How to Record Internal Audio on Windows Using Audacity

If you want to record internal audio on a Windows computer, such as music streaming, internet radio, YouTube audio, or system sounds, the built-in Windows Voice Recorder will not work because it can only record audio from your microphone. To record system audio, you need a third-party audio recorder. One of the best free tools for this is Audacity.

Audacity is a free and open-source audio recorder and editor. It supports Windows WASAPI loopback recording, which allows you to record the sound your computer is playing through its speakers.

Below is a step-by-step guide to recording internal audio on Windows using Audacity.

Method 1: Enable Windows WASAPI Loopback from Audio Setup

First, open Audacity. In the top toolbar, click the Audio Setup button. From the Host drop-down menu, select Windows WASAPI.

Next, go to Recording Device and select the loopback device for your playback device. For example, you may see options like:

• Speakers (loopback)
• Headphones (loopback)
• Realtek High Definition Audio (loopback)

Make sure the device you choose has “(loopback)” at the end of its name.

Method 2: Select Loopback Device from Device Toolbar

If you cannot find the audio settings, you can use the Device Toolbar.

The Device Toolbar is hidden by default. To enable it:

1. Click View in the top menu
2. Select Toolbars
3. Click Device Toolbar

Once the toolbar appears, set:

• Audio Host: Windows WASAPI
• Recording Device: Choose a device with “(loopback)”
• Playback Device: Your speakers or headphones

This will allow Audacity to record the audio playing on your computer.

Method 3: Choose Recording Source from Preferences

Another way to set loopback recording is through Preferences.

1. Click Edit > Preferences
2. Go to Audio Settings
3. Set Host to Windows WASAPI
4. Set Recording Device to a (loopback) device
5. Click OK to save the settings

Test Your Audio Settings

Before recording anything important, do a test recording. Play some music or a video on your computer and click the Record button in Audacity. If you see the audio waveform moving, it means the setup is working correctly.

Record Desktop Audio on Windows

Once everything is set up:

1. Play music, YouTube videos, internet radio, or any audio on your computer
2. Click the red Record button in Audacity
3. Click the yellow Stop button when finished
4. Play the recording to make sure the audio was captured correctly
5. You can edit the audio if needed

Save the Recording

After recording and editing your audio:

1. Click File
2. Select Export Audio
3. Choose the file format (WAV, MP3, OGG, FLAC, etc.)
4. Choose where to save the file
5. Click Export

Your recording will then be saved to your computer.