used to utilize sound-recorder way back in days of win-95 … think win-xp also offered it. while it was very basic … there were settings one could utilize … and the sound-bar allowed one to visualize exactly what part of the recording one had stopped at.
fast-forward to win-10 … they bundle an app called "voice-recorder" … really pales in comparison (very basic) … the app works with *.m4a files. zamzar offers free online conversion if that helps.
as for other free software out in netherland … i've played, briefly, with digital-studio as well as anvil-studio … can't say any more about that … just careful of piggy-backs when downloading.