How to record your screen with audio on Windows, Mac and in Chrome
Recording your voice is easy everywhere. Recording the sound your computer is playing is where every platform has its own rules.
In short: On Windows 11, use the Snipping Tool’s record mode with the microphone and system audio toggles. On a Mac, press Shift + Command + 5 for your microphone; macOS doesn’t record system audio without extra software. In Chrome, record a tab and tick “Share audio” to capture its sound.
Windows 11
Open the Snipping Tool, switch to the video camera, and choose New. Select the area, then use the microphone and system audio toggles in the toolbar before pressing Start. Recordings save as MP4 files.
macOS
Press Shift + Command + 5, choose Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion, and pick your microphone under Options. macOS does not capture the sound your Mac is playing in this tool. If you need it, record a browser tab instead (below) or use an app that installs an audio driver.
Chrome, Edge and Chromebooks
Browsers can record a tab together with that tab’s sound, on any operating system. In a browser recorder, press Start, choose the Chrome tab option, select the tab and tick Share tab audio. On Windows and ChromeOS you can also share system audio when sharing the entire screen.
Getting good sound
- Use a headset or earbuds so speakers don’t echo into the microphone.
- Watch the level meter before you start. Talk normally; it should move clearly without hitting the end.
- Close notification sounds or turn on Do Not Disturb.
Questions
Why is there no sound in my screen recording?
Usually because system audio wasn’t selected. On Mac, the built-in recorder can’t capture it. In Chrome, share a tab and tick Share audio.
Can I record Zoom or Teams audio?
Only with everyone’s consent, and check your company’s policy. Technically, sharing the entire screen with system audio on Windows captures it.