How to Record Windows 10 Applications
Do you often find yourself needing to record your screen while using various Windows programs? Look no further, because we will guide you on how to easily record a video on Windows 10 and show the process of using any application.
Screen recording can be useful for creating tutorials, presentations, or just capturing important moments on your computer. However, many people struggle with finding the right tools and methods for recording Windows programs.
In this article, we will explore 4 different video recorders to capture your applications, including built-in Windows screen recorders and third-party software. We will also provide step-by-step instructions and tips to ensure a smooth recording process.
How we picked tools to record a video on Windows 10
The criteria we used to ensure optimal performance and user satisfaction include:
- Compatibility. The video recorders are fully compatible with Windows 10, offering a seamless experience without compatibility issues.
- Ease of use. We prioritized tools with simple interfaces and intuitive controls to enhance accessibility for all users, including beginners.
- Performance impact. The video recording software have minimal influence on system performance, ensuring smooth recording without lags or slowdowns.
| Program | Ease of use | Key features | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Icecream Screen Recorder |
Novice-friendly
|
- Multiple recording modes
- Built-in editor - Annotation tools - Scheduled recording - Multiple output formats - Easy sharing - Customizable hotkeys - Screenshot capability |
|
| OBS Studio |
Requires steep learning curve
|
- High-performance streaming
- Customizable scenes - Source management - Live streaming integration - Plugins and extensions - Modular docking system - Audio controls |
|
| Game Bar |
Novice-friendly
|
- Live streaming
- Screenshot capture - Performance monitoring - Customizable overlay - Game capture widget - Keyboard shortcuts - Integrated Xbox app |
|
| Bandicam |
Novice-friendly
|
- Overlay features
- Screenshot capture - Hardware acceleration - Multiple recording modes - Resolution, frame rate, and bitrate adjustment |
Option 1: Icecream Screen Recorder
Recording Windows applications can be a useful way to create demos. With Icecream Screen Recorder, you can easily capture any program on your computer and save it as a video file. This free video recorder provides a user-friendly interface and advanced features.
To screen record a Windows application, follow these steps:
- Download and install the free screen recorder for Windows computers.
- Launch the software and select "Capture video" from the side menu.
- Click the "Custom area" button and move your cursor over the desired application.
- Adjust the selected area by dragging the edges if necessary and hit "Rec" to start recording.
- Use the toolbar at the bottom of the screen to pause or resume the recording.
- Once you are done, click the "Stop" button and choose what to do with your recorded video.
Pros:
- Versatility. You can record various types of content, including gameplay, webinars, and more.
- Recording options. Users can capture the entire screen, specific windows, or custom areas, providing flexibility in recording choices.
- Annotation tools. The free video recorder includes built-in annotation tools, facilitating on-the-fly highlighting, drawing, and adding text during recording.
- Recording timer. Users can schedule recordings in advance, automating the capture process for planned events.
- Zoom in/out. You can zoom in and out during recording, ensuring a more detailed focus on specific areas of the screen.
- Hotkeys. The screen recorder has hotkeys for start, pause, stop, and other functions. You can see the full list of keyboard shortcuts in the settings menu.
Ultimately, utilizing Icecream Screen Recorder proves to be the most advantageous method for recording Windows applications. With its user-friendly interface and various customization options, it provides a hassle-free experience for all your recording needs.
Option 2: OBS Studio
Utilizing OBS Studio to record a screen video on Windows 10 provides a seamless and efficient method for achieving top-notch results. It is widely used by content creators, gamers, and professionals to capture and broadcast their desktops or live events.
To record your screen using this software, just follow these simple instructions:
- Download and install OBS Studio on your computer.
- Open the recorder and click the "+" icon under the "Sources" section.
- Select "Window Capture" from the drop-down menu.
- Pick the desired window or program to be recorded and hit "OK".
- Press "Start Recording" at the bottom right corner of the interface.
- Once you are done, click the "Stop Recording" button.
Pros:
- Customizable settings. Users can adjust various settings such as resolution, frame rate, audio sources, and more to ensure high-quality recordings.
- Real-time editing. The video recorder allows you to make on-the-fly edits while recording, such as adding text, images, or webcam footage to your video.
- Multiple sources. You can record multiple windows or applications simultaneously by adding them as separate sources.
- Open-source. This is a completely free screen recorder with no watermarks or limitations, making it accessible to everyone.
Cons:
- Steep learning curve. For beginners, it may take some time to get familiarized with all the features and settings.
- Resource-intensive. A scene with multiple sources, overlays, and complex elements can increase the CPU and GPU load and slow down your computer.
- Restricted editing. While the ability to make real-time basic edits exists in the recorder, it should be noted that it is not fully equipped video editing software.
Using OBS Studio to record screen video on your PC is the top choice for numerous individuals due to its advanced capabilities and customizable options. With a little practice, you can produce professional-looking recordings that will enhance your content and captivate your audience.
Option 3: Built-in Windows 10 screen recorder
While there are many screen recording software available, using the pre-installed Game Bar on Windows offers a user-friendly and effective way to capture your applications.
Here's a step-by-step guide on recording Windows apps:
- Launch the program you wish to capture.
- Press Windows key + G on your keyboard to open the recorder.
- Initiate the recording process by clicking the "Record" button or pressing Windows key + Alt + R.
- A timer will appear in the top right corner of your screen to indicate that the recording has started.
- To stop recording, hit "Stop" or press Windows key + Alt + R again.
