How to Record Audio on a Computer With a Microphone

Microphones allow you to capture any external audio source onto your computer.

If you have a microphone attached to your computer, you can turn your machine into a home recording studio. Most laptops have a microphone integrated into them, but desktops generally use external microphones, because the tower is usually positioned away from the speaker. Windows 7 includes an integrated program, appropriately named "Sound Recorder," to record audio through your computer. This enables you to record your own voice or external sounds without the need for third-party software.

Instructions

1. Attach the microphone to your computer. Most microphones use a round plug that inserts into your soundcard's "Mic" port, but USB models that plug into your computer's USB port are available.

2. Position the microphone directly in front of the audio source.

3. Click the "Start" button, "All Programs," "Accessories" and "Sound Recorder."

4. Click "Start Recording," which is the only available button in the "Sound Recorder" window. This button will transform into a "Stop Recording" button when recording begins.

5. Click "Stop Recording" when you're finished recording. A "Save" window will appear.

6. Enter a name for your sound clip and click "Save" to save it into your default "Documents" folder.