Record WAV Files in Windows 10: Full Guide

Updated 5 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Yes, you can record WAV files in Windows 10 using the built-in Voice Recorder app, but it saves in M4A format by default. To get a true WAV file, you can use the free Audacity program or change the output format in the Voice Recorder settings. This guide covers all the methods, step-by-step instructions, and common issues.

Why Record in WAV Format?

WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) is an uncompressed audio format developed by Microsoft and IBM. Unlike MP3 or M4A, WAV files store audio without any compression, which means they preserve the full quality of the original recording. This makes WAV ideal for professional audio editing, podcasting, music production, and any situation where audio fidelity is critical.

The trade-off is file size: a one-minute WAV recording at CD quality (44.1 kHz, 16-bit stereo) takes about 10 MB, while the same recording as an MP3 might be only 1 MB. For most casual recordings, the smaller M4A format is fine, but if you need lossless audio, WAV is the way to go.

Method 1: Using the Built-in Voice Recorder

The Voice Recorder app comes pre-installed with Windows 10 and can record audio, but it saves files in M4A format by default. However, you can change the output format to WAV:

Open the Voice Recorder app (search for it in the Start menu).
Click the gear icon (Settings) in the bottom-left corner.
Under Recording format, select WAV (or “Uncompressed”).
Close settings and click the microphone button to start recording.
Stop the recording when done; the file is saved in your Sound recordings folder in WAV format.

Note: If your version of Windows 10 doesn’t have this option, you may need to update the app or use the alternative methods below.

Method 2: Using Audacity (Free and Open Source)

Audacity is a free, open-source audio editor that records in WAV and many other formats. It’s the most flexible option for recording from a microphone or any input device.

Download and install Audacity from the official website (audacityteam.org).
Open Audacity and select your microphone from the input device dropdown.
Click the red Record button to start recording.
When finished, click Stop.
Go to File > Export > Export as WAV.
Choose a location and save the file.

Audacity also lets you set the sample rate and bit depth (e.g., 44.1 kHz, 16-bit) before recording, which gives you full control over the WAV file’s quality.

Method 3: Using Windows Sound Recorder (Legacy)

Older versions of Windows had a Sound Recorder program that saved in WAV format. In Windows 10, this app is still available but hidden. You can open it by:

Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
Type soundrecorder and press Enter.
The old Sound Recorder window appears; click the red dot to record.
Stop the recording and it will prompt you to save as a WAV file.

This method is limited (no pause, no format options) but works if you need a quick WAV capture.

Recording System Audio (What You Hear)

If you want to record the sound coming from your speakers (like music or a video), you need to enable “Stereo Mix” or “What U Hear” on your sound card. Here’s how:

Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select Sounds.
Go to the Recording tab.
Right-click in the empty area and check Show Disabled Devices.
If you see Stereo Mix, right-click it and select Enable.
Set it as the default device (right-click > Set as Default).
Now in Audacity or Voice Recorder, select Stereo Mix as the input.

If Stereo Mix isn’t available, your sound driver may not support it. Some laptops and newer audio devices disable this feature; you may need to install the manufacturer’s audio driver or use a virtual audio cable program.

Common Problems and Fixes

No sound recorded: Check that the correct microphone is selected and that it’s not muted. In Windows Settings > Privacy > Microphone, ensure apps have permission to use the mic.
WAV file is too large: This is normal for uncompressed audio. Consider using a lower sample rate (e.g., 22.05 kHz) for voice recordings to reduce file size.
Voice Recorder only saves M4A: Make sure you’ve updated the app from the Microsoft Store. Some older versions lack the WAV option.
Audacity records but no sound: Check that the input device is set correctly and that the microphone is not disabled in Windows sound settings.
Cannot find the recorded file: Voice Recorder saves to %USERPROFILE%\Sound recordings (or in the app’s folder). Audacity asks where to save on export.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change the default recording format in Windows 10?

There’s no system-wide setting for recording format. Each app has its own settings. For Voice Recorder, go to its Settings and choose WAV. For Audacity, choose the format when exporting. For other apps, check their preferences.

Can I record a WAV file without installing any software?

Yes, the built-in Voice Recorder can record WAV if you change its format setting. Also, the legacy Sound Recorder (soundrecorder command) records WAV by default. So you don’t need third-party software for basic WAV recording.

Why is my WAV file so big?

WAV is uncompressed, so file size is directly proportional to the sample rate, bit depth, and number of channels. A 10-minute stereo 44.1kHz/16-bit recording is about 100 MB. For voice, you can reduce to mono and 22.05kHz to cut the size by 75%.

What’s the difference between WAV and MP3 for recording?

WAV preserves all audio data exactly, making it the best for editing and archival. MP3 compresses the audio, losing some data, but the files are much smaller. For casual notes, MP3 is fine; for professional work, use WAV.

How do I record from my computer’s internal audio?

Enable Stereo Mix as described above, then select it as the input device in your recording software. If Stereo Mix is not available, you can use a virtual audio cable program to route the audio output to a recording input.

Can I record WAV with the Xbox Game Bar?

No, the Xbox Game Bar records video and audio in MP4 format, not WAV. For WAV recording, use Voice Recorder or Audacity.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.