How to Record Video on Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Recording videos on your Windows 10 computer can be incredibly useful — whether you’re creating a tutorial, capturing gameplay, saving a video call, or making a quick presentation. The good news? Windows 10 comes with built-in tools for video recording, and there are also plenty of third-party apps that make the process even easier.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to record video on Windows 10 step by step. You’ll learn how to use built-in tools like the Xbox Game Bar and Camera app, plus explore other powerful options for advanced recording.

---

📸 Why Record Video on Windows 10?

Before we dive into the how-to steps, let’s quickly explore why video recording on your PC is so valuable.

• Create tutorials and demos – Show someone how to perform a task instead of explaining it.

• Record online meetings or classes – Keep a record of important discussions or lectures.

• Capture gameplay – Record your gaming achievements and share them online.

• Make reaction or webcam videos – Great for YouTube or social media creators.

• Document technical issues – Send visual proof when reporting bugs or support requests.

Recording video has never been easier — and with Windows 10, you can do it in just a few clicks.

---

🧰 Tools You Can Use to Record Video on Windows 10

Here’s a quick overview of the most effective tools for video recording on Windows 10:

Let’s start with the simplest — the Xbox Game Bar.

---

🎮 How to Record Video on Windows 10 Using Xbox Game Bar

Step 1: Open Xbox Game Bar

Press Windows + G on your keyboard. This opens the Xbox Game Bar overlay.

If it doesn’t appear, go to:

Settings → Gaming → Xbox Game Bar → Turn On “Open Xbox Game Bar using this button on a controller or keyboard shortcut.”

Step 2: Start Recording

• Click the Record button (the circle icon) in the “Capture” widget.

• Alternatively, press Windows + Alt + R to start recording instantly.

Step 3: Record Your Screen

Once recording starts, you’ll see a timer in the top-right corner. The Game Bar captures your current window — perfect for gameplay or tutorials.

💡 Tip: Xbox Game Bar doesn’t record File Explorer or the desktop directly. If you need that, use OBS or ShareX.

Step 4: Stop Recording

• Press Windows + Alt + R again, or click Stop in the recording bar.

• The video will automatically save to:

  C:\Users[YourName]\Videos\Captures

Step 5: Find and Edit Your Recording

Open the Captures folder or go to Gallery in the Game Bar to view or trim the video.

---

🎥 How to Record Webcam Video on Windows 10 Using the Camera App

If you want to record yourself using your webcam or an external camera, the Camera app is your best friend.

Step 1: Open the Camera App

Press Start → Search “Camera” → Open App.

Step 2: Switch to Video Mode

Click the Video Camera icon on the right side of the screen.

Step 3: Configure Settings

Click the gear icon (⚙) to adjust:

• Video resolution (720p, 1080p, or higher)

• Microphone input

• Grid lines and framing

Step 4: Start Recording

Hit the Record button to begin. You’ll see a red timer appear at the bottom.

Step 5: Stop Recording

Click the same button to stop. Your videos are saved automatically under:

Pictures → Camera Roll

Step 6: View or Edit Your Video

Open Photos to trim, rotate, or enhance your video.

---

🧩 How to Record Screen and Webcam Together (Picture-in-Picture)

Want to record your screen and your webcam at the same time? Great for tutorial creators and gamers!

Method 1: Use OBS Studio

OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is free and ideal for dual recording.

Steps:

1. Download from https://obsproject.com.

2. Launch OBS and click + under Sources.

3. Add Display Capture (for your screen) and Video Capture Device (for your webcam).

4. Position and resize your webcam feed in the preview.

5. Click Start Recording.

Your file saves to Videos → OBS Recordings by default.

---

💡 How to Record Audio While Recording Video

To record microphone and system audio:

• Xbox Game Bar:

  • Open Settings → Capturing → Record audio when I record a game.

  • Adjust volume sliders for mic and system sounds.

• OBS Studio:

  • Go to Settings → Audio.

  • Add “Mic/Auxiliary Audio” and “Desktop Audio” sources.

