If you’re trying to figure out how to record screen on Windows, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re capturing a tutorial, recording a Zoom meeting, or just saving gameplay, Windows offers several easy ways to do it. I’m gonna walk you through the simplest built-in options, plus some great third-party tools, so you can get the job done without stress.
Why You Might Want to Record Your Screen
Let’s look at a few common reasons people record their screens on Windows. Sometimes you need to record a quick walkthrough for a coworker or capture something you’ll want to reference later. Maybe you’re a content creator or gamer who wants to upload to YouTube or Twitch. Or you could be a student saving online lectures. The bottom line? Screen recording is super handy, and once you know how, it’s easy to do.
How to Record Screen on Windows Using Built-in Tools
I’m gonna show you how to use the tools already built into Windows to record your screen. No downloads, no fuss.
Use Xbox Game Bar for Simple Screen Recording
The Xbox Game Bar isn’t just for gamers—it’s actually a super convenient tool for anyone who wants to record screen on Windows.
To open it, press Windows + G. You’ll see a floating toolbar with several widgets. Look for the “Capture” widget. If it doesn’t pop up, you can enable it from the Widget menu.
Here’s how I use it:
- Press Windows + G to open Xbox Game Bar. If pressing Windows + G does not open the Xbox Game Bar on your Windows PC, check if Xbox Game Bar is enabled. Go to Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar. Make sure the toggle for “Game Bar” and “Enable Xbox Game Bar for things like recording game clips…” is turned ON.
- Click the Record button (the circle) or press Windows + Alt + R.
- A small floating bar will show the recording status.
- Press Windows + Alt + R again to stop.
Your videos will be saved under Videos > Captures by default. One downside? You can’t record your desktop or File Explorer—only apps or games.
Use Microsoft Clipchamp for More Control
For more advanced screen recording, Clipchamp is a solid option. It’s Microsoft’s free video editor that also includes screen recording features.
Open Clipchamp, click Create a video, then choose Record & Create. You’ll get the option to record your screen, webcam, or both. It’s perfect if you’re making a tutorial or need to show your face while explaining something.
How to Record Your Screen Using Free Third-Party Tools
If you need more flexibility, I’ll show you a few free screen recorders I’ve personally tried and liked.
OBS Studio: Best for Advanced Users
OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is a fan favorite for a reason. It’s free, open-source, and incredibly powerful.
With OBS, you can:
- Record your entire screen or just one window
- Record second monitor screen
- Add audio from multiple sources
- Stream directly to Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook
- Customize resolution, bitrate, and framerate
It takes a little time to set up, but once you get the hang of it, it’s amazing. I use OBS when I want high-quality recordings or need to capture multiple sources at once.
Infact I record videos on this web development channel, this gaming channel and this gaming channel by using OBS Studio.
ShareX: Lightweight and Feature-Packed
If OBS feels overwhelming, ShareX might be more your style. It’s lighter but still packed with features.
Some things I love about ShareX:
- You can record in MP4 or GIF format
- There’s a built-in editor and screenshot tool
- It supports hotkeys for quick recording
- You can upload directly to Google Drive or Dropbox
It’s great for quick tasks or when I want to make a fast tutorial for a friend or colleague.
Tips for Smooth Screen Recording on Windows
Let me share a few simple tips to make sure your recording sessions go off without a hitch.
- Close unused apps: This helps free up memory and keeps things running smoothly.
- Check your mic settings: Especially if you’re recording voiceover. Do a quick test first.
- Use a second screen: If you’re doing tutorials, having notes on another monitor is super helpful.
- Practice once: Do a short run-through to make sure everything looks and sounds right.
- Keep your desktop tidy: If you’re recording your full screen, clean up those icons.
Where to Find Your Recordings After You’re Done
Once you finish recording, you’ll want to know where the files are saved. I’ve made that mistake before—closing the window and realizing I don’t know where the video went!
- Xbox Game Bar saves recordings in:
Videos > Captures - Clipchamp lets you export to a folder of your choice
- OBS saves based on your settings (usually
Videosor a custom path) - ShareX has a default folder, but you can change it in the settings
Double-check before you start if it’s something important!
Final Thoughts
Recording your screen on Windows isn’t just for tech pros anymore. With tools like Xbox Game Bar, Clipchamp, and OBS, anyone can do it—whether you’re saving a video call or making a how-to for TikTok.
Once you try it a few times, it becomes second nature. And honestly, it opens up so many creative and practical possibilities. Plus, you don’t need expensive software to get high-quality results.
Now let me hear from you! Have you tried to record your screen on Windows? What tools worked best for you? Are you using it for tutorials, gaming, or something else? Drop your thoughts or questions below — I’d love to hear from you.