How to Do Screen Recording on Windows

Screen recording on Windows can be done using built-in tools or third-party software. Here, we'll cover the steps to record your screen using the built-in Xbox Game Bar and a popular third-party tool, OBS Studio.

Using Xbox Game Bar

Summary

The Xbox Game Bar is a built-in tool in Windows 10 and later versions that allows you to record your screen without needing to install any additional software.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open Xbox Game Bar

   • Press Win + G on your keyboard to open the Xbox Game Bar.

2. Access the Capture Widget

   • Click on the "Capture" widget in the Xbox Game Bar overlay.

3. Start Recording

   • Click the "Record" button (a circle icon) or press Win + Alt + R to start recording your screen.

4. Stop Recording

   • Click the "Stop" button (a square icon) in the Capture Status overlay or press Win + Alt + R again.

5. Locate Your Recording

   • The recorded video will be saved in the Videos folder under Captures by default.

Using OBS Studio

Summary

OBS Studio is a free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming. It offers more advanced features compared to the Xbox Game Bar.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Download and Install OBS Studio

   • Go to the OBS Studio website and download the installer.
   • Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

2. Open OBS Studio

   • Launch OBS Studio from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut.

3. Set Up a New Scene

   • In the "Scenes" box, click the + button to add a new scene. Name the scene as needed.

4. Add a Display Capture Source

   • In the "Sources" box, click the + button and select "Display Capture".
   • Name the source and click "OK".
   • Choose the display you want to capture if you have multiple monitors, and click "OK".

5. Start Recording

   • Click the "Start Recording" button on the bottom right of the OBS Studio interface.

6. Stop Recording

   • Click the "Stop Recording" button in the same location to end the recording.

7. Locate Your Recording

   • The recorded video will be saved in the location specified in the OBS settings, typically in the Videos folder by default.

Conclusion

Whether you use the built-in Xbox Game Bar for quick recordings or OBS Studio for more advanced options, Windows provides several ways to capture your screen effectively. Follow the steps above to start recording your screen today.