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

Have you ever wanted to record what’s happening on your computer screen — maybe to capture a tutorial, gameplay, or an online meeting? The good news is that Windows 10 comes with built-in screen recording tools that make the process quick and easy.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to screen record on a PC running Windows 10, step by step. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll learn multiple methods — from using the Xbox Game Bar to third-party tools — so you can capture your screen effortlessly.

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🎯 Why Screen Record on Windows 10?

Screen recording is useful for a variety of reasons:

• 🎮 Gamers: Capture epic gameplay moments.

• 💼 Professionals: Create tutorials, presentations, or training videos.

• 👨‍🏫 Teachers: Record lessons or online classes.

• 📞 Students: Save video lectures for future reference.

• 💬 Troubleshooting: Record errors or bugs to show tech support.

No matter your purpose, Windows 10 provides easy and reliable ways to record your screen.

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🧰 Tools You Can Use to Screen Record on Windows 10

Before we dive into the steps, here’s a quick comparison of popular screen recording tools available on Windows 10:

Let’s start with the simplest and most accessible method — the Xbox Game Bar.

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🎮 Method 1: Screen Record Using Xbox Game Bar

Windows 10 includes a built-in feature called Xbox Game Bar, originally designed for gamers but perfect for general screen recording too.

✅ Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Open Xbox Game Bar

Press Windows + G on your keyboard.
If nothing happens, enable it by going to:

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

Step 2: Open the Capture Widget

Once the overlay appears, look for the Capture window (a small camera icon).

If it’s not visible:
Click the Widgets menu (four lines) → Select Capture.

Step 3: Start Recording

Click the Record button (●) or press Windows + Alt + R to begin recording.

A small floating bar will appear showing the timer and recording controls.

💡 Tip: Xbox Game Bar only records one app or window at a time — not your desktop or File Explorer.

Step 4: Stop Recording

Press Windows + Alt + R again or click Stop on the control bar.

Step 5: Find Your Recording

Your video will automatically save in:

C:\Users[YourName]\Videos\Captