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Windows 11 comes with plenty of new and exciting features, and one of them is the ability to record system audio. Recording system audio is incredibly helpful when you want to create a tutorial, record audio from a streaming service like YouTube, or when you want to have an audio file in which you can listen to the steps of what you’re doing.
However, new users might struggle with the process of recording system audio as it is not clearly presented in Windows 11. This article will cover methods to help you record system audio on Windows 11 without any hassle.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Record System Audio on Windows 11
Recording system audio in Windows 11 is helpful in many ways. Here are some crucial reasons why you may need to record system audio on your Windows 11 PC:
– When creating a tutorial, you can use the system audio to help guide viewers on what they need to do.
– Recording audio from a streaming service can be helpful when you want to listen to it offline.
– Having an audio recording of the steps you need to take can be very helpful, especially when you need to refer to those steps later.
In this article, you will learn three different methods to record system audio on Windows 11.
Method 1: Via OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a free-to-use open-source software that is primarily used to record and stream video. While it is commonly used for video, you can also use it to record system audio on Windows 11.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Download and install OBS Studio from their website, and then launch it.
2. Once launched, click on the "Settings" button in the bottom right corner.
3. Click on "Audio" on the left sidebar.
4. Under "Recording," click on the dropdown for "Audio Track."
5. Select "Track 1" from the dropdown.
6. Click "OK" to save the settings.
7. Click on the "+" icon located under "Sources" in the main window.
8. Select "Audio Output Capture."
9. In the "Properties" window, select "Default" for the "Device" dropdown.
10. Name the audio source and click "OK."
11. Click on the "Start Recording" button to start recording the system audio.
12. Click on the "Stop Recording" button to end the recording.
Pros:
– OBS Studio is free and easy to use.
– You can record from any audio source without the need to select specific programs.
Cons:
– OBS Studio can consume a lot of resources, which might slow down your computer.
– The user interface might be intimidating for some new users.
Method 2: Using Audacity
Audacity is a free, open-source audio editor and recorder that is powerful and easy to use. It offers some features that even the most expensive recording and editing software can’t deliver. You can use Audacity to record system audio on Windows 11.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Download and install Audacity from their website, and then launch it.
2. Ensure that the device you want to record audio from is playing audio, and then click on the "Record" button in Audacity.
3. Once finished, click on the "Stop" button, and then click on "File" from the main menu.
4. Click on "Export" from the dropdown menu, and then select the desired file format.
5. Choose the file name and location, and then click "Save."
Pros:
– Audacity is free and open-source.
– The user interface is straightforward and easy to navigate.
Cons:
– Audio can lag or sound choppy if the program is using too many resources.
– You’ll need to have the system audio playing to record.
Method 3: Using Windows Voice Recorder
Windows 11 comes with a built-in app called Voice Recorder that is helpful for recording audio, including system audio.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Click on the "Start" button and search for "Voice Recorder."
2. Click on the app "Voice Recorder" from the search results to launch it.
3. Click on the "Record" button to start recording.
4. Once finished, click on the "Stop" button to end the recording.
5. Click on the saved recording to access the playback options.
Pros:
– Windows Voice Recorder is free and built-in to Windows 11.
– It’s easy to use, and you can access recordings directly from the app.
Cons:
– Audio quality might be lower than other programs.
– You can only record audio via the microphone or line-in.
What to Do If You Can’t Record System Audio on Windows 11
If you can’t record system audio on Windows 11, there are a few things you can do:
1. Ensure that your sound drivers are updated.
2. Try using another program that enables you to record system audio.
3. Reinstall your audio drivers to fix any driver-related problems.
Bonus Tip
When recording system audio on Windows 11, ensure that the audio levels are not too high, or else you might experience sound distortions. Adjusting the volume levels is a crucial step before you start to record system audio.
5 FAQs
Q1: Why Can’t I Record System Audio on Windows 11?
A: The inability to record system audio on Windows 11 can occur due to various issues such as outdated audio drivers or incompatible audio devices.
Q2: Can I Record System Audio Using the Xbox App on Windows 11?
A: Yes, Xbox Game Bar on Windows 11 can be used to capture system audio.
Q3: Can I Use the Windows 10 Method to Record System Audio on Windows 11?
A: Yes, you can use the Windows 10 method of recording system audio on Windows 11 by following the same steps.
Q4: Can Camtasia record system audio on Windows 11?
A: Yes, Camtasia can record system audio on Windows 11.
Q5: Can I Edit System Audio After Recording?
A: Yes, you can edit the system audio after recording using various software like Audacity, Adobe Audition, and others.
Final Thoughts
Recording system audio on Windows 11 is helpful when creating tutorials and recordings or when you need to listen to audio offline. This article has covered three different ways to record system audio on Windows 11, including using OBS Studio, Audacity, and Windows Voice Recorder. If you encounter any challenges when recording system audio, you can refer to the bonus tips and frequently asked questions sections in this article for help.