How to record meetings on Windows without a bot

On Windows, Transcript.audio records your microphone and the call audio from your default sound output, with no bot in the meeting. The only setting to check is microphone access for desktop apps.

How do I set up Windows for recording meetings?

1. Download the Windows installer from the download page and open it. If SmartScreen says Windows protected your PC, see Install on Mac or Windows. It installs for your Windows account only and needs no administrator rights.
2. In the setup guide, sign in, then at Allow recording check that Microphone shows Allowed. If not, click Open Settings and switch on Let desktop apps access your microphone.
3. Other people on the call shows Nothing needed: Windows lets the app record the call audio without a permission.
4. Look for the Transcript Audio icon in the system tray at the bottom right (click the small arrow if it is hidden).
5. Join a call. A countdown shows on the tray icon, then recording starts. Notes arrive a minute or two after the call.

Which sound device does it record?

The app records your default output device. Some Bluetooth headsets and virtual sound cards cannot be captured, which can leave the other side missing. Set a normal output as the default, or see No audio, or only one side.

How do I stop it?

Calls stop by themselves, or choose Stop recording in the tray menu. The keyboard shortcut Ctrl Shift . stops a recording from anywhere. See Start, stop, pause and discard.

See also Automatic detection for any meeting app and the guides for Zoom and Teams.