How to Screen Record on Windows 10, 11
Using a screen recorder on Windows 10 or 11 is an excellent way to capture memories of special occasions, lectures, and website content. It has numerous practical uses and is a remarkably useful skill.
Many users have probably at least once needed to create a video tutorial for their colleagues, record a gameplay clip, or save a webinar to re-watch it later on time. But how to screen record on Windows?
How we picked screen recorders
Selecting a Windows screen recorder involves considering several important moments. Here are key criteria we paid attention to when picking screen recording software for Windows PC:
- Recording features. The video recorder should allow you to record the entire screen or select specific areas.
- Ease of use. A straightforward and intuitive interface is essential, especially for beginners.
- Performance. The screen recording software should not affect the performance of other applications.
| Program | Link | Built-in editing tools | Best for | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Icecream Screen Recorder |
Yes
|
Capturing video, audio, and taking screenshots
|
5.0 | |
| Xbox Game Bar |
No
|
Short recordings
|
4.5 | |
| Snipping Tool |
Basic
|
Recording short tutorials
|
4.0 | |
| OBS Studio |
No
|
Gaming and streaming
|
4.5 | |
| PowerPoint |
Basic
|
Adding screen recordings to presentations
|
4.0 | |
| Video Candy |
Basic
|
Online screen recording
|
4.0 | |
| ShareX |
No
|
Quick screen recording and screenshot capture
|
3.8 |
Method 1. Icecream Screen Recorder
Let's start with Icecream Screen Recorder - a free software to record a screen video. The software has clear controls and a user-friendly interface that even a novice with minimal experience can understand. At the same time, the program provides all the necessary options for quality video recording (drawing, hotkeys, and more).
While screen recordings can be saved in different file formats, MP4 is the most common choice due to its compatibility and compression capabilities.
To screen record on a Windows computer, follow these instructions:
Step 1. Download screen recording software.
Download the free screen recorder and run the app on your Windows computer or laptop.
Step 2. Select the recording area.
In the main program window, you will see a menu on the left. To record the screen right away, you will need to choose the first option which is "Capture video". Click it and select the area you want to capture.
It can be the whole screen (Display) or a part of it (Custom area). Opt for the "Around mouse" mode if you want the screen recording area to move along with your cursor.
Step 3. Start video recording.
After selecting the area, a recording panel will appear on the screen. Here you can resize the recording area, set a timer, record webcam, microphone, and speakers, and open the drawing panel.
Click the "Rec" button or the F7 hotkey to screen capture. You can pause the process of video capture, too. Press the F8 hotkey or "Stop" on the video recording panel to save the file.
Step 4. Edit the desktop recording.
After you've done recording your video, you will have the options to save the file to your computer, share it by URL, and edit the recorded video. You can trim the video, select format and resolution, change the speed, or edit the audio track.
Draw While You Record Video
During desktop recording, you can use a drawing panel. Utilize it to add graphic elements and text to annotate your videos. Here's what the panel offers:
- Arrow. With its help, you can indicate interesting moments and important objects.
- Pencil. Add freehand drawing within the screen record area.
- Text. Allows you to make notes on the screen during the screen capture.
- Rectangle. Add a frame around notable parts of a video.
- Fill. Adds a filled square or rectangle.
- Highlighting. Helps the user to select a specific area to focus on while watching the clip. It can be a part of a document or a drawing.
- Steps. Quite an interesting option that allows you to add numbered bullets. This is quite handy for creating presentations, video tutorials, lifehacks, and detailed work instructions.
For all this functionality, a choice of color and line thickness is available.
Pros:
- Extensive functionality;
- Free screen recording software with an intuitive interface with no learning curve;
- Desktop recording does not require a constant Internet connection;
- Offers the feature to add a watermark to videos;
- Flexible settings at all stages of work;
- Great support team;
- Built-in video editor with the option to trim videos;
- Works on Windows 11, 10, 8, 7.
Method 2. Xbox Game Bar
Windows users have a simple built-in tool to record video on a PC. Xbox Game Bar allows you to capture either your entire screen or just a portion of it with ease. You can save the recordings in various formats, including MP4 and GIF.
- Launch the Xbox Game Bar app on your Windows 11 or 10. You can also press Win + G on the keyboard.
