How to record a Zoom meeting on Windows
Windows has a few built-in ways to record your screen, but none of them capture a clean transcript and most miss part of the audio. This guide covers the manual route with OBS Studio and the automatic route where the recording handles itself.
Record it yourself with OBS
The Windows Game Bar can record a window, but it does not reliably capture system audio plus your mic together. OBS Studio does, once you set up the audio sources.
- 1
Install OBS Studio
Download OBS from the official site and install it. The default settings are close to what you need; the audio routing is the part to get right.
- 2
Add a window or display capture source
Add a 'Window Capture' source and select the Zoom window, or use 'Display Capture' for the whole screen. Window Capture keeps notifications and other apps out of the recording.
- 3
Capture system audio and your mic
Add an 'Audio Output Capture (WASAPI)' source set to your speakers or headphones. That captures the other participants. Add an 'Audio Input Capture (WASAPI)' source for your microphone. Confirm both meters move while someone talks.
- 4
Set the output and start recording
In Settings, Output, set the format to MP4 and choose a hardware encoder (NVENC, Quick Sync, or AMD) to keep the CPU free for the call. Start recording before you join, stop when it is over.
- 5
Transcribe the recording
OBS produces a video file only. For a text transcript, run the audio through a local Whisper build or a transcription tool of your choice afterwards. It is a manual step every time.
How call audio works on Windows
Windows handles audio through WASAPI. To record the people on the call you do not capture a microphone. You capture the audio that is being played, which Windows exposes as a WASAPI loopback on the playback device.
A loopback capture taps the speaker or headphone output and records exactly what you hear, including Zoom's incoming audio. Your own voice still comes from the microphone, so a complete recording mixes two streams: the WASAPI loopback for everyone else, and the mic for you. OBS does this with two audio sources; a purpose-built recorder does it without setup.
The faster route: let Autorec do it
Autorec handles the window capture, the WASAPI loopback, and the transcript for you. No audio sources to wire up.
- 1
Install and launch Autorec
Run the Windows installer and start the app. It runs quietly in the system tray.
- 2
Join your Zoom call as usual
Autorec detects the Zoom window and starts recording on its own. It captures the call and mixes your microphone with the WASAPI loopback, so both sides are in the file. Nothing joins the meeting as a participant.
- 3
Get the video, transcript, and summary
When the call ends, recording stops and the audio is transcribed on your machine with whisper.cpp. You get an MP4, a .txt and .srt transcript, and an AI summary, all stored locally.
Common problems
The recording captured no system audio
Your output capture is pointed at the wrong device. WASAPI loopback follows a specific playback device. If you switched from speakers to a headset mid-call, set the loopback source to the device actually in use.
The recording has the others but not my voice
You only captured the loopback. Add a separate microphone source so your side is recorded too, and check that Windows has not muted the mic for that app in Privacy settings.
The video stutters during the call
Software encoding is competing with Zoom for the CPU. Switch OBS to a hardware encoder (NVENC, Quick Sync, or AMD), record at 30 fps, and set the Windows power plan to high performance.
Questions people ask
Is it legal to record a Zoom meeting?
It depends on where you and the other participants are. Some places require everyone's consent, others only need one party. Tell people you are recording and check the rules that apply to your location and theirs.
Can I record without Zoom's recording feature?
Yes. A desktop recorder captures the call from outside Zoom, so it works on any Zoom plan and even if the host has disabled recording inside the app.
Does Autorec slow down my computer during a call?
It uses a hardware video encoder when one is available, which keeps CPU load low. On a modern machine the recording runs without a noticeable effect on the call.
Where are my recordings saved?
On your own disk, in a folder you choose. Autorec does not upload anything and has no cloud account. The video, transcript, and summary stay on your machine.
Keep reading
For the longer story behind local recording, see our guide: the complete local meeting recording guide
Skip the setup
Autorec detects the call, records it to your disk, and transcribes it on your machine. No bot joins the meeting and nothing is uploaded. The free tier covers 3 recordings every 24 hours, up to 40 minutes each.