LesskeysHow to record a Zoom meeting
In Zoom, the host selects Record and a recording indicator shows in the meeting. To keep your own copy on your computer instead, or when you are not the host, there is a second way.
macOS 13+ on Apple Silicon · No subscriptionWindows 10 and 11 · No subscription
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The Record button
How to record a Zoom meeting as the host
- In the meeting controls, select Record.
- If a menu opens, choose Record to this Computer.
- Select Participants to see who is recording.
Not the host
Not the Zoom host? Ask first
Only the host starts a computer recording, unless they allow you.
The host selects Participants, then More next to your name, then Allow Record. You get a notification, and the host can take it back.
A copy you make on your own computer is yours to announce: tell the people in the meeting.
Source: Zoom, Starting a computer recording. Checked 20 Oct 2026.
Where it goes
Where Zoom saves the file
Every account can record to the computer. Cloud recording needs a paid plan.
On your computer.
Documents/Zoom, in your user folder.
In Zoom's cloud.
Under Recordings & Transcripts on the Zoom web portal.
Source: Zoom, Getting started with computer and cloud recording, Zoom, Finding your computer and cloud recordings. Checked 20 Oct 2026.
The transcript
Zoom transcription, and your own
Zoom transcribes cloud recordings. A recording on your computer gets no transcript from Zoom.
Cloud recordings on a paid plan get an English-only transcript (a VTT file); a computer recording gets none. The host manages the live transcript, which saves as TXT.
Source: Zoom, Audio transcription for cloud recordings, Zoom, Meeting transcripts. Checked 20 Oct 2026.
Lesskeys transcribes a call it recorded, or a file you add, in 99 languages: transcribe a file without uploading it.
Your own copy
Zoom copy, no bot
Use Zoom's button when the host asks for it. Use Lesskeys for a private copy of your own.
- No botjoins the call
- Nothinguploaded
- Zoom appor a browser tab
On a Mac
Record Zoom on a Mac with Lesskeys
- Keep Lesskeys open: when Zoom uses your microphone, a small Call detected prompt offers Record, or choose Record Call.
- Press stop: the transcript is written on your Mac
macOS asks for Screen Recording permission the first time.
Tell the people you record; some places require everyone's consent.
On Windows
Record Zoom on Windows with Lesskeys
- Keep Lesskeys open: when Zoom uses your microphone, a small Call detected prompt offers Record, or choose Record Call.
- Press Stop & Transcribe: the transcript is written on your PC
Tell the people you record; some places require everyone's consent.
Questions
Questions about recording a Zoom meeting
Can you record a Zoom meeting?
Yes. The host selects Record in the meeting controls. Computer recording works on every Zoom account and cloud recording needs a paid plan. A participant can record only after the host allows it.
Why can't I record my Zoom meeting?
Usually because you are not the host. By default only the host can start a computer recording; ask the host to select Allow Record next to your name in the Participants list.
Where are Zoom recordings saved?
Computer recordings go to the Documents/Zoom folder in your user folder on Mac and Windows. Cloud recordings are on the Recordings and Transcripts page of the Zoom web portal.
Can I record a Zoom meeting if I am not the host?
With the host's permission, yes: they allow it from the Participants list. To keep a copy on your own computer instead, Lesskeys records the sound without a bot; tell the people in the meeting.
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