What type of content do you primarily create?
Ever notice how "show, don't tell" isn't just writing advice—it's the difference between someone actually understanding what you're saying and their eyes glazing over? That's where screen recording with audio comes in.
Whether you're walking a student through an assignment, onboarding a new team member who's drowning in information, or demonstrating your product to customers who are tired of reading manuals—capturing your screen with clear audio transforms confusion into clarity.
The tricky part? Finding a screen recorder that doesn't make the audio sound like you're speaking through a drive-thru intercom from 1997. This guide walks you through capturing high-quality screen recordings with audio that actually sounds like you—regardless of what device you're using.
How to screen record with audio on Mac
- Open QuickTime Player
- Access the screen recording feature
- Choose an audio source
- Select a recording area
- Start and stop recording
1. Open QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player is a built-in video tool for Mac that allows you to play videos, make basic edits, and screen record with audio. You can find and open QuickTime Player through your Mac's Launchpad.
2. Access the screen recording feature
To start recording, open QuickTime Player, click on File, and select New Screen Recording. Alternatively, use the shortcut ^⌘N to quickly initiate a new screen recording.
3. Select recording area
A gray shaded area will appear when you start recording. Select the portion of your screen you want to capture and adjust the edges to crop as needed.
4. Choose an audio source
To record computer audio alongside your Mac screen recording, click the Options tab. Under the Microphone section, choose between your Mac’s built-in microphone or an external audio device.
5. Start and stop recording
After selecting the correct microphone for your screen recording with audio, click the Record button. Interact with your computer while narrating your steps as the recording progresses.
To stop the recording, click the stop button in your Mac's menu bar. The recording will automatically open in QuickTime Player, and you can find the .MOV file in Finder.
How to screen record with audio on Windows
- Open the application or content you want to record
- Activate the Xbox Game Bar
- Enable microphone audio
- Start and stop screen recording
1. Open the application you want to record
To start a screen recording on a Windows device, first open the application or window you want to capture, such as a browser tab or software interface.
2. Activate the Xbox Game Bar
The Xbox Game Bar allows you to screen record with sound on Windows. Ensure it's enabled by going to Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar and toggling it On.
3. Enable microphone audio
To allow Xbox Game Bar to record system audio, navigate to Settings > Captures. Here, you can adjust video quality, frame rate, recording length, and set a preferred save location.
4. Start and stop recording
Start recording your Windows screen by pressing Windows + G. This opens the recording panel, where you can click the microphone button to enable screen recording with sound.
How to screen record with audio on iPhone
- Enable screen recording in the Control Center
- Open your Control Center
- Turn on microphone access
- Start and stop recording
1. Enable screen recording in Control Center
To enable screen recording on an iPhone, go to Settings > Control Center. Find the screen recording tool and drag it into the Included Controls section.
2. Open your Control Center
Access your iPhone Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen. Locate the screen recording button, represented by a small circle icon.
3. Turn on microphone audio
Long-press the screen recording icon to open additional settings. Here, you can enable Do Not Disturb for certain apps and turn on microphone access to record system sound.
4. Start and stop recording
Once your microphone is enabled, start an iPhone screen record with sound. A three-second countdown will appear before the recording begins.
Your device’s clock will turn red to indicate that recording is active. Tap the clock area to stop recording. The video will automatically save in your Photos app.
Note for Android users: While many devices now support native screen recording with audio, some may require a third-party app for full functionality. Check your device settings or explore third-party options.
Troubleshooting Audio Issues During Screen Recording
Encountering audio issues while screen recording can be frustrating, but common problems often have simple solutions. Ensure your microphone is properly connected and selected within the recording software. If system audio isn't recording, verify that the feature is enabled in your software settings. For Mac users, QuickTime may require additional tools for capturing system audio, while Windows users should confirm that the Xbox Game Bar settings are correctly configured. If issues persist, consult your device's support resources for further troubleshooting.
For more details, refer to Microsoft's guidance on system audio settings.
Optimizing Audio Quality for Screen Recordings
High-quality audio is crucial for effective screen recordings. Use an external microphone positioned close to your mouth to reduce ambient noise. Adjust the bitrate to at least 128 kbps and set the sample rate to 44.1 kHz for clear sound. Many tools, like Descript, offer features like noise reduction to further enhance audio quality. Ensure your recording environment is quiet, and make use of built-in audio enhancement tools for the best results.
