How to Record Screen on Windows Using the Best Methods [Complete Guide]

Need to show and record steps, report a bug, or make a quick tutorial on your PC? I have created hundreds, if not thousands, of Windows recordings for everyday users and focus on simple tools built into its operating system. This guide shows you exactly how to screen record on Windows using the default tools available and third-party tools that offer extensive features for your recording needs. With clear steps, you can produce clear and shareable videos.

Top Screen Recording Methods at a Glance

Best Choice for Newbies: Xbox Game Bar (Built-in Windows, fast capture with a single click record) and The Snipping Tools (Record selected area with simple audio toggles)

Best Free to Use for Professionals: OBS Studio (unlimited recording, multi-source scenes, live streaming, open source), and ShareX (free, region capture, customizable workflow).

Best Free Recorder with Watermark: Bandicam (lightweight, high-quality recording, audio, and region)

Best Paid All-in-One for Overall Recording: AVAide Screen Recorder (simple screen interface, recording schedule, webcam overlay, lock-in feature, built-in editor, and annotation while recording)

Best for Recording Videos Online: Loom (cloud-based recording, link sharing, comments and reactions, Windows compatible, web) and Awesome Screenshot (browser-based application, capture with markup and quick edits)

Method 1: Xbox Game Bar (The Quick & Easy Choice)

Looking for an application or game capture solution without any installation that works with Windows? Xbox Game Bar is a built-in feature of Windows 10 and 11 that comes preloaded with the ability to capture audio and mic from the Xbox, as well as save an MP4 file with just a click. Get to know how to record your screen: Open your app, press Win + G, and press record. The following process outlines setup, audio toggles, and recording location.

Step 1Hit the Windows button and the G key to open the Xbox Game Bar.

Step 2Next, tick the box to confirm and progress. Adjust the recording based on your needs with the options available here. Now that you are ready to start recording, click the red dot button to start, or you can press Windows + Alt + R.

Step 3There will be a recording capture status that appears on your screen. If you are done, then click the square button.

Method 2: Snipping Tool (Windows 11)

On Windows 11, the Snipping Tool is a simple, built-in way to capture any area of your screen. It records system audio and mic, lets you select a region or full screen, and saves directly as MP4. If you are wondering how to screen record without installing new software, this tool is the fastest native option. The steps below show how to open it, start recording, and save your clip.

Step 1To open it, click the Windows button on your keyboard and type in the Snipping Tool available on Windows.

Step 2On its floating interface, click the camera button since you want to use its screen recording feature. Next, adjust the area where you want to be captured by drawing a rectangle.

Step 3Then, click Start. After recording, click the Stop button to save it.

Method 3: AVAide Screen Recorder

AVAide Screen Recorder is a paid Windows application designed for those who wish to have a neat application, scheduled recording, webcam overlay, annotation, and an integrated editor. Records the audio and mic of your system, records in region or full screen, and exports in common formats without a watermark. If you are looking for how to do on-screen recording with professional features and a simple workflow, this app delivers consistent quality for tutorials and training content. The following steps illustrate installation, audio setup, recording settings, and export options.

Step 1First of all, you need to download and install the screen recorder on your Windows 10/11 by clicking the appropriate button here. Then, proceed to the next steps.

Step 2On the main interface, select Screen Recorder. Here, you need to properly set up the recording area, add your face via webcam, audio from your external mic, and system sound generated on your PC. After that, click the REC button to start the recording.

Step 3Once you are satisfied and the app has done its job on recording, click the stop button. Now, you can share the recorded video with everyone as easily as AVAide has to offer.

Method 4: Bandicam

Bandicam is a light but efficient screen capture recorder on Windows capable of creating high-quality recordings for extended periods. It has both region capture and full-screen and specific-window recording features, and allows it to record mic and system audio, set up recordings, and draw while recording. Bandicam is a Windows screen capture recorder that is stable and produces smaller-sized files for tutorials and demos, or even for games. The following steps demonstrate installing, selecting the capture mode, setting up the audio input, and setting up the export options.

Step 1Open the Bandicam on your computer, choose the recording mode you want to use that is available in here, and adjust its presets.

Step 2Next, click the REC button to start recording, then wait for a few seconds until the countdown is done.

