Want to know how to screen record on a computer with audio included in your video?
It can be frustrating when you want to show someone something on your computer screen, but they can’t see what you’re doing. Maybe you want to capture a video of your gameplay to share online, or record a tutorial for a friend. Or maybe you want to add audio to a Google Slides presentation or PowerPoint deck. Screen recording is the perfect solution!
The good news is there are a few different ways to screen record on a computer.
Some screen recorder options are super easy and free, while others might require a little more technical skills or extra equipment.
No matter how you choose to record your screen, this guide will teach you how to do it.
In this article, we will break down how to screen record on a computer in an easy-to-follow guide.
Best Free Option to Screen Record on a Computer: Loom
Loom
Loom is a powerful screen recording app that lets you create videos of whatever is on your screen or webcam. Easily record, add voiceovers, share, and interact with your videos.
If you want to screen record on your computer without any extra hardware, try using Loom. It’s a free screen recording software that allows you to record your computer screen and audio, then share the video with others.
The Loom screen recording tool is a browser extension that works with Chrome, and there’s also a desktop app.
To use Loom to record your computer screen, simply visit the website, add the browser extension or download the app for your computer, and click the “Start Recording” button. A new window will open with a recording toolbar. From here, you can start or stop your recording and more.
When you’re finished making a new screen recording, you can then share it with others by copying the link or embedding the video on your website.
Loom is a great option to record your screen if you don’t have any extra hardware, or if you want to record a quick video and share it online.
Benefits of Using Loom:
- No extra hardware needed
- Quick and easy to use
- Records audio and video
- Upload and share videos online
- Totally free to use (paid version with even more features is available)
- Great video editing features
- Video links never expire
Click here to get Loom for free.
Harder Option: Screen Record with an External Device
If you’re using a desktop, you can record your screen using any webcam or USB microphone which may come with built in screen recorders in many cases. This guide will teach how to connect and use both devices, then show you how to record and save the video.
First, we’ll show you how to use a USB camera as an external device to record your screen. Most USB cameras will have a “Screen Recording” or “Video Capture” mode, which will allow you to record your screen as well as the audio from your computer.
To use a USB camera to record your computer screen, connect it to your computer and open the software that came with the camera. From here, you should be able to start a recording by clicking the “Screen Recording” or “Video Capture” button.
When you’re finished recording, save the video to your computer and share it with others.
If you want to use a USB microphone as an external device to record your screen, the process is a little different.
First, connect the microphone to your computer and open the software that came with it. most USB microphones will have a “Screen Recording” or “Audio Capture” mode, which will allow you to record your screen as well as the audio from your computer.
From here, you should be able to start a recording by clicking the “Screen Recording” or “Audio Capture” button.
When you’re finished recording, save the video to your computer and share it with others.
Benefits of an External Webcam or USB Microphone:
- Can record high-quality video
- Records audio from your PC too
- No need to install any extra software (some cameras may require special drivers)
The Best Paid Option: Camtasia
The best paid option to screen record on a computer would have to be Camtasia.
They offer a free trial, and the paid version costs around $299.99 for a one-time license (see our Camtasia pricing guide for more info).
The downside to this is that you’ll need to install special software, and some users have had issues with it not working on certain machines.
In addition to offering screen recording on a computer with audio, Camtasia also offers a ton of video editing tools and can be used as a video presentation software, whiteboard animation app, and more.
Camtasia offers several features including:
- Allows recording of full screen or select windows (only option on this list to do so)
- Allows for a higher frame rate when you record your computer screen (how smooth the final video will be)
- Allows editing of the video before sharing online
Benefits of Camtasia
- Can record full screen or windows
- Can record your computer screen at a higher frame rate
- Allows for editing before sharing online
- Has a free trial option with paid version that costs $299.99
Click here to try Camtasia free for 30 days.
Useful Resources
Conclusion: How to Screen Record on a Computer with Audio: PC Laptops & Desktops
There are several options when it comes to recording your computer screen.
Simply use the method that works best for you, whether that’s installing extra hardware or using a free web-based screen recording.
Keep in mind that some screen recorder software may only work with certain types of computers, so be sure to check the system requirements before you buy or download anything.
When recording your screen, it’s important to have high-quality video and audio so other people can understand the content you’re trying to show them.
Finally, if you want to record a video and upload it online, make sure to check your website’s Terms of Use and/or Privacy Policy.
Happy screen recording!
Have any further questions about how to screen record on a computer? Leave a comment below and we’ll help you out!
