Recording your screen on your Mac, Windows PC, or Chromebook is a great way to show friends your cool gaming tricks, make tutorial videos for software you use, and show off your techniques in digital art. Unfortunately, screen recording isn’t quite as easy astaking a screenshot. There are however, a ton of ways to accomplish this task and you should be able to record your screen on Windows or any other device in just a few minutes after picking one.
Difficulty
What You Need
Device with Windows 10 (Computer, Xbox), Mac, or Chromebook
PowerPoint (optional)
QuickTime Player (optional)
Screencastify (optional)
The task is easier than you might think, asWindows 11(and Windows 10), MacOS, and even Chrome OS have built-in tools that can get the job done. In this guide, we’ll show you how by using native, open-source, and paid third-party tools.
How to screen record on Windows using Xbox Game Bar
Windows 10 includes a native video capture tool, but it’s primarily designed for gamers. However, it can be used for any open application, offering a convenient way to record the screen and even add audio if needed.
Note:All steps for Windows devices will also all work on Windows 11, including options to use PowerPoint explained below. However, Windows 11 will look a little different from the images we are using. If you prefer step-by-step instructions for Windows 11, be sure to check out ourWindows 11-specific screen recording how-to guide.
To use the Xbox Game Bar feature, your PC needs tosupport one of the following encoders. Most modern graphics cards or processors support them.
Step 1:Select theStartbutton, followed by theGearicon located in the Start Menu.
Step 2:SelectGamingin the Settings app.
Step 3:TheXbox Game Barsection should load by default. As shown below, there’s a toggle under the second paragraph that should be set toOn. If it readsOff, then select the toggle.
Step 4:SelectCaptureslisted on the left to view and adjust further customization options if needed.
UnderCaptures, youcan change your save location for your recordings and screenshots, enable background recording, and enable recordings even when your laptop isn’t plugged in. There are also options to enable recording while projecting your screen, set a maximum recording length, and adjust your audio settings and video quality settings.
Step 5:When you’re done adjusting your settings, type the default keyboard shortcut to open the Xbox Game Bar:Win + G.
You may or may not see a prompt asking if the highlighted application on your screen is a game. If you do, just selectYes. Sure, it’s a lie, as Xbox Game Bar is meant for capturing gameplay, but this little fib extends this feature out to other applications. However, Xbox Game Bar does not record the desktop or File Explorer, it only opens with applications.
Step 6:The Xbox Game Bar appears near your screen’s top-center edge. It provides buttons to access these overlays and settings:
The Game Bar’sCaptureoverlay should appear by default. If not, select theWebcamicon on the Xbox Game Bar, as shown below.
Note: If your PC has more than one connected display, like a three-monitor setup, the Xbox Game Bar interface will appear on the screen where you last clicked.
Step 7:To begin, select the roundStart Recordingbutton on theCaptureoverlay. To stop the recording, select theStop recordingbutton, which looks like a square within a circle.
Alternatively, you can type theWin + Alt + Rkey combination to start and stop recording with Xbox Game Bar enabled.
All captured videos are saved as MP4 files in theVideos > Capturesfolder underThis PCin File Explorer.
How to screen record on Windows using PowerPoint
Using PowerPointto record your screen is relatively easy. The drawback is that you need Microsoft’s desktop software for this to work — and if you don’t want to pay for it, afree Microsoft 365 subscription. This does not work with the online-only version.
Step 1:With a PowerPoint file already open, selectInserton the menu bar followed by theMediaicon on the far right side.
From the drop-down menu that appears, choose theScreen recordingoption.
Step 2:The screen dims white and renders a toolbar along your screen’s top-center edge, as shown below. Select theSelect areabutton and use your mouse to draw a box around the area you want to record. The target area is then outlined with a red dashed line and devoid of the white transparency.
Alternatively, press theWindows + Shift + Rkeyboard shortcutsimultaneously to record the entire screen.
Step 3:Select theRecordbutton or press theWindows + Shift + Rkeys simultaneously.
Step 4:You can choose thePausebutton — it replaces theRecordbutton — to halt the recording as needed. Select the squareStopbutton to end the capture.
Step 5:To save the recording, right-click on the video displayed within PowerPoint and select theSave media asoption on the pop-up menu. Follow the on-screen prompts to save your recording.
When you’re done, you may save the video as a separate file to access or embed as you see fit. Editing and control options are very limited after that, but PowerPoint is a great option for quick-and-dirty recording — especially if you’re doing it for a looming presentation.
How to screen record on a Mac using the Screenshot tool
Included withmacOS Venturais a native feature that allows you to record the screen andtake screenshots. Here’s how:
Step 1:PressShift + Command + 5to bring up the screenshot toolbar.
Step 2:The toolbar appears on the screen with two sets of buttons: Three on the left to capture a screenshot and two in the middle for recording the screen. It also providesOptionsandCapture(orRecord) buttons.
Step 3:Select theRecord entire screenbutton (left) or theRecord selected portionbutton (right) followed by theRecordbutton — it replacesCaptureif the tool was originally in screenshot mode — located on the right.
Step 4:When done, select the littleRecordbutton located on the menu bar at the top of the display, as shown below. Alternatively, pressCommand + Control + Esc. The video saves to the desktop by default.
