How to Audio Record on Laptop with It Closed [Windows & Mac]

Want to audio record on laptop with it closed? Learn how to prevent sleep mode and keep recording on Windows or Mac using the right mic, power settings, and recorder apps.

Ever tried to record a lecture or podcast only to find your laptop stopped recording the moment you record video on laptop with screen off? You're not alone. Many users want to audio record on laptop with it closed, whether for background sessions, privacy, or saving screen power. In this guide, we'll explain how to make it happen step-by-step for both Windows and Mac. You'll also learn the best tools and tips to avoid mistakes.

Quick Answer: Can a Laptop Record Audio While Closed

Yes, but only with the right setup.

By default, laptops go into sleep mode when you close the lid, which stops all running tasks, including audio recording. However, if you change the power settings, use an external mic, and have awareness, you can safely record music on laptop while the lid is shut.

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How to Audio Record on Laptop with It Closed Windows 11/10

If you're using a Windows laptop, here's how to keep it recording even when closed. Follow these parts step by step:

Part 1. Change Power Settings

Normally, closing the lid puts your laptop to sleep. We'll change that behavior so the device stays awake while recording.

🚩How to change power settings in Windows laptops:

Step 1. Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options.

Step 2. Click Choose what closing the lid does from the left sidebar.

Step 3. Under When I close the lid, choose Do nothing for both On battery and Plugged in.

Step 4. Click Save changes.

Now, your laptop will stay on even when the lid is closed.

Part 2. Use an External Microphone

Built-in mics often disable when the laptop lid is shut. An external mic ensures continuous audio input.

🚩How to connect an external microphone to your laptop:

Step 1. Plug in a USB microphone or a headset mic.

Step 2. Go to Sound Settings.

Step 3. Under Input, select your external mic.

Step 4. Test the mic and adjust input volume.

Part 3. Use Reliable Audio Recorder Software

EaseUS RecExperts is ideal for users who want to audio record on laptop with it closed. It supports background recording and works well with external mics.

Whatever laptop brand you use, EaseUS audio recorder lets you screen record Dell, Lenovo, and more devices for free.

⭐Top features for this use case:

• Record from external mic while the lid is closed
• Schedule recording audio
• Record system sound + microphone separately or together
• Export to MP3, WAV, AAC, and more
• Noise reduction for cleaner output

👉Download EaseUS RecExperts for Windows now:

🚩Steps to record audio on Windows laptop :

Step 1. Launch EaseUS RecExperts and choose "Audio" (looks like a speaker) from the left side of the interface. Select the sound source by clicking on the speaker sign (the system sound) or the mic sign (the microphone). Or, you can record them both at the same time.

Step 2. Hit "REC" button to start recording audio. To finish it, you just click on the red square icon to stop the recording.

Step 3. After that, the recording list window will pop up automatically. You can listen to or edit the recording with built-in tools.

Now close the lid, and your recording continues.

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How to Record Audio With Laptop Closed on MacBook

MacBooks are more aggressive with sleep mode, but it's still possible to record with the lid closed if you follow the right steps.

Part 1. Prevent Sleep Mode

macOS typically puts the device to sleep when the lid is closed. To avoid this, you can use a tool like Amphetamine (a free app on the Mac App Store) or InsomniaX (an older tool) to keep your Mac awake with the lid closed.

🚩Steps:

Step 1. Install Amphetamine or InsomniaX from the Mac App Store.

Step 2. Open it and create a new session with "Indefinitely keep Mac awake".

Step 3. You can also use Terminal: caffeinate -i (keep Terminal open during recording).

Now your Mac won't sleep when closed.

Part 2. External Mic Required

Just like Windows, the internal mic won't work with the lid shut. You'll need to record audio on Mac with external mic.

🚩Steps:

Step 1. Connect a USB mic or Bluetooth headset.

Step 2. Open System Settings > Sound.

Step 3. Choose your mic under Input.

Step 4. Speak to test levels.

Part 3. Choose a Compatible Audio Recorder

EaseUS RecExperts for Mac supports background recording and is fully compatible with external mics, even with the lid closed.

⭐Top features for this use case:

• Audio-only mode for interviews, lectures
• Runs silently in the background
• MP3/WAV/M4A support
• Scheduled start/stop
• Auto file management

👉Download EaseUS RecExperts for Mac now:

🚩Steps to record audio on Mac:

Step 1. Launch this Mac screen recorder, then click the "Audio" button on the main interface.

Step 2. Next, select the audio source by clicking "Sound" on the lower left. Here you can choose to record system sound, microphone, or both simultaneously, and even adjust the volume. Once done, click on the "OK" option.

Step 3. When you are ready, hit the "REC" button to start the audio recording.

Step 4. Once done, you can preview the recorded music files by clicking "Recordings" on the homepage. If needed, you can trim unwanted parts by clicking the Scissor icon at the bottom.

Now close the lid, and your recording continues.

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Best Microphones for Recording With Lid Closed

To get clean and stable audio, external mics are a must. Here are 3 options to consider:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some easy-to-miss problems that can ruin your session:

1️⃣Not changing lid settings. Recording will stop the moment it sleeps.

2️⃣Relying on built-in mic. It disables with the lid closed.

3️⃣Covering vents. Closing the lid and placing the laptop on soft surfaces can cause overheating.

4️⃣No pre-test. Always test your mic and app before long recordings.

5️⃣Wrong mic selected. Make sure the external mic is active in settings.

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Summary

You can audio record on laptop with it closed by using external mics, adjusting system settings, and using the right tools.

How to Keep Sound on When Laptop is Closed FAQs

Below are some frequently asked questions.

1. Can MacBook record audio when closed?

Yes, but only if you prevent it from sleeping using Amphetamine or Terminal, and use an external microphone.

2. Why does my music stop when I close my laptop?

Because the system goes into sleep mode by default. You'll need to change power settings (Windows) or use sleep prevention apps (Mac).

3. Can laptop record video in sleep mode?

No. In sleep or hiberate mode, your system suspends all tasks. To record anything, the device must stay awake.

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