- Check the settings. You can turn on external audio and adjust system tones.
- Then click on "Start Record".
- A video of the screen will be recorded. Stop recording by pressing Win + Alt + R.
- You can find your video in a folder named "Captures" in File Explorer.
Pros:
- Since it's already part of Windows OS, there's no requirement for further programs search and installation;
- Customize different recording settings like resolution, frame rate, and audio;
- With a few clicks from your keyboard, you can easily start or stop recording.
Cons:
- Restricted control over recording settings;
- Works well for occasional short recordings, but it is not the best way to record long desktop videos;
- You won't be able to edit your videos;
- Presents on Windows 10 and 11 only.
Method 3. Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool is one of Windows' most useful built-in apps. It permits you to take screenshots of a custom area of your screen, and more. With the newest version, you can record your screen activity too.
- Open the Snipping Tool on Windows 10.
- Click "Record" > "New". Choose the screen recording area. Press "Start".
- When your recording is finished, tap "Stop". Your captured video will be kept as an MP4 file in your designated folder for videos.
Pros:
- Windows screen recorder gives users the ability to choose a specific recording area;
- Great for recording short tutorials or presentations;
- Intuitive – no need for additional software or hardware.
Cons:
- Lets you screen record on Windows 10 only;
- Only basic trimming and cropping can be done;
- Can't record audio;
- Video recording time is limited to five minutes.
Method 4. OBS Studio
Using Windows with OBS Studio can be an excellent method for recording video for guides, gaming, or simple capture. Equipped with a powerful API, it lets you capture your footage and connect to any streaming or broadcast platform. Here's how to record the screen using OBS:
- Download and install OBS Studio. Once the installation is complete, launch the program.
- In the "Sources" box, press + to specify the settings. Press "Display Capture". Fill in the data and click "OK".
- Choose your display and select the capture video function. Hit "OK".
- Select the recording path by clicking "Browse" in "Settings".
- Press the "Start Recording" button when all your sources are added.
- Tap "Stop Recording" to end the video capturing.
Pros:
- You can record desktop in full HD resolution;
- The program supports inserting overlays.
Cons:
- Whole desktop recording takes up a lot of computer resources;
- Can only record from one sound source at a time;
- No editing option while recording.
Method 5. PowerPoint
Microsoft PowerPoint can be a great tool for recording applications. It has a built-in screen recorder that allows you to quickly record what is happening on the display.
This can be used to show someone a tutorial, or just to capture a memorable moment from your presentation.
- In PowerPoint, open a new presentation and add the desired slides.
- Go to the slide you would like to add to your video. Use the "Screen Recording" command on the "Insert" tab to open a Control Doc.
- Hit "Select Area" or hold down Win + Shift + A.
- When finished selecting, click "Record" to record the video on the PC.
- Stop recording by pressing Win + Shift + Q.
- The application will store video automatically as part of the presentation. You can extract it with the right mouse button and choose "Save Media As".
Pros:
- Comes with basic editing features like trimming and adding captions;
- Recording software works alongside Microsoft Word and Excel.
Cons:
- No support for recording audio from external devices, such as microphones or cameras;
- Cannot record from multiple screens simultaneously.
Method 6. Video Candy
Recording your screen on a Windows PC is now simpler than ever thanks to this free service. This platform provides users with convenient tools to capture, edit, and convert videos online.
Follow these steps to use the web application to record the desktop of your PC:
- Open the online screen recorder in your default browser.
- Specify the type of video you wish to capture - a webcam footage, or a video with microphone audio. Hit "Start Recording".
- Determine the recording area: whether it's the browser, a specific app window, or the entire screen. Optionally, check the box to include browser or screen sounds. Click "Share" to commence the video capture.
- Upon completion, tap the "Stop Recording" button to save the file.
Pros:
- Capture video from the screen on any device and operating system.
- No need to install additional software or applications.
Cons:
- The functionality fully depends on an internet connection.
Method 7. ShareX
ShareX is an open-source screen capture and productivity tool for Windows. It offers a comprehensive set of features, including screen recording, screenshot capture, image editing, and more.
How to use this program to record screen videos:
- Download, install, and launch ShareX.
- Click the "Capture" button and choose the "Screen recording" option.
- Select the area of your display that you want to capture.
- The screen recorder will begin recording your screen.
