1. A microphone take on Windows
Use Free Sound Recorder with a microphone selected and playback sources unchecked. This is useful for narration, spoken practice and voice notes you want to trim and export as MP3, WAV or FLAC.
A short test helps you set the microphone level and hear background noise before you record the full take.
2. A quick voice recording in the browser
The online voice recorder is for one microphone. It provides pause, playback, trim and local WAV download without installing the desktop app.
It has a 20-minute recording cap and needs microphone permission in a supported current browser. It does not provide desktop speaker loopback, multitrack editing or MP3 export.
3. Several sources on separate tracks
Use the Windows app when you want computer sound and microphones together. Select several available playback and capture devices. After Stop, each source is an editable track.
Adjust volume, Mute or Solo, and export the current mix. Save an .amss session to keep those tracks editable for another session.
Make the choice before you start
For just your voice and a quick WAV, start in the browser. For system audio, more sources or a finished MP3, choose the Windows app.
The desktop recorder requires 64-bit Windows 10 build 19041 or later, or Windows 11. It is not a mobile call-recording app. See how the recording sources work before a multi-device take.