Windows 11 introduces a suite of audio and video recording applications designed to enhance the quality of content creation. Among these tools are the Sound Recorder, Camera, and Windows Studio Effects, each offering unique functionalities tailored for various recording needs.
Sound Recorder
The Sound Recorder app allows users to capture audio using their PC’s microphones. Its interface features a navigation pane for easy access to recordings, a sizable recording area, and a toolbar equipped with essential controls for recording and playback. Before diving into your recording, it’s advisable to fine-tune a few settings.
Customize
Customization options for Sound Recorder can be found in two primary locations: the Settings app and within the Sound Recorder app itself.
Customize audio input in Windows 11
To configure audio inputs, navigate to System > Sound in the Windows 11 Settings app. Here, you can select from available microphones and adjust settings such as:
- Format: Choose from various quality options like “CD quality” or “Studio quality” to suit your needs.
Tip: Use the “Test” button to evaluate the quality of your selected format.
- Audio enhancements: Depending on your hardware, you may access enhancements like Windows Studio Effects Voice Clarity to improve audio quality.
Customize Sound Recorder
Within the Sound Recorder app, you can adjust the recording format and audio quality. Access these settings by clicking “More options for recordings” (“…”) in the top right corner, followed by “Settings.” Key options include:
- Recording format: By default, recordings are saved in AAC format, but you can opt for MP3, WMA, FLAC, or WAV as needed.
- Audio quality: You can set the quality to Best, High, or Medium, with a recommendation to choose High or Best for important recordings.
Record your voice or other audio
To initiate a recording, simply click the large red “Start recording” button. The interface will shift to display waveforms and relevant controls. During recording, you can:
- Stop recording: Click the “Stop recording” button to finalize your audio, creating a new file accessible in the navigation pane.
Keyboard shortcut: Press Esc to stop recording.
- Pause/Resume recording: Use the “Pause recording” button to temporarily halt the session without creating a new file.
Keyboard shortcut: Press Space to pause or resume.
- Mark the current spot: Create a marker during recording to easily locate important points later.
Keyboard shortcut: Use Ctrl + M to mark significant moments.
Play a recording
To play a recording, select it from the navigation pane. Playback controls allow you to:
- Pause playback: Click the Pause button to halt playback at any moment.
Keyboard shortcut: Press Space to pause.
- Move to any point: Drag the playhead to navigate through the recording.
- Zoom in and out: Use Ctrl + + (Plus) and Ctrl + – (Minus) for visual adjustments of the waveform.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + 0 resets the view.
Manage a recording
Managing your recordings is straightforward. Select a recording and click the “More options for recording” (“…”) button to access:
- Share: Share your recording through the limited Share pane.
- Rename: Give your recording a more descriptive title.
Keyboard shortcut: Press F2 to rename.
- Show in folder: Access the Sound Recordings folder directly in File Explorer.
- Delete: Remove a recording after confirming your choice.
Keyboard shortcut: Tap Delete to remove a recording.
Import a recording into Sound Recorder
Importing compatible audio files created outside of Sound Recorder is also possible, allowing for seamless integration into your recordings.
Camera
The Camera app enables users to take photos, record videos, and scan items using their PC’s webcam. Its interface mirrors that of popular smartphone camera apps, providing a user-friendly experience.
Tip: If multiple cameras are connected, a “Change camera” button will appear for easy toggling.
The main interface features a large viewfinder, with buttons for switching between Photo, Video, and other modes, along with additional controls for HDR and timers.
Customize
Customization can be done in the Settings app and within the Camera app itself.
Customize audio input in Windows 11
Access camera settings by navigating to Bluetooth > Cameras in the Settings app. Options may include:
- Windows Studio Effects: Configure available features if supported by your hardware.
- Basic settings: Adjust brightness, contrast, sharpness, and saturation.
- Video rotation: Rotate the camera in 90-degree increments if supported.
- Advanced camera options: Manage multiple cameras and configure resolution settings.
Customize Camera
Within the Camera app, click the “Settings” (gear) button to access:
- Camera settings: Enable advanced controls for photos and videos.
- Photo settings: Choose from various still photo resolutions.
- Video settings: Select from available video recording resolutions.
Take a photo
To capture a still image, ensure the app is in Photo mode, frame your shot, and click the “Take photo” button. A successful capture will trigger a shutter sound and display a thumbnail in the Camera roll control.
Make a video recording
Switch to Video mode, frame your subject, and click the “Take video” button. The interface will adapt, providing controls for pausing and stopping the recording.
Tip: Use the “Pause video recording” button to pause without creating a new file.
Scan a document, whiteboard, or barcode
The Camera app also supports scanning documents, whiteboards, or barcodes with dedicated modes for each. The app will highlight the area to be scanned, ensuring accuracy and clarity.
Windows Studio Effects
Windows 11 features Windows Studio Effects, a collection of AI-driven enhancements designed to elevate your audio and video calls across various applications.
Tip: Most effects require a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), which may not be available on all PCs.
Enhancements include:
- Automatic framing: Adjusts the webcam view as you move during calls.
- Background effects: Blurs your background for a cleaner look during video calls.
- Creative filters: Apply artistic effects to your video stream in real-time.
- Eye contact: Creates the illusion of direct eye contact with the camera.
- Portrait light: Dynamically adjusts lighting for a more natural appearance.
- Voice focus: Enhances your voice while minimizing background noise.
See whether your PC supports Windows Studio Effects
To check compatibility, look for the “Studio effects” quick setting button in Quick settings. Alternatively, navigate to Bluetooth & devices > Cameras in the Settings app to view your camera’s capabilities.
Customize
Each effect can be configured individually through the Settings app or within supported applications. The Quick settings interface offers a convenient way to toggle effects on and off, preview changes, and reset effects if needed.
