Need to create a presentation for work or just want to share a fun gaming session with your friends? You’ll probably need to record your computer screen. But while most PCs support screen recording, the method for this computing task can vary among operating systems.

In the guide below, we’ll show you how to record your screen whether you’re working with a Windows 10 PC or a Mac.



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This guide features recording options that use integrated, open-source, and paid third-party tools. The following instructions cover both Windows 10 and MacOS Catalina.

How to record your screen in Windows

If you would rather not download any additional software, Windows includes a built-in tool designed for gamers. It can be used by anyone, offering a convenient way to record your screen and even add audio if needed.

How to record your screen with Xbox Game Bar

To use this feature, your PC needs to support one of the following encoders. Most modern graphics cards or processors will support them.

AMD VCE

Intel Quick Sync H.264 (Intel 2nd Generation CPU or newer)

Nvidia NVENC (Most Nvidia GeForce 600 or newer, most Quadro K series or newer)

Step 1: Click the Start button followed by the Gear icon located on the Start Menu. This opens the Settings app.

Step 2: Select Gaming.

Step 3: Under Xbox Game Bar, be sure the Enable Xbox Game Bar for Things Like Recording Game Clips, Chatting With Friends, and Receiving Game Invites option is toggled to the On position.

Step 4: You may also want to select Captures in the Windows 10 Gaming Settings menu to view and adjust further customization options for recording your screen with Xbox Game Bar. Under Captures, you can change your save location for your recordings and screenshots, enable background recording, enable recordings even when your laptop isn’t plugged in, enable recording while projecting your screen, set a maximum recording length, and even adjust your audio settings and video quality settings.

Step 5: 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 select Yes.

Step 6: The Xbox Game Bar appears near your screen’s top-center edge. It provides buttons to access multiple overlays, including Audio, Performance, and Capture.

The Game Bar’s Capture overlay should appear by default. If not, click the Webcam icon on the Xbox Game Bar. After that, click the round Start Recording button on the Capture overlay. Click the purple Stop button to stop recording.

Note: The Game Bar’s recording feature won’t work with the desktop or File Explorer, but it should work with games and non-game apps.

Alternatively, you can type the Win + Alt + R key combination to start and stop recording with Xbox Game Bar enabled.

All video captures save to the Videos > Captures folder as an MP4 file.

How to record your screen in PowerPoint

Didn’t know you could record your screen with PowerPoint? It’s true, and it’s relatively easy.

Step 1: With PowerPoint already open, click the Insert tab followed by the Screen Recording button located on the Media panel to the far right.

Step 2: The screen dims white and renders a toolbar along your screen’s top center edge. You’ll see a red dotted boundary cutting through the white overlay, representing your recording space. If you want to record the entire screen, press the Windows + Shift + F keys simultaneously.

Step 3: Click the Record button, or press the Windows + Shift + R keys simultaneously.

Step 4: You can click the Pause button — it replaces the Record button — to halt the recording as needed. Click the square Stop button to end the capture.

Step 5: To save the recording, right-click on the video displayed within PowerPoint . Select the Save Media As… option on the pop-up menu. Follow the on-screen prompts to save your recording.

When you’re done you can 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 it’s a great option for quick-and-dirty recording — especially if you’re doing it for a looming presentation. And don’t ignore the video enhancement tools that PowerPoint offers, such as changing the video’s shape, adding a border, and adding visual effects like shadows, glow, and more.

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)

One of the more advanced and freely available screen-recording apps, OBS Studio is open-source and allows unlimited full-screen recording. It 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.

Snagit ($50+)

Snagit targets startups more than gamers. It packs a ton of recording features made for showcasing products and creating marketing videos, how-to features, vlogs, and so on. If you want an elaborate video that includes several video types, multiple graphics, and screen recording, Snagit is a great choice for simpler needs. It does cost $50, but if you don’t mind paying for the privilege, the added features are worth it.

How to record your screen on a Mac

MacOS screen recorder

Included with MacOS Catalina is a native feature that allows you to record your screen and take screenshots. Here’s how:

Step 1: Press Shift + Command + 5 to 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 provides Options and Capture (or Record) buttons.

Click the Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion button followed by the Record button — it replaces Capture if the tool was originally in screenshot mode — located on the right.

Step 3: When done, click the little record button located on the menu bar at the top of the display. The button looks like a circle with a square inside it. Alternatively, press Command + Control + Esc. The video saves to the desktop by default.

QuickTime Player

If you’re running a version of MacOS older than Mojave, you can always use the QuickTime Player for basic screen recording (as well as audio recording). QuickTime recordings aren’t easy to edit, but if you want a quick and easy recording method, it’s one of the simplest.

Step 1: Launch QuickTime Player. You’ll likely find it on the Launchpad.

Step 2: To start, click File located on the Menu Bar.

Step 3: Click the New Screen Recording option listed on the drop-down menu.

Step 4: You may see a pop-up asking permission to record the computer’s screen. Click the Open System Preferences button, and add a tick to the check box next to QuickTime Player. You may need to restart QuickTime Player.

Step 5: When QuickTime restarts, click File > New Screen Recording. QuickTime’s toolbar is identical to the integrated MacOS capture utility. Click Options to add or remove mouse clicks, use the built-in microphone, and designate the video’s destination.

Step 6: Again, you’ll see two sets of buttons: Three on the left to capture a screenshot and two in the middle for recording the screen. Click the Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion button, followed by the Record button located on the right.

Step 7: When finished, navigate to the menu bar and click the Stop Recording button as shown below. Alternatively, tap the appropriate symbol if your Mac has a Touch Bar.

Step 8: To save your recording, click File on the menu bar, followed by Save in the drop-down menu. Choose an appropriate save location and name for the recording, then click Save to confirm.

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