Fixing No Sound Issue with Snipping Tool Screen Recorder in Windows 11

2024/11/07

The Snipping Tool on Windows 11 not only captures screenshots but also includes a screen recording feature. However, some users face challenges when using the screen recorder; specifically, recorded videos may lack sound. This guide aims to assist you if you encounter issues with the Snipping Tool screen recorder not recording audio.

Solutions for Snipping Tool Screen Recorder Audio Issues in Windows 11

If you’re experiencing audio issues with the Snipping Tool’s screen recorder in Windows 11/10, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

Test your microphone functionality
Verify your default microphone settings
Adjust your microphone volume
Review Privacy and Security settings
Enable Stereo Mix
Examine Snipping Tool settings
Repair or reset the Snipping Tool
Reinstall the Snipping Tool
Consider using alternative screen recording software

Detailed explanations of each fix are provided below:

1] Test Your Microphone Functionality

Ensure your microphone is operational by testing it either through the Windows 11 Settings or using free online microphone testing tools. If it’s not functioning correctly, consider replacing it.

2] Verify Your Default Microphone Settings

The next step is to confirm that your default microphone is configured correctly. If you are using an external microphone, it should be selected as the default device. Follow these steps:

Access the Control Panel.
In the Control Panel search bar, type “sound”and choose Sound from the results.
Navigate to the Recording tab.
Right-click your microphone and choose Set as Default Device.
Click Apply followed by OK to confirm changes.

3] Adjust Your Microphone Volume

Check the microphone volume as it may be set too low or completely muted.

To adjust your microphone volume:

Open Windows 11 Settings.
Navigate to Settings > Sound.
Expand the Microphone section located under Input.
Select your microphone to view its properties.
Increase the volume to 100%.

Additionally, testing various formats for your microphone may yield better results.

4] Review Privacy and Security Settings

Ensure that the Snipping Tool is granted access to your microphone via your privacy settings.

Here’s how to check:

Open Windows 11 Settings.
Select Privacy & Security on the left.
Scroll down and click on Microphone under App permissions.
Ensure Microphone access is enabled.
Activate the toggle for Let apps access your microphone and expand the section.
Enable the toggle next to Snipping Tool.

5] Enable the Stereo Mix

If you continue to experience problems, check if the Stereo Mix feature is activated:

Open the Control Panel.
Type “sound”in the search bar and select Sound.
Go to the Recording tab, right-click on Stereo Mix, and select Enable.
Click OK to confirm.

6] Examine Snipping Tool Settings

Generally, the microphone feature is turned off by default for screen recordings in Snipping Tool. You will need to enable it each time you start a recording by clicking the microphone icon. You may also adjust the default settings:

Enable Microphone input in Snipping Tool

Type Snipping Tool in the Windows 11 Search and select it to launch.
Click on the three dots in the top-right corner and choose Settings.
Scroll to the Screen recording section and enable the option for Include microphone input by default when a screen recording starts.

7] Repair or Reset the Snipping Tool

Corrupt files may also lead to audio issues in the Snipping Tool screen recorder. Repairing or resetting the app can remedy this situation.

Follow these steps to repair or reset:

Open Windows 11 Settings.
Navigate to Apps > Installed apps.
Find Snipping Tool in the list, click the three dots next to it, and select Advanced options.
Click on the Repair button.

If repairing does not resolve the issue, try resetting the app.

8] Uninstall and Reinstall the Snipping Tool

If the problem persists, another option is to uninstall and then reinstall the Snipping Tool. You can do this via Windows 11 Settings. After uninstalling, restart your computer, then access the Microsoft Store to download and reinstall the Snipping Tool.

9] Use Alternative Screen Recording Software

If all else fails, consider using other free screen recording software like OBS Studio.

Common Reasons for No Sound on Snipping Tool in Windows 11

Several factors can contribute to the absence of sound in the Snipping Tool, such as incorrect privacy preferences, misconfigured settings within the Snipping Tool, or low microphone volume. Always ensure your microphone is set as the default device.

Does the Snipping Tool on Windows 11 Record Audio?

Yes, the Snipping Tool can record screen activity along with audio input, similar to other screen recording software options. For audio-only recordings, you may want to utilize the built-in Sound Recorder app available in Windows 11.

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