Windows · Guide
How to Record Your Screen on Windows
Short answer
Press Windows key + Alt + R to start the built-in Xbox Game Bar recorder for quick clips. For full-screen recording, webcam overlays, or streaming-quality output, use OBS Studio instead.
Requirements
- Windows 11 or Windows 10
- Xbox Game Bar (built in) for quick clips
- OBS Studio for full control, or ShareX for lightweight capture
- A microphone, if you want to record narration
Steps
1. Open Game Bar
Press Windows key + G to open Xbox Game Bar, or Windows key + Alt + R to start recording immediately in the current window.
2. Check your audio sources
In the Audio widget, confirm the correct microphone and whether system audio should be captured.
3. Stop and find the clip
Press Windows key + Alt + R again to stop. Recordings save as MP4 files in Videos\Captures by default.
4. Install OBS Studio for more control
For full-desktop recording, multiple sources, or higher bitrates, download OBS Studio from obsproject.com.
5. Set up a Display Capture source in OBS
Add a Display Capture or Window Capture source, set your output resolution and frame rate in Settings > Video, then click Start Recording.
Alternative methods
1. Use ShareX
ShareX is free and open-source and can record the screen to GIF or video with a simpler interface than OBS.
2. Use PowerToys screen ruler alongside recording
Microsoft PowerToys does not record video but its measurement tools help you frame a capture area precisely before recording in another tool.
Troubleshooting
Game Bar will not record a specific app
Game Bar only records the active window or full screen and can refuse to capture some File Explorer or admin-elevated windows. Use OBS Studio's Display Capture instead.
Recorded video has no sound
Check the Audio widget in Game Bar, or in OBS confirm the correct Desktop Audio and Mic/Auxiliary Audio sources are not muted.
The video is choppy or drops frames
Lower the recording resolution or frame rate, close background apps, and in OBS check Settings > Advanced for a less demanding encoder preset.
Frequently asked questions
Is the built-in Windows screen recorder good enough for tutorials?
For short how-to clips, Game Bar is fine. For longer tutorials needing zooms, webcam overlays, or editing, OBS Studio gives far more control.
Where do Game Bar recordings save?
By default, to This PC\Videos\Captures, though you can change the folder in Game Bar's Captures settings.
Can I record my screen and webcam at the same time?
Yes, in OBS Studio by adding both a Display Capture source and a Video Capture Device source in the same scene.