Recording clear audio enhances your video’s quality — especially for tutorials and walkthroughs.

---

⚙️ How to Change the Default Save Location for Recordings

If your C: drive is running out of space, move your recording folder:

1. Go to Settings → System → Storage.

2. Select Change where new content is saved.

3. Choose a new drive under New videos will save to.

Now, every video you record will automatically save to that location.

---

🧾 How to Edit Recorded Videos on Windows 10

Windows 10 offers simple editing tools via the Photos app:

1. Open your video in Photos.

2. Click Edit & Create → Trim to remove unwanted sections.

3. Use Add Slo-mo, Draw, or Add Text for customization.

4. Save a copy of the edited version.

For more control, consider third-party editors like DaVinci Resolve, Clipchamp, or Shotcut.

---

🛠️ Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Fixes

❌ Xbox Game Bar Won’t Open

• Make sure it’s enabled in Settings → Gaming → Xbox Game Bar.

• Restart your PC.

• Update Windows using Settings → Update & Security.

🎧 No Audio in Recording

• Check if Record audio when I record a game is enabled.

• Verify that your microphone isn’t muted.

• Ensure correct input/output devices are selected.

🖥️ Screen Recording Not Available

Xbox Game Bar only records apps, not the desktop. Use OBS Studio or ShareX for full-screen recording.

---

⚡ Advanced Option: Use PowerPoint to Record the Screen

Surprised? You can record your screen directly in PowerPoint!

Steps:

1. Open PowerPoint → Insert → Screen Recording.

2. Select the area you want to capture.

3. Click Record.

4. Stop recording and right-click the video → Save Media As to export.

This is ideal for creating tutorials or demo presentations.

---

🧠 Pro Tips for High-Quality Recordings

• Use good lighting for webcam videos.

• Close background apps to prevent lag.

• Test audio before recording.

• Use an external microphone for clearer sound.

• Record in 1080p or higher for crisp visuals.

• Keep your desktop clean if you’re sharing your screen.

---

🧮 Comparison Table: Built-in vs. Third-Party Recorders

---

🔒 Privacy Tips for Screen Recording

• Don’t record confidential data or passwords.

• Disable notifications before recording.

• Blur sensitive areas if sharing publicly.

• Use Windows Focus Assist to block pop-ups during capture.

---

🧭 Alternative Tools Worth Trying

If you want more options, here are some recommended recorders:

• Camtasia – Great for professional video editing.

• Bandicam – Popular among gamers.

• Snagit – Perfect for short tutorials and screen captures.

• NVIDIA ShadowPlay – For NVIDIA GPU users wanting smooth gameplay capture.

---

🏁 Conclusion: Mastering Video Recording on Windows 10

Recording videos on Windows 10 is simple once you know your tools. Whether you’re using the Xbox Game Bar for quick captures, the Camera app for webcam videos, or OBS Studio for professional multi-source recording — Windows 10 gives you everything you need.

Experiment with settings, learn shortcuts, and choose the method that suits your goals. With practice, you’ll produce smooth, clear, and engaging videos every time.

---

❓ FAQs: How to Record Video on Windows 10

1. How do I record my screen with sound on Windows 10?
Use Xbox Game Bar (Windows + Alt + R) and ensure “Record audio when I record a game” is enabled in settings.

2. Can I record my desktop using Xbox Game Bar?
No. Xbox Game Bar only records active windows. For desktop or File Explorer, use OBS Studio or ShareX.

3. Where are my recorded videos saved?
By default, they’re saved in C:\Users[YourName]\Videos\Captures.

4. How do I record myself and the screen together?
Use OBS Studio to add both a Display Capture and a Video Capture Device source.

5. What’s the best free screen recorder for Windows 10?
OBS Studio is the most powerful and flexible free option, ideal for both beginners and pros.

---

🧾 Summary: Key Takeaways

🎯 Final Tip: For casual use, stick to the Xbox Game Bar. For advanced needs, go for OBS Studio — it’s free, feature-rich, and widely used by professionals.