Screen recording is a valuable feature for capturing tutorials, gameplay, presentations, and more on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer. Whether you want to share your skills with others or keep a record of important tasks, screen recording can be incredibly useful. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore different methods to screen record on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems.
Using the Built-in Xbox Game Bar (Windows 10 and Windows 11)
Windows 10 and Windows 11 come with the Xbox Game Bar, which includes a screen recording feature for gaming and non-gaming purposes. To use the Xbox Game Bar for screen recording:
- Step 1: Open the application or content you want to record.
- Step 2: Press the “Win + G” keys on your keyboard to bring up the Xbox Game Bar overlay.
- Step 3: If prompted, select “Yes, this is a game” (even if it’s not a game).
- Step 4: Click the “Start Recording” button (a small circle with a red dot) to begin the screen recording.
- Step 5: Once you’ve finished recording, click the “Stop Recording” button (a small square) to save the video to your Videos > Captures folder.
Using Windows Key + PrtScn (Windows 10 and Windows 11)
Windows 10 and Windows 11 have a quick shortcut for taking screenshots, but they also allow you to record the screen using this method:
- Step 1: Open the content you wish to record.
- Step 2: Press the “Windows Key + PrtScn” keys simultaneously.
- Step 3: The screen will dim momentarily, indicating that the recording has started.
- Step 4: To stop the recording, press the “Windows Key + PrtScn” keys again.
- Step 5: Find the recorded video in the Videos > Captures folder.
Using OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) (Windows 10 and Windows 11)
OBS Studio is a free and powerful open-source screen recording and live streaming software widely used by content creators. To use OBS Studio for screen recording:
- Step 1: Download and install OBS Studio from the official website.
- Step 2: Open OBS Studio and click the “+” icon under the “Sources” box to add a new source.
- Step 3: Select “Display Capture” to record the entire screen or “Window Capture” to record a specific application or window.
- Step 4: Configure the recording settings and click “OK.”
- Step 5: Click the “Start Recording” button in the controls section to begin the screen recording.
- Step 6: When you’re done, click the “Stop Recording” button to save the video to your specified location.
Using Windows Game Bar (Windows 10 and Windows 11) for Gaming Only
Windows Game Bar is a feature tailored specifically for gamers and is available in Windows 10 and Windows 11. While primarily designed for gaming, it can also be used to record non-gaming content. To use Windows Game Bar for screen recording:
- Step 1: Open the application or content you want to record.
- Step 2: Press the “Win + G” keys on your keyboard to open the Windows Game Bar.
- Step 3: Click the red “Record” button (a circle with a dot) to start the screen recording.
- Step 4: Press the same button again or use “Win + Alt + R” to stop the recording.
- Step 5: Access your recorded videos in the “Captures” folder within the “Videos” folder.
Conclusion
Screen recording is a valuable tool for various purposes on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Whether you’re using the built-in Xbox Game Bar, the Windows Key + PrtScn shortcut, OBS Studio, or Windows Game Bar, you now have multiple options to capture your screen effortlessly. Choose the method that suits your needs best and start recording and sharing your content with ease.
