Screen Recording on Windows with Native Recording Tools and alternatives. A Step-by-Step Guide.

---

Screen recording is an essential feature for many individuals and professionals alike, allowing them to capture and share their activities on a computer screen. Fortunately, Microsoft Windows operating systems offer built-in tools that make screen recording a breeze. In this article, we will walk you through the process of screen recording on Windows.

Windows (XBOX) 10 Game Bar: the built-in windows screen recording tool.

Windows 10 and Windows 11 come with a feature called the Game Bar aka XBOX Game Bar, which includes a screen recording tool. To access it, simply press the “Windows key” and “G” key simultaneously on your keyboard. A small Game Bar overlay will appear on your screen.

Step 1: Configuring Recording Settings

In the Game Bar overlay, you’ll see a variety of options. Before you start recording, it’s important to configure your recording settings. Click on the “Settings” icon (a gear-shaped icon) to access the Game Bar settings. Here, you can specify the audio source for recording (system audio, microphone, or both) and toggle features such as recording timer, microphone audio, and more. Adjust these settings according to your preferences.

Step 2: Initiating Screen Recording

Once you have configured your settings, you’re ready to start recording. Return to the Game Bar overlay and click on the “Capture” button (a circular icon with a dot inside). Alternatively, you can press the “Windows key,” “Alt” key, and “R” key simultaneously on your keyboard to start recording instantly.

Step 3: Capturing Your Screen

After initiating the recording, the Game Bar overlay will disappear, indicating that the screen recording has begun. You can now navigate to the application, window, or screen that you want to capture. It’s worth noting that the Game Bar only captures full-screen or windowed applications, and it does not record the desktop or File Explorer.

Step 4: Controlling and Stopping the Recording

While recording, you can control the recording process through the Game Bar overlay. You’ll see a small toolbar at the top of your screen with options to pause, resume, and stop the recording. You can also access these controls by pressing the “Windows key,” “Alt” key, and “R” key simultaneously on your keyboard. If you prefer using your mouse, move your cursor to the top-center of the screen to display the toolbar.

Step 5: Reviewing and Saving the Recording

Once you’ve finished recording, click on the “Stop” button in the Game Bar overlay or press the “Windows key,” “Alt” key, and “R” key simultaneously on your keyboard. Windows will then save the recording to your designated “Videos” folder, specifically in the “Captures” subfolder. You can access this folder by navigating to “This PC” or “File Explorer” and selecting “Videos” from the sidebar.

Alternatives to Gamebar for screen recording on Windows

Screen recording on Windows using the game bar is a straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effortlessly capture and share your screen activities for various purposes, whether it’s creating tutorials, recording gameplay, or demonstrating software functionality. While the native screen recording tools in Windows offer a convenient way to capture your screen, there are also several alternative third-party applications available that provide additional features and customization options. Here are some popular alternatives to consider:

OBS Studio: 

OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is a free and open-source screen recording and streaming software. It offers advanced features such as customizable overlays, scene transitions, and audio mixing. OBS Studio is highly flexible and widely used by gamers, content creators, and professionals.

Camtasia: 

Camtasia is a comprehensive screen recording and video editing software. It provides an intuitive user interface, powerful editing tools, and features like annotations, effects, and transitions. Camtasia is popular among professionals who require advanced editing capabilities and polished final videos.

Bandicam: 

Bandicam is a lightweight screen recording software that offers high-quality video capture. It supports real-time drawing and mouse effects, and it allows you to record specific areas of the screen or the entire screen. Bandicam is known for its minimal impact on system performance.

Snagit: 

Snagit is a screen capture and recording tool with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. It allows you to capture screenshots, record videos, and add annotations and effects. Snagit is particularly useful for quickly capturing and sharing visual content.

ShareX: 

ShareX is an open-source screen capture and recording tool with extensive customization options. It supports multiple capture modes, including full screen, window, region, and scrolling capture. ShareX also offers various annotation and sharing features.

XSplit Gamecaster: 

XSplit Gamecaster is a screen recording and streaming tool designed specifically for gamers. It provides features like in-game overlays, live chat integration, and easy streaming to popular platforms like Twitch and YouTube. XSplit Gamecaster offers a user-friendly interface and real-time video editing capabilities.

Give these tools a try and compare the features and functionalities of these alternative tools to find the one that best suits your specific needs and preferences. Whether you require advanced editing options, streaming capabilities, or simplicity, these alternatives can enhance your screen recording experience beyond the native Windows tools.

CircleHD has been a pioneer in transforming corporate communications using a powerful video content management system and deploying user friendly Company TV. If you’d like to learn more about how CircleHD’s Enterprise Video Learning platform can help improve your productivity,  we’d love to chat.