- Use the corresponding button to pause, stop, or abort the process.
Pros:
- Offers various screen recording modes, editing tools, and sharing options.
- Free-to-use video recorder and continually improved by a community of developers.
Cons:
- The interface of this desktop recorder may appear cluttered to those who are not familiar with its features and settings.
Reasons to Capture Video from Screen
Screen record on Windows is a great method for documenting what you do on your screen. Whether it's for work, entertainment, or educational purposes, recording your screen can be beneficial in many ways. Here are a few arguments:
- Capture memories. Use Windows screen recording to keep memories of your favorite games, and shows. You can even build a highlight reel of the best gaming moments.
- Save workflows. Recording a tutorial or workflow can help you recall the steps quickly. Once saved, you can easily refer back to the video if you forget how to do something.
- Create how-to videos. If you're an expert in something and want to share your knowledge with others, creating such videos is a great way to do so. With a Windows screen recorder, you can record all the steps.
- Share presentations. Recording a video of a presentation or lecture allows those who were unable to attend to watch it online or later.
- Record online meetings. Recording a meeting allows participants to review the session later to get a better understanding and retention.
Recording a screen on Windows is easy and convenient. With its many benefits, it's worth considering if you haven't already done so!
How to Record Screen on Windows 10: FAQ
- 1. What is the optimal video quality for desktop recording?
- The best resolution for recording video depends on your needs and preferences as well as the capabilities of your computer hardware and software. Generally speaking, a resolution of 1080p (1920x1080) or higher is recommended for recordings, but other factors such as frame rate and bitrate also play an important role in determining the final video quality.
- 2. Can I select a window or application to screen capture?
- Yes, record or screenshot a specific area instead of capturing the entire desktop. You can usually find this option in the program's settings or preferences menu.
- 3. What is the best rate of frames for Windows screen recording?
- The ideal frame rate for recording videos depends on what kind of video you're trying to make and how much motion will be involved in it. For general video recordings, a frame rate of 30 fps (frames per second) should be sufficient. But if you're making a video with lots of fast-paced action then 60 fps might be better suited for capturing all the details without motion blur or stuttering effects.
- 4. How do I edit my recorded videos?
- Our screen recorder has built-in support for modifying recorded videos from various sources, including computer screens and webcams.
- 5. What are the key differences in screen recording features between Windows 11 and 10?
- Windows 11 introduces a more integrated capturing experience with updated interface elements and features. Windows 10 may require third-party applications or workarounds for advanced recording needs. Review the specifics of each version to understand their capabilities.
- 6. How do I handle screen recording errors?
- Check for common troubleshooting steps such as updating drivers, verifying system requirements, or consulting support resources for the screen recorder.
Screen Record on Windows: Tips
- Choose the right recording software. Make sure you select a screen recording software that fits your system requirements and offers the features you need.
- Adjust the settings. Configure the settings before recording to ensure the best possible quality. Select resolution, frame rate, and bitrate.
- Check audio. Test your microphone or other audio sources before you start to record screen video. Make sure it's plugged in properly and that you can hear it clearly on playback.
- Create shortcuts. Set up keyboard shortcuts for functions such as starting, pausing, and stopping recordings to save time while recording.
- Optimize performance. Close any unnecessary programs and windows to maximize available RAM and improve performance during recording sessions.
- Hide personal info. If there is any sensitive information like passwords or account numbers on your screen, hide them before you begin recording the video.
- Use annotations. Utilize drawing tools or text annotations to highlight important aspects of your video while recording or during post-production editing.
- Organize files. Make folders for each project so that all related files are in one place.
- Edit videos. Take advantage of editing tools to trim long pauses or add titles, transitions, effects, music, etc., to enhance videos after they are recorded.
- Share online. Upload your videos to a variety of hosting platforms like YouTube or Vimeo for easy sharing online.
How to Screen Record on Windows: Conclusion
Windows screen recorder is an excellent choice for capturing live footage and sound on your computer. The goal can be met either with the free programs pre-installed on Windows or software from other sources, allowing you to also include annotations and effects during the recording process for a polished look.
Our program is not only simple to use but can provide you with all the popular options you need for quality desktop recording. Capture any type of content easily with the screen recording software for Windows.
Editor-in-Chief at Icecream Apps
