Getting Started: Record, Edit, Export
Set up your microphone or capture system audio with WASAPI, edit the essentials, and export to MP3/WAV/FLAC — all in minutes.
At a glance
- Select host: WASAPI (loopback) or MME/DirectSound for mic.
- Arm monitoring and set safe levels (avoid clipping).
- Record, trim mistakes, add fades or noise reduction.
- Export to MP3, WAV, or FLAC.
1) Choose host & device
Use WASAPI for system audio loopback. For microphones and line‑in, choose MME or DirectSound. Then select your input and output devices.
2) Set levels
Enable monitoring and adjust gain so peaks are below 0 dB. Keep healthy headroom to avoid clipping and distortion.
3) Record & edit
Press Record, then trim mistakes, split clips, fade in/out, and reduce noise. Use Space to play/stop.
Export your audio
- MP3 — great for sharing and podcasts.
- WAV — lossless, best for archiving or further editing.
- FLAC — lossless with compression.
- Go to File → Export, choose format, name file, and save.
Tips for Windows
- Allow microphone in Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone.
- For what‑you‑hear capture, choose WASAPI host and a loopback device.
- Install FFmpeg to import additional formats (AAC, AC3, AMR).
Ready to record?
Download the free 64‑bit Windows installer and start capturing audio right away.
Quick answers
How do I record system audio on Windows?
Select WASAPI as the host and choose a loopback device (e.g., speakers loopback). Then press Record to capture what‑you‑hear.
I can’t hear playback — how to fix?
Pick the correct output device in Audacity and Windows, unmute the track, and raise the output volume slider. Try switching host from MME to DirectSound if needed.
Where is MP3 export?
Go to File → Export and choose MP3. For extra import formats, add FFmpeg from the Plugins page.
Next steps
System requirements
- Windows 10 or 11 (64‑bit)
- 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended)
- ~200 MB for installation; extra space for projects