4 Best Windows Screen Recorders with Audio
The demand for high-quality screen recording software has never been greater. Whether you're crafting educational tutorials, capturing gameplay highlights, or delivering professional presentations, the ability to record your screen with crisp audio is indispensable.
Fortunately, there are a lot of Windows screen recorders with audio to cater to diverse needs and preferences. In this article, we will explore 4 different options from built-in features to third-party software for capturing audio while recording your screen.
Option 1: Icecream Screen Recorder
Icecream Screen Recorder is versatile screen capture software designed for capturing any area of your display. Renowned for its intuitive interface, the program allows users to record their computer screen and audio from both microphone and system sources.
Step-by-step guide:
- Download and install the free Windows screen recorder with audio from the official website.
- Before starting the recording, you can adjust various settings such as video quality, audio source, and more.
- Hit the "Capture video" button and choose to record the full screen or a specific part.
- Once you've selected your desired area, click "Rec" to start the process.
- When you're done, stop the recording. It will automatically open in a preview window where you can edit it if needed and save it on your computer.
While screen recording with audio, you can pause the process or make annotations at any time by clicking the corresponding buttons on the toolbar.
Pros:
- User-friendliness. The screen recorder for Windows features an intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate and operate.
- Versatility. It allows users to capture any area of the screen with customizable recording parameters.
- Audio recording. The program enables users to screen record with their voice and capture system sources simultaneously.
- Scheduling options. The program offers the option to schedule recordings, automating the process for more convenience.
- Annotations. You can add text, shapes, and arrows to their recordings in real time, enhancing clarity and communication.
- Webcam. The video recording software supports webcam integration, allowing users to include additional footage in their recordings.
- Built-in editor. It comes with an integrated video editor that allows users to trim recordings, add basic effects, and merge multiple clips effortlessly.
- Customizable hotkeys. You can set up custom hotkeys for various recording functions, enhancing efficiency and productivity.
In conclusion, Icecream Screen Recorder is a reliable and convenient way to record your screen with audio on Windows. Its versatile video recording options and built-in video editor allow users to create high-quality videos for various purposes.
Option 2: Built-in Windows screen recorder
Game Bar is a free screen recorder pre-installed on Windows and designed primarily for capturing gameplay footage. However, it doubles for general purposes and gives you a quick way to record the screen activity with audio.
Step-by-step guide:
- Launch the application or window that you want to record.
- Press the Windows + G keys to open the Game Bar.
- Click the "Capture" tab in the top menu and enable the microphone if needed.
- Hit the "Start recording" button (or press Windows + Alt + R) to record your screen on Windows.
- A small toolbar will appear in the uppermost section of your screen, indicating that you are recording.
- Once you're done, press the "Stop" button (or hit Windows + Alt + R again).
The recorded video will automatically be save in your videos in a folder called "Captures".
Pros:
- Built-in integration. The screen recorder comes pre-installed with Windows 10 and 11, eliminating the need for third-party software downloads.
- Ease of access. It can be easily accessed by pressing a hotkey combination, making it convenient for quick screen recording.
- Audio recording. The video recording software lets users record audio from both the microphone and system simultaneously.
- Lightweight. The tool consumes minimal system resources, ensuring smooth performance even during intensive tasks.
Cons:
- Limited customization. Users have limited control over recording settings such as resolution, frame rate, and audio sources.
- Game focus. As the name suggests, the video capture software is primarily designed for gamers. It is not available for the Windows Desktop or File Explorer.
Overall, for gamers and casual users alike, Game Bar offers a simple and efficient way to record the computer screen and audio. While it may lack the advanced features of dedicated software, its ease of access and integration with the operating system make it a convenient option.
Option 3: OBS Studio
OBS Studio, short for Open Broadcaster Software Studio, is a free video and audio recorder. Initially developed for streaming purposes, it has evolved into a comprehensive tool for recording any screen activity with audio.
Step-by-step guide:
- Download OBS Studio from its official website, install it on your computer and launch the application.
- Press "+" on the sources panel, select "Display Capture" and pick your device.
