dots at the top right and then Recording Format. The audio quality can then be roughly adjusted using the three levels: best, high, and medium.

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Otherwise, the app is limited to the basic functions of play, stop and record. It also offers an import function and a share button.

The playback speed of the audio files can be set from 0.25 to 4x. You can also set markers in an audio file, allowing you to jump to different sections.

Incidentally, only microphones can be used as input signals for the audio recorder. The sound mixer, which could be used to record any sound on the computer, cannot be selected.