How to Record Audio From Any Windows 10 App Using Audacity

Windows 10 Audacity
(Image credit: Microsoft)

Audacity, the multi-faceted media application, allows you to record audio from the web (Skype, WhatsApp, or others) or to save system sounds -- as well as its primary function, a video player. But in order to record this audio, you’ll first need to review and edit the Sound settings on your laptop. A few setting tweaks, however, and you’re ready to go.

Sound settings: 

1) In the systems tray right-click the speaker icon.

Windows 10 Audacity

(Image credit: Microsoft)

2) Select Sounds, from the context menu.

Windows 10 Audacity

(Image credit: Microsoft)

3) In the Sounds window, go to the Recording tab.

Windows 10 Audacity

(Image credit: Microsoft)

4) Note down the default device with the green check mark against it.

5) Right-click on Stereo Mix.

Windows 10 Audacity

(Image credit: Microsoft)

6) Select Enable.

Windows 10 Audacity

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Audacity settings: 

1) In the search box on the Toolbar, type Audacity

Windows 10 Audacity

(Image credit: Microsoft)

2) Click Audacity in the search options.

Windows 10 Audacity

(Image credit: Microsoft)

3) Open the dropdown menu for Audio Host.

Windows 10 Audacity

(Image credit: Microsoft)

4) Select Windows WASAPI

Windows 10 Audacity

(Image credit: Microsoft)

5) Check that the Recording Device is the default device in the Sound settings. You are now ready to start recording. 

Windows 10 Audacity

(Image credit: Microsoft)

6) Press Record (red dot icon) in Audacity and then open the app for which you want to record audio. 

Windows 10 Audacity

(Image credit: Microsoft)

7) When done, press Stop (black square icon). 

Windows 10 Audacity

(Image credit: Microsoft)

8) To save the file, go to the File menu.

Windows 10 Audacity

(Image credit: Microsoft)

9) Click Export.

Windows 10 Audacity

(Image credit: Microsoft)

10) Select Export as MP3. This file format is compatible with most of the apps you might use. You can also use WAV.

Windows 10 Audacity

(Image credit: Microsoft)

11) Type a file name.

Windows 10 Audacity

(Image credit: Microsoft)

12) Click Save.

Windows 10 Audacity

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Bryan covers everything you need to know about Windows, social media, and the internet at large for Laptop Mag. Thanks to his extensive knowledge of operating systems and some of the most popular software out there, Bryan has written hundreds of helpful guides, including tips related to Windows 11 drivers, upgrading to a newer version of the OS, editing in Microsoft Photos, or rearranging pages in Google Docs.