- Click the "+" button again, but this time choose "Audio Input Capture". Select your desired audio input device (e.g., microphone).
- Hit the "Start Recording" button at the bottom right corner.
- When you're done, click "Stop Recording" in the controls. The result will automatically be saved to the designated folder on your computer.
OBS Studio works with scenes and sources. A scene is like a canvas where you place your sources, such as your screen capture and audio inputs.
Pros:
- Open-source. The Windows screen recorder offers access to all its features without any cost.
- Customizable settings. Users have full control over the parameters such as resolution, frame rate, and audio sources, allowing for highly customizable recordings.
- Multi-source recording. The video recorder supports capturing from multiple sources simultaneously, including desktop, window, webcam, and microphone inputs.
- Editing features. It offers a range of advanced editing features, including scene transitions, filters, and audio mixing capabilities.
Cons:
- Steep learning curve. The video recording software has a more complex interface compared to other applications in this article, which may require time to learn and navigate effectively.
- Resource intensive. Screen recording on Windows with this software can be resource-intensive, especially when capturing high-resolution video at higher bitrates.
OBS Studio is a powerful and versatile method for screen recording and live streaming, offering advanced features and customization options for users with diverse needs. While it may have a steeper learning curve compared to some other software, its extensive features make it a popular choice among content creators, gamers, and professionals alike.
Option 4: ShareX
ShareX is an open-source free screen recorder and file-sharing program that offers a wide range of features. It is available for Windows and provides users with a comprehensive set of tools for capturing, annotating, and sharing screen content.
Step-by-step guide:
- Download and install ShareX from their official website.
- Go to "Task Settings" , select "Screen Recorder" and click "Screen Recording Options".
- Under "Audio Source", pick the input device you want to use for recording. This could be your microphone or system audio.
- Press the Shift + PrtScr hotkey, or click "Capture" in the main window and select "Screen Recording".
- To end the process, you can press the same hotkey combination, or you can hit the "Stop" button.
Pros:
- Capture options. Video capture software offers a plethora of capture options, including full-screen, window, scrolling, region captures, and more.
- Open-source. The Windows screen recorder with audio is completely free to use and regularly updated by its developers.
- Built-in editor. The software includes a built-in image editor with advanced features like cropping, resizing, adding effects, and applying filters.
Cons:
- Complex interface. Due to its extensive features and customization settings, the tool to record screen with audio may have a steep learning curve for some users.
With ShareX, you have the flexibility to record your computer screen and audio. Its wide range of capture options, annotation tools, and customization capabilities make it a popular choice among professionals, content creators, and enthusiasts.
FAQ about screen recorder for Windows
- How do I record voiceover along with the screen?
- You can capture your voice by selecting the microphone as an audio source in the screen recorder settings.
- How much disk space do screen recordings with audio typically occupy?
- The required disk space can vary depending on several factors. For a 1080p resolution video at 30 frames per second (fps) with average compression, expect around 200-300 MB per minute of recording. For a 4K resolution video at 60 fps with higher quality compression, the file can easily exceed 1 GB per minute.
- What formats will my screen recording with audio be saved in?
- Most screen recordings are saved in popular video formats such as MP4 or AVI depending on the settings chosen by the user.
- How do I enable system audio recording on my computer?
- Depending on the software you're using, you may need to adjust your system's settings. Or you will need to select the appropriate audio source within the screen recording application.
- How can I ensure good audio quality in my screen recordings?
- Use a high-quality microphone, minimize background noise, and adjust audio levels to avoid clipping or distortion.
- Is it legal to record online meetings or webinars with audio?
- It depends on the terms of service of the platform hosting the meeting. Plus, always make sure to obtain consent before recording any online meeting or webinar.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how to screen record on Windows is crucial for work or personal use. Whether you prioritize simplicity, advanced editing capabilities, or extensive customization, there's a screen recorder with audio out for you.
From the intuitive Icecream Screen Recorder and the user-friendly Game Bar to the versatile OBS Studio and the feature-rich ShareX, each option empowers users to capture, annotate, and share their screen experiences seamlessly.
Expert Tech Writer