- The resulting video will be automatically saved in the "Captures" folder in your videos directory.
Pros:
- Easy accessibility. Activation by a simple keyboard shortcut makes it easily accessible during gameplay or application usage.
- Built-in tool. The free screen recorder comes pre-installed on Windows 10, providing a readily available recording solution.
- System performance. The program has a minimal impact on system performance, allowing for smooth recording without significant lag.
Cons:
- Game focus. The video recorder is primarily designed for gaming, which may result in limited features for non-gaming applications.
- Storage control. You can't choose where recorded files are stored. They are automatically saved in the default folder.
In summary, utilizing Game Bar for capturing Windows programs is an effective approach that does not necessitate any extra downloads or configuration. It may not have the extensive capabilities of specialized screen capture programs, but it efficiently completes tasks without impacting performance.
Option 4: Bandicam
Bandicam is a screen recording software that's popular for its ability to capture high-quality video and audio from your computer desktop. It’s commonly used for recording gameplay, creating tutorials, and making other types of content.
Here is how to record a screen video:
- Get the app from the official website and install it on your PC.
- Launch the free screen recorder and choose the part of your screen you want to capture.
- Access the settings by clicking the gear icon.
- Hit the red circle to begin capturing.
- Press the square button to finish the recording.
Pros:
- High-quality recording. Captures video in high-definition up to 4K UHD.
- Efficient compression. Utilizes a proprietary codec to compress videos without substantial loss in quality.
Cons:
- Reduced FPS. May cause a significant drop in frame rate on lower-end PCs or laptops.
Best formats for video capture
When recording videos on Windows, the MP4 extension is generally the best choice. It is a digital multimedia container format commonly used for storing video and audio data.
Why MP4 is the best format:
- It is compatible with most devices, operating systems, and media players, making it highly versatile for sharing and playback.
- Maintains high video and audio quality, suitable for most recording needs, including streaming and uploading to various platforms.
- Utilizes the H.264 codec for video compression, which provides a good balance between quality and file size.
- Most recording software and video editors default to MP4 due to its broad support and ease of use.
Other formats and their uses
AVI (Audio Video Interleave)
- Advantages: Provides high video quality with minimal compression, making it suitable for professional use where quality is paramount.
- Disadvantages: Results in larger file sizes, which can be cumbersome for storage and sharing.
MOV (QuickTime Movie)
- Advantages: Supports high-quality video and audio, and is well-suited for editing in professional software, especially on Apple devices.
- Disadvantages: Big file sizes and can be less compatible with non-Apple devices and platforms.
MKV (Matroska Video)
- Advantages: Supports a wide range of codecs and can include multiple audio tracks and subtitles, providing flexibility and high quality.
- Disadvantages: May require specific media players or codecs for playback, and increased file sizes may be an issue for some users.
WMV (Windows Media Video)
- Advantages: Provides good compression and is appropriate for playback on Windows.
- Disadvantages: Poorer compliance with non-Windows devices and platforms, and sometimes lower video quality compared to MP4.
- Advantages: Optimized for web use and open source, ready for online platforms and website embedding.
- Disadvantages: Less widely supported outside of web contexts, and not as commonly used for general video recording.
Overall, MP4 is a highly versatile and widely adopted format that balances quality, compatibility, and file size, making it ideal for a broad range of applications from casual video playback to professional media production.
Tips on how to record a video on Windows 10
- Check system requirements. Ensure your computer meets the system requirements of the chosen recording software to avoid performance issues.
- Configure recording settings. Adjust parameters such as frame rate, resolution, and audio sources based on your preferences and the requirements of your recording.
- Frame the area. Select the recording area precisely around the application window to cut unnecessary elements and focus on the content.
- Test settings. Before your actual recording, conduct a short test to ensure that the chosen settings produce the desired quality and capture both video and audio correctly.
- Use keyboard shortcuts. Familiarize yourself with the keyboard shortcuts of your screen recorder for easy control, such as starting, pausing, or stopping the recording.
- Check audio levels. Ensure that the sound is balanced and clear. Adjust microphone and system audio settings to achieve optimal sound quality.
- Remove distractions. Close unnecessary applications and notifications to minimize distractions during the recording.
- Monitor storage space. Check your available space on your device, especially for longer sessions, to avoid interruptions due to insufficient storage.
FAQ
- What settings should I consider before recording?
- Adjust frame rate, resolution, and audio level based on your recording requirements and preferences.
- What should I do if my recording software has performance issues?
- Check if your hardware meets the requirements of the screen recorder and adjust settings accordingly.
- Can I capture multiple monitors?
- Yes, many recording tools support recording a video from multiple monitors.
- Is there a time limit when I record a screen video on Windows 10?
- Third-party software offers more flexibility than built-in tools. However, recording in shorter segments can be helpful for easier management and editing.
- What will happen if I run out of storage space during recording?
- Depending on the software you use, the recording may stop automatically. If it continues despite low storage, the resulting file may become corrupted, making it difficult to play or edit. The inability to save the recorded data properly may also lead to a loss of the entire video.
Conclusion
Great job, you now know how to record a video on Windows 10 while using any application. Remember to choose a high-quality video format and adjust the settings according to your needs. Don't forget to also consider the audio recording options for a complete experience.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can confidently capture any Windows program with ease. Whether it's for personal or professional use, screen recording is a valuable skill to have in today's digital world.
So go ahead and start practicing, experiment with different tools and techniques, and soon you'll become a pro at recording Windows applications.
Editor-in-Chief at Icecream Apps