Step 3Once recording is done, click the stop button, and you can replay the recorded video.

Method 5: OBS Studio

OBS Studio is an open-source, free Windows recorder and streamer, with unlimited recording, no watermarks, and the ability to have a high level of control over its scenes, sources, audio mixers, and encoders. Best for multi-source configurations, customized transitions, and producing high-quality output, it is the preferred option for professionals who value flexibility. For Windows, if you are looking to record from the screen on Windows for audio tracks, resolution, and bitrate options, you can get broadcast quality with OBS Studio.

Step 1Download and open the latest version of OBS Studio. Rename or create a Scene from the bottom left box of it.

Step 2Add the source of what to record, click the + button to add the right scenes, and select Display Capture. Tick the Settings > Output > Recording Path > Browse to select where you want to save the recorded video.

Step 3Now that you are ready, click the Start Recording button, and when you want to stop it, click the Stop Recording button.

Method 6: ScreenRec

ScreenRec is a trusted screen recorder trusted by more than 14 million people worldwide, offering free screen, mic, system, and webcam recording with instant sharing to the cloud and no watermark to stop screenshots. It provides a quick setup, easy-to-use control, and 2 GB of free Cloud storage for quick sharing after each recording. ScreenRec is a simple and fast screen recorder for users, support technicians, and trainers who don't need to download large software. The following steps demonstrate how to record a screen on Windows with this tool, as well as how to share your clip using a link.

Step 1Get the official app on the ScreenRec website, and follow the installation process. Then, press Alt + S to select the area you want to capture.

Step 2To record your screen, click the Video Camera button and activate the computer audio and microphone if you want to record audio to it.

Step 3Tick the square button to stop recording, and you will be given a unique URL wherein you can share the recorded video with anyone you have sent the link to.

Method 7: Loom

Loom is a cloud-based screen recorder that makes it easy to capture your screen, webcam, and mic, then share immediately via a link with comments and reactions. It works on Windows and offers a clean interface, quick editing, and team collaboration features built in. If you are wondering how to screen record on PC for fast async communication, Loom is ideal for teachers, support, and teams who need instant sharing without managing files. The steps below show installation, recording mode selection, and how to share your video link.

Step 1Download the Loom on your computer and follow the installation prompt, then open it.

Step 2Choose the Recording Mode you want to use from the available options in its menu. Toggle on the mic and camera if you need them for your recording. Then, click Start Recording.

Step 3When you are finished, click the Stop button, and it will automatically be opened in a new browser. Click the Copy Link if you want to share it with others online.

Method 8: ShareX

ShareX is a free, open-source Windows application that records regions and the entire screen, automates workflows, and instantly uploads without watermarks. Offers the ability to support mic and system audio, custom hotkeys, and post-capture actions such as annotation and sharing. ShareX is the best screen recorder for Windows 11 for power users who want to record screens on Windows 11 with high-quality free options and automated workflows.

Step 1Open ShareX and press the Shift + Print Screen as these are its hotkeys for recording.

Step 2A cursor will appear, click and drag to the selected area you want to record, or you can simply click activate Window or Full-screen recording. After that, the recording will begin with a small time of your recording limitation.

Step 3To finish the recording, click the same hotkeys we mentioned or the Stop button here.

Method 9: Awesome Screenshot

Awesome Screenshot is a browser-based application that can take and annotate screenshots and also allows you to record certain regions and web tabs. Works on Windows using Chrome or Edge, supports mic audio, quick editing, and sharing. For web-based screenshots, Awesome Screenshot is a handy extension if you are looking to quickly capture your screens for quick editing and annotation. So, if you want to try this screen recorder extension or its downloadable app, follow the steps below.

Step 1Download the app on your desktop, or you can use its browser extension. Choose the recording mode you want, such as entire screen, certain tab, specific area, or camera only.

Step 2If needed, activate the microphone, system audio, and camera before you click the Start Recording.

Step 3Once you are done, click Stop Sharing to end the recording.

Keyboard Shortcuts Sheet

Sometimes, you want to do a Windows screen record with a shortcut because it is faster and hassle-free. Learn what hotkeys are available on the screen recorder you want to use.

Troubleshooting: Common Screen Recording Problems

By Aisha Johnson on Jun 04, 2026