To screen record with internal audio, select a recording source that captures sound from your computer or app, rather than only your microphone. On Windows, Xbox Game Bar can include system audio. On macOS 27 or later, the Screenshot toolbar offers system-audio capture. On compatible Macs, OBS can capture desktop or application audio. In a browser recorder, audio availability depends on the browser, operating system, and screen-sharing source you select.
The reliable check is a short recording played back before you begin. Hearing sound through your headphones does not prove that the recorder captured it.
Choose a screen recording method with audio
| What you need | Method to consider | Check before recording |
|---|---|---|
| Mac screen recording with system sound | Screenshot toolbar on macOS 27 or later | Include System Audio in Options; microphone selected separately |
| A Windows game or app with system sound | Xbox Game Bar | Capturing settings and microphone state |
| Audio from a particular Windows app | OBS Application Audio Capture | Supported version and correct application |
| Mac desktop or app sound | OBS on macOS 13 or later | Capture source and required permissions |
| Sound from a web page | A browser recorder that supports shared audio | Audio option for the selected tab, window, or screen |
| A phone screen recording | The device’s built-in recorder | Available audio choices and app restrictions |
Internal audio, microphone audio, and tab audio
- Internal or system audio is sound produced by your device, such as an application’s playback.
- Microphone audio captures your voice and sounds around you.
- Tab or application audio captures a narrower source, which helps keep unrelated sounds out of a demonstration.
A tutorial may need both narration and application sound. A bug report about a broken audio player may need only that player’s output. Choose the sources that explain the task; recording every notification rarely helps the viewer.
How to screen record with internal audio on Windows
Use Xbox Game Bar for an app or game
- Open the app or game you want to capture, then press Windows + G.
- Open Game Bar’s Settings → Capturing and select All to include computer sounds.
- Press Windows + Alt + R to start and stop recording. Use Windows + Alt + M to toggle microphone capture if needed.
- Open the MP4 in Videos → Captures and listen to the result.
These controls are documented in Microsoft’s Game Bar recording guide. This is an app/game workflow; test that it covers your intended demonstration before relying on it for a task that spans several windows.
Use OBS when you need an application audio source
OBS supports per-application audio on Windows 11 and Windows 10 version 2004 or later with OBS 28 or later. In Sources, add Application Audio Capture (BETA), name it, and select the target application’s window. Start the application’s playback and check its meter.
Disable global Desktop Audio when capturing that same sound through application sources, so it is not recorded twice. OBS 30.1 also introduced a Capture Audio option for Window Capture and Game Capture. See the OBS application-audio guide for compatibility and setup details.
Add your microphone separately if you need narration. Keep the visual source and the audio source aligned: a correct video preview can still accompany the wrong sound.
How to screen record with internal audio on Mac
Apple’s current screen-recording instructions list Include System Audio in the Screenshot toolbar on macOS 27 Golden Gate or later. Press Shift + Command + 5, select the recording area, open Options and enable that setting when available. Choose a microphone separately if you also need narration, then record and listen to a saved test. Selecting your Mac’s microphone records sound around the computer; it is not the same as selecting the application’s digital output. See Apple’s screen-recording guide.
If your Mac does not offer the required built-in system-audio option, or you need a particular application source, OBS offers a documented route:
- On macOS 13 or later, use a compatible OBS version.
- In OBS 30 or later, add a macOS Audio Capture source and choose desktop audio or a particular application.
- Add the screen or window source for the picture. The modern macOS Screen Capture source can also capture audio.
- Follow the app’s permission prompts, then record a short sample and play it back.
The OBS macOS audio guide distinguishes newer capture methods from older macOS setups that require additional audio-routing software. Check your versions before installing a virtual audio device. A workaround for an older system should not be presented as a requirement for every Mac.
How to capture audio with a browser screen recorder
When your recorder opens the browser’s sharing picker, select the tab, window, or screen you intend to show. Enable its audio-sharing option if one is offered. For a web demonstration, start with the tab playing the sound, then make a test recording.
A successful screen share does not guarantee an audio track. MDN’s screen-capture documentation explains that shared audio depends on browser support and may be absent even when requested. Changing from a tab to an entire screen can also change the available choices.
If the picker does not offer the required audio source, check the recorder’s supported browser and operating-system combination or use a documented desktop method. Turning up your speakers and recording them through a microphone is a different, usually less controlled workflow.
For support walkthroughs, explore Screendesk screen recordings and verify the available audio controls in your recording setup. Use our microphone permissions guide when narration is missing.
Can you record internal audio on iPhone or Android?
On iPhone, start Screen Recording from Control Center and review the result in Photos. Holding the recording control lets you turn the microphone on for narration. Some apps restrict audio or video recording, so test the actual app you need; the microphone toggle is not a guarantee of internal-audio capture. Follow Apple’s iPhone recording instructions.
On supported Android devices, open Screen record from Quick Settings and choose the available audio options before starting. Device and manufacturer controls vary. Google’s Android screen-recording guide explains the basic workflow. Check whether your device offers app/device audio, microphone audio, or both.
Troubleshoot missing or doubled audio
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| The picture records, but sound is missing | Confirm that an audio source is enabled and that it is the source producing the sound. |
| Your voice records, but the demo is silent | Microphone capture is working; check system, tab, or application capture separately. |
| Sound repeats or echoes | Check for duplicate capture of the same source, and use headphones so speaker playback does not enter the microphone. |
| Audio is too loud or distorted | Lower the relevant source level and listen to another sample. |
| Only one app fails to record | Check that app’s capture compatibility and restrictions before changing the whole device setup. |
When adding OBS audio devices directly to a scene, avoid also capturing the same device through global audio settings. The OBS audio-sources reference explains this duplicate-source issue.
A 20-second audio test before every important recording
- Start the intended application sound and record it briefly.
- If narrating, say a short sentence while the application sound is playing.
- Stop, open the saved file, and listen with headphones.
- Check that the intended sound is audible, your voice is clear, and nothing repeats.
- Repeat after changing a headset, audio source, capture surface, or permission.
For a support report, note the operating system, recorder version, selected visual and audio sources, expected sound, and playback result. Attach the sample using our bug-report template. For a teaching video, plan the demonstration and narration with our tutorial-video workflow.
Frequently asked questions
Does screen recording record audio automatically?
Sometimes, but do not assume it does. Your recorder must support the sound source and have it enabled. Check system or app sound separately from microphone narration, then listen to a saved test.
Can I record internal audio without recording my microphone?
Yes, when your recording method supports the required internal source. Enable system, application, or tab audio and turn off microphone capture, then confirm with playback.
Why can I hear audio but the recording is silent?
Your playback device and recording source may differ, or the chosen capture method may not support that sound. Check the recorder’s source and make another sample.
Do I need a virtual audio driver on every Mac?
No. The available method depends on macOS and recorder versions. Check the current OBS guide above before following instructions written for older Macs.
Can I add narration later?
You can record a separate voice-over and combine it with your video in an editor. Our screen-recording voice-over guide covers planning that narration.
