Need to record a lecture, a meeting or a quick voice note without installing anything extra? Microsoft's Sound Recorder captures audio from any connected microphone. It offers format and quality controls, then keeps recordings in an in-app list for playback and renaming.
Recording device and waveform
Start a recording with a connected microphone or another detected input, such as wireless headphones. The waveform rises and falls with the level of the incoming sound, giving a live visual reference as you capture a spoken note, class, or meeting.
Recording controls let you pause and resume a take, or stop it when finished. In the settings, choose a recording format and a sound-quality level: medium, high, or best.
Audio formats and quality
Recordings can be saved as MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV or WMA. AAC is the default format; FLAC and WAV preserve audio without lossy compression, but their recordings take more space.
The quality setting can be adjusted independently of the format. The app also selects a default quality based on the input audio.
Recording list and playback
Recordings appear in a list within the app, where you can rename them and play them back. Playback runs anywhere from a quarter of normal speed up to four times as fast, so you can slow down a passage or move through familiar material more quickly.
Markers provide reference points in a recording, making it easier to return to a particular moment during playback.
Pros
- Records in AAC, MP3, WMA, FLAC, or WAV
- Shows a live waveform while recording
- Playback speed ranges from 0.25x to 4x
- Recordings can be renamed and marked
System requirements: Windows 10, Windows 11
Which audio formats can Windows Sound Recorder save?
MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV and WMA, with AAC chosen by default.
Can I change playback speed?
Yes. Playback speeds range from 0.25x to 4x, including normal speed.
Can I pause a recording and continue it later?
Yes. Pause and resume controls are available before you stop the recording.