How to screen record on a Mac using QuickTime Player
If you’re running a version of MacOS older than Mojave, you can always use QuickTime Player for basic screen recording, as well as audio recording. QuickTime recordings aren’t easy to edit, but if you want a fast and easy recording method, it’s one of the simplest.
Note: QuickTime Player is also available on Catalina and Big Sur.
Step 1:Open QuickTime Player from the Launchpad. If you don’t see it, check the Launchpad’sOtherfolder.
Step 2:With the app open, selectFile, located on theMenu Bar.
Step 3:Choose theNew screen recordingoption listed on the drop-down menu.
Step 4:You may see a prompt asking permission to record the computer’s screen. Select theOpen System Preferencesbutton and add a tick to the checkbox next toQuickTime Player. You may need to restart QuickTime Player. If not, skip to Step 6.
Step 5:When QuickTime restarts, selectFile, followed byNew screen recording.
Step 6:TheScreenshot tooltoolbar appears on the screen with two sets of buttons: Three on the left to capture a screenshot and two in the middle for recording the screen. ChooseOptionsto add or remove mouse clicks, use the built-in microphone, and designate the video’s destination.
Step 7:Select theRecord entire screenorRecord selected portionbutton, followed by theRecordbutton located on the right.
Step 8:When finished, navigate to the menu bar and select theStop recordingbutton, as shown below. Alternatively, select the appropriate symbol if your Mac has a Touch Bar.
Step 9:To save your recording, selectFileon the menu bar, followed bySavein the drop-down menu. Choose an appropriate save location (if you haven’t already) and name for the recording, then selectSaveto confirm.
How to record your screen on a Chromebook
If you have one of thebest Chromebooks, Google offers a native screen recording tool for Chrome OS.
Step 1:Log in to Chrome OS. Simultaneously pressShift + Ctrl+ theShow windowsbutton (which looks like a box with lines beside it).
Step 2:Click theScreen capturebutton on the pop-up menu.
Step 3:The screen dims, and a toolbar appears along the bottom. In this example, the screen capture tool is set toRecord partial screen, as shown above. Press and hold the mouse button or touchpad to draw a box around the area on the screen you want to capture. The toolbar also provides options forRecord full screenandRecord window.
Step 4:By default, the screen capture tool is set toScreenshot. Select theScreen recordbutton on the toolbar — it resembles a movie camera pointing to the right — to capture video.
Step 5:Select theRecordbutton centered within the selected area.
Step 6:To finish, choose theStop screen recordingbutton displayed on the Shelf next to the system clock.
By default, the captured video saves to theDownloadsfolder asScreen recording [date][time]in the WebM file format.
Multiplatform (Chrome extension)
If you’re not keen on the native solutions listed above, you may install a Chrome extension calledScreencastifythat does a good job. Here’s how to install and use it:
Step 1:Open the Screencastify listing in the Chrome Web Store and select theAdd to Chromebutton, followed byAdd extensionin a pop-up window.
Step 2:Select theScreencastifyicon located next to the address bar. If the icon doesn’t automatically appear there, you will need to select theExtensionsicon (looks like a puzzle piece) and then select the pin icon next toScreencastifyso you’re able to pin the extension’s icon next to your address bar.
Step 3:Sign in with your Google account and follow the prompts to create a Screencastify account.
Step 4:Select theScreencastifyicon in the top-right corner again. A drop-down menu will appear.
Step 5:Select a source:Browser tab,Desktop, orWebcam only.
Step 6:Enable the microphone and/or webcam if needed.
Step 7:SelectShow more optionsfor additional settings, like a countdown timer.
Step 8:Select the blueRecordbutton. you may only record for 30 minutes using the free account.
Note: If you chooseDesktop, the following screen prompts you to select yourEntire Screenor applicationWindow. After that, chooseShare.
Step 9:When you’re done recording, select the pink and whiteEnd recordingbutton in the bottom left corner of your screen.
Another tab will open with your recorded video ready to playback for you.
Step 10:You can now edit the video, share a copy, download it, and more. To edit the name, select the text field to the left of theOpen in editorbutton.
The video saves to your Google Drive by default.
Alternative offline apps for professional work
If you want an enhanced recording experience from an app specifically designed for more professional — and gaming-oriented — clips, then your best bet is to download one of the apps below.
OBS Studio (free)
As one of the more advanced and freely available screen-recording apps,OBS Studiois open-source and has built-in streaming functions for those who want a live audience while recording. OBS Studio is more fully-featured than some freemium apps, but setting up your personal preferences can take a little longer. However, it’s still the best of the free screen-recording apps currently available. It’s available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Snagit ($63+)
Snagittargets startups more than gamers. It packs a ton of recording features primarily for use in a workplace setting. You can use Snagit to help you put together your next training presentation or illustrate an idea or new workflow. These features include a screen recorder, annotations for screenshots, templates, and the ability to create video from a series of screenshots. It does cost $63 (and possibly more after the first year with a yearly Maintenance subscription), but if you don’t mind paying for the privilege, the added features are worth it. Snagit also offers a 15-day free trial.