How to choose a screen recorder with audio
Built-in screen recorders are convenient but often limited in features. If you need advanced options like face recording while screen recording, consider using a more feature-rich tool.
1. Identify your needs and goals
When selecting a screen recording tool, consider the features you need beyond just capturing audio. Key features to look for include:
- The length of your videos. Some screen recording software has limitations on how long your video can be, especially if you're using a free version. Check that apps on your shortlist won't cut you off midway through your video.
- The screen you'll be recording. If you're recording your screen with audio on a smartphone, check the app you're thinking of investing in works on mobile devices.
- How you'll edit and share your screen recording. What happens if you make a mistake in your video? Platforms like Descript have video editing features that allow you to clean up any mistakes—either in the audio or screen recording—before sharing it.
2. Research available screen recorders
After identifying your must-have features, look for a screen recorder that fits your criteria and offers high-quality audio and video recording.
Popular screen recorders include:
- Loom for Mac and Windows
- CleanShot X for Mac
- Descript for Mac and Windows
Descript is ideal if you need to edit recordings before sharing. You can record your screen on Mac or Windows, then edit the video instantly in the editing dashboard.
3. Compare features and user-friendliness
Choosing a free screen recorder involves more than just checking for audio recording capability and device compatibility.
Maximize your screen recording experience by selecting a tool that allows you to:
- Fix audio mistakes with an AI clone of your voice
- Trim and cut segments of your video
- Add subtitles to your screen recording to help those who don't have audio turned on
- Get links to easily share your screen recordings
- Remove filler words like “uh” and “um”
4. Do a test run
Before using your screen recorder for an important project, test it with a low-stakes recording to ensure smooth functionality.
Check you've chosen the right screen recorder with audio by doing a test run. Go through the entire video production process and take stock of any challenges you run into. For example:
- Is there a brand watermark over your video?
- Can you record different apps, browser tabs, or the entire screen?
- Is your cursor visible in the screen recording?
- Can you use webcam recording to film yourself talking over your screen? If so, is the video quality up to scratch?
- Is the audio quality bad when you replay the video?
- Can you edit the video in the same tool or do you need another app?
Some platforms offer advanced features to enhance audio quality. Descript’s Studio Sound can transform standard audio into professional-grade sound without expensive equipment.
Why Descript is the best screen recorder with audio
There are hundreds of screen recorders on the market, but not all have the features you need to create high-quality videos with incredible sound.
People who already use Descript's online screen recorder benefit from:
- Professional editing tools that allow you to edit videos from text
- Exporting options to share your videos in high-quality resolution
- Overdub, which creates an AI clone of your voice to fix voiceover mistakes
- Ability to zoom into parts of a full screen to show elements in greater detail
- Filler word removal to remove awkward pauses like “umm” and “ahh”
Start creating videos with the best screen recorder for Mac and Windows. Take a tour and see why.
FAQs about screen recording with audio
How do I record my screen with sound?
To start recording your screen with sound, choose a tool like Descript. Open the desktop app, create a new project, and start recording your screen. The video (and audio) will automatically appear in your video editor.
How do I record my iPhone screen with sound?
Head to your iPhone settings and find the Control Center. Press the record button and tap the microphone icon to turn on screen capture with audio recording functionality.
How do I record my screen with audio on my laptop?
Download the Descript app and create a new project. Press “Screen recording” and open the tab you want to record, and choose your microphone source (such as your laptop's built-in mic).
What screen recorders capture both video and audio?
Descript's screen recorder allows you to record video and audio on your laptop or desktop. iPhones have this feature available in the device's Control Center.
How do I enable system audio recording on a Mac?
To record system audio on a Mac, open QuickTime Player and start a new screen recording. Click Options and select your microphone, ensuring the audio plays through your computer's speakers. For detailed steps, refer to Descript's guide.
What should I do if my screen recording audio is low quality?
If your audio quality is poor, consider using an external microphone and ensure it's selected in your recording software. Adjust the bitrate and sample rate for better clarity. Also, try using software with audio enhancement features, such as Descript's Studio Sound, to improve quality. For more information, visit Animoto's audio optimization guide.
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