How to Record Your Voice Without a Microphone

Techwalla may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
In an emergency, your headphones can serve as a Mic.

Computer audio centers on two types of connections: input and output. PC users plug microphones into input jacks and speakers or headphones into output jacks. Windows comes with a free utility called Sound Recorder that allows you to create audio recordings. This comes in handy when you need to record a quick voice memo or send someone an audio email attachment. If you don't have a microphone to plug into your computer's input jack, you can use headphones to record your voice.

Advertisement

Configure Headphones

Video of the Day

Step 1

Find a pair of computer headphones. If you have several to choose from, pick the pair that has the least amount of padding around the earpieces.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Plug the headphones into your computer's "Mic in" jack. You will find the jack on the back of your computer where the sound card is. If your sound card does not have a "Mic in" jack, plug the headphones into the "Line in" jack instead. If you need assistance finding these jacks, consult your computer users manual or Internet support site.

Advertisement

Step 3

Right-click the microphone icon in your system tray near your system clock. A drop-down menu will open. Click "Recording Devices" to open the Windows "Sound" window.

Step 4

Click the "Microphone" icon to select it, and then click "Properties" to display the "Microphone Properties" window.

Advertisement

Step 5

Click the "Levels" tab to display a volume slider. The slider controls the microphone's volume level.

Step 6

Click the slider and slide it all the way to the right to maximize the volume. Click "OK."

Advertisement

Record Your Voice

Step 1

Click the Start button to open the Start menu.

Advertisement

Step 2

Type "Sound Recorder" (without the parentheses) to launch the Windows Sound Recorder.

Advertisement

Step 3

Hold one of the earpieces of the headphones close to your mouth, and click Sound Recorder's "Start Recording" button. The program will begin recording.

Step 4

Speak loudly but clearly into the earpiece. When you are finished, click "Stop Recording." Windows will open a "Save As" window. Type a name for the recording in the "File Name" text box and click "Save." Sound Recorder saves your recording as a Windows Media Audio (.wma) file.

Advertisement

Advertisement

references & resources