To record your screen on Windows 10, you can use the built-in Xbox Game Bar or third-party tools. Here are the main methods:
Using Xbox Game Bar (Built-in)
- Press Windows key + G to open the Xbox Game Bar.
- Click the record button (a filled circle) or press Windows key + Alt + R to start recording.
- You can toggle microphone recording on/off during the session.
- To stop recording, press Windows key + Alt + R again or use the stop button on the Game Bar.
- The recorded video is saved in the folder:
C:\Users$$YourUserName]\Videos\Captures. - Note: Xbox Game Bar records only one app window at a time, not the entire desktop or File Explorer
Using Snipping Tool (Windows 11, limited on Windows 10)
- In Windows 11, the Snipping Tool has a screen recording feature allowing you to select a portion of the screen.
- Press Windows + Shift + S , then click the video camera icon to start recording.
- Draw the area to record, start recording, and save the video as MP4.
- This feature is more limited or unavailable in Windows 10
Using OBS Studio (Third-party, free)
- Download and install OBS Studio.
- Launch OBS and choose "Optimize just for recording" if asked.
- Add a source by clicking the plus icon and selecting Display Capture to capture the entire screen.
- Start recording and save the file in your preferred location.
- OBS can record the whole desktop and multiple windows, unlike Xbox Game Bar
Additional Options
- PowerPoint can also record your screen via Insert > Screen Recording.
- Other third-party apps like Snagit, ScreenRec, or paid software like SnagIt offer more features
For quick and easy recording without installing software, Xbox Game Bar is the simplest choice on Windows 10, but for full desktop capture or more control, OBS Studio is recommended.
