How to Include Microphone and System Audio When Recording in Snipping Tool

The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 has evolved from a simple screenshot utility into a capable screen recording tool. One of its most useful upgrades is the ability to record system audio, microphone audio, or both while capturing your screen.

However, many users start a screen recording only to realize later that there is no sound, or only partial audio was captured. If you’re trying to record tutorials, presentations, app demos, or walkthrough videos, this can be a big problem.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explain how audio recording works in Snipping Tool and show you exactly how to include both microphone and system audio correctly.

How Audio Recording Works in Snipping Tool

When screen recording with Snipping Tool, audio is not enabled automatically. You must manually choose whether to record:

• System audio (app sounds, media playback, notifications)
• Microphone audio (your voice)
• Both at the same time

If you miss these settings before starting the recording, Snipping Tool will record video only, with no way to add audio afterward.

How to Include Microphone and System Audio in Snipping Tool

Follow the steps below carefully before you start recording.

1. Open Snipping Tool in Screen Recording Mode

1. Click the Start button and search for Snipping Tool.
2. Open the Snipping Tool app from the search results.
3. At the top of the app, switch from Screenshot mode to Screen recording mode by clicking the video camera icon.
4. Make sure you are on the recording interface before continuing.

This step is important because audio options only appear in screen recording mode.

2. Open Audio Settings in Snipping Tool

1. In the Snipping Tool recording interface, look for the gear (Settings) icon in the top-right corner.
2. Click the Settings icon to open Snipping Tool preferences.
3. Scroll down to the Screen recording section.

This is where all audio-related controls are located.

3. Enable System Audio Recording

System audio is required if you want to capture sounds from apps, browsers, videos, or games.

1. In the Screen recording settings, locate Include system audio.
2. Turn the toggle On.
3. Close the Settings panel to save the change.

Once enabled, Snipping Tool will record sounds coming from your PC, such as YouTube audio, app notifications, or system sounds.

4. Enable Microphone Audio Recording

If you want to record your voice while screen recording, you must enable microphone input.

1. In the same Screen recording settings, find Include microphone input.
2. Turn the toggle On.
3. Make sure your microphone is properly connected and working.
4. Close the Settings panel.

Snipping Tool will now record your voice along with the screen.

5. Select the Correct Microphone (Important)

If you have multiple microphones (built-in mic, headset mic, USB mic), Snipping Tool uses the default Windows microphone.

1. Open Settings → System → Sound.
2. Under Input, select the microphone you want to use.
3. Speak into the mic and check the input level to confirm it’s working.
4. Close Settings once confirmed.

Snipping Tool will now use this microphone for recording.

6. Start Screen Recording with Audio Enabled

1. Go back to the Snipping Tool window.
2. Click New to start a new screen recording.
3. Select the area of the screen you want to record.
4. Click Start.

Snipping Tool will now record:

• Your screen
• System audio (if enabled)
• Microphone audio (if enabled)

7. Stop and Review the Recording

1. Click Stop in the recording toolbar once you’re done.
2. The recorded video will open automatically in Snipping Tool.
3. Play the video to confirm that both system sound and microphone audio are present.
4. Save the recording to your desired location.

Common Reasons Audio Is Missing (And How to Fix Them)

If audio is still missing, check the following:

1. Make sure audio toggles were enabled before starting the recording.
2. Confirm your microphone is not muted in Windows sound settings.
3. Check that system volume is not set to zero.
4. Restart Snipping Tool and try again.
5. Update Windows 11 to the latest version, as audio recording depends on newer builds.

Wrapping Up

Recording both microphone and system audio in Snipping Tool on Windows 11 is straightforward—but only if the correct settings are enabled before you start recording. Once configured properly, Snipping Tool becomes a surprisingly powerful built-in screen recorder for tutorials, demos, and presentations.

By following the steps above carefully, you can avoid silent recordings and ensure every screen capture includes exactly the audio you need.