How to Record Your Computer Screen

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Recording your computer screen can be incredibly useful for many purposes such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay or recording video calls. This guide will introduce you to different ways to record your computer screen on different operating systems including Windows, macOS and Linux. We will also explore some specialized software options and offer tips for better screen recording.

Recording your screen on Windows

Windows offers several built-in tools and third-party software to record your screen. We'll start with the built-in options and then discuss some popular third-party software.

Using the Xbox Game Bar

The Xbox Game Bar is a built-in tool in Windows 10 and above that lets you capture your screen. Although it's primarily meant for gaming, it also works for general screen recording.

1. Press Windows + G keys to open the Xbox Game Bar.
2. In the pop-up overlay, click the "Capture" option.
3. Click the "Record" button (a circle with a dot in the middle) to start recording. You can also use the shortcut Windows + Alt + R to start and stop recording.
4. When you're finished recording, press Windows + Alt + R again to stop it.
5. Your recorded video will be saved in the "Captures" folder, which is typically located in the "Videos" directory.

Using PowerPoint

If you have Microsoft Office installed, you can use PowerPoint to record your screen.

1. Open PowerPoint and create a new presentation or open an existing presentation.
2. Go to the "Insert" tab and click "Screen Recording."
3. Select the area of the screen you want to record or choose to record the entire screen.
4. Click the "Record" button to start recording.
5. To stop recording, move your mouse to the top of the screen which will bring up the control dock and press the "Stop" button.
6. The recording will be inserted into your PowerPoint slide. Right-click on the video and select "Save Media As" to save it as an MP4 file.

Using OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a free and open-source software that offers more advanced screen recording features.

1. Download and install OBS Studio from the official website.
2. Open OBS Studio and configure the settings as needed.
3. To record your screen, add a new "Display Capture" source by clicking the "+" button under "Sources" and selecting "Display Capture."
4. Select the display you want to record and click "OK."
5. Click “Start Recording” to begin recording your screen.
6. To stop recording, click "Stop recording". The file will be saved in the location specified in the settings.

Recording your screen on macOS

macOS offers built-in solutions for screen recording as well as third-party apps for advanced recording needs.

Using the Screenshot Toolbar

macOS Mojave and later versions come with a built-in screenshot toolbar that allows you to record your screen.

1. Press Shift + Command + 5 to open the Screenshot toolbar.
2. Choose whether you want to record the entire screen or a selected portion.
3. Click the "Record" button to start recording.
4. To stop recording, click the "Stop" button in the menu bar or press Shift + Command + 5 and click "Stop Recording."
5. Your recording will appear as a thumbnail in the bottom-right corner. Click on it to edit or save.

Using the QuickTime Player

QuickTime Player is another built-in application on macOS that can be used for screen recording.

1. Open QuickTime Player and click "File" > "New Screen Recording."
2. Click the red "Record" button in the screen recording window.
3. Click anywhere on the screen to record the entire screen, or drag to select an area to record.
4. To stop recording, click the "Stop" button in the menu bar or press Command + Control + Esc.
5. Save the recording by clicking "File" > "Save."

Using OBS Studio

OBS Studio is also compatible with macOS and can be used for more advanced recording tasks.

1. Download and install OBS Studio from the official website.
2. Open OBS Studio and configure the settings as needed.
3. Add a new "Performance Capture" source by clicking the "+" button under "Sources" and selecting "Display Capture."
4. Select the display you want to record and click "OK."
5. Click “Start Recording” to begin recording your screen.
6. To stop recording, click "Stop recording". The file will be saved in the location specified in the settings.

Recording your screen on Linux

Linux users can record their screen using a variety of tools, including built-in screen recorders and third-party applications.

Using SimpleScreenRecorder

SimpleScreenRecorder is a popular choice for Linux users due to its ease of use and rich features.

1. Install SimpleScreenRecorder using your package manager. For example, on Ubuntu, you can use:

   sudo apt-get install simplescreenrecorder

2. Open SimpleScreenRecorder and configure the settings as needed.
3. Click "Continue" and set the recording options (for example, record the entire screen, a specific area, etc.).
4. Click “Start Recording” to begin.
5. When you're done, click "Save Recording" and choose a file location.

Using OBS Studio

OBS Studio is also available for Linux and offers extensive options for screen recording and streaming.

1. Download and install OBS Studio from your package manager or the official website.
2. Open OBS Studio and configure the settings as needed.
3. Add a new "Screen Capture (XSHM)" source by clicking the "+" button under "Sources" and selecting "Screen Capture (XSHM)".
4. Select the screen you want to record and click “OK”.
5. Click “Start Recording” to begin recording your screen.
6. To stop recording, click "Stop recording". The file will be saved in the location specified in the settings.

Using GNOME Screen Recorder

If you’re using the GNOME desktop environment, you can use the built-in GNOME Screen Recorder.

1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R to begin recording your screen.
2. A red circle will appear in the upper right corner, indicating that recording is in progress.
3. To stop recording, press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R again.
4. Your recording will be saved in the "Videos" folder.

Tips for better screen recording

Here are some tips to help you create high-quality screen recordings:

• Use a high-resolution screen: A high-resolution screen will produce crisp and clear recordings.
• Close unnecessary applications: Closing other applications will help you avoid notifications and reduce the chances of your computer slowing down.
• Check your audio: Make sure your microphone is working properly and record in a quiet environment to avoid background noise.
• Practice your narration: If you plan to narrate, practice what you're going to say to make the recording go smoothly.
• Stay focused: Stay focused on the topic of your recording to make it easier for viewers to understand.

Conclusion

Recording your computer screen is a straightforward process, whether you're using built-in tools or third-party software. By following this guide, you'll be able to easily capture your screen on Windows, macOS, or Linux. Remember to use the tips provided to create high-quality recordings that will be useful and entertaining to your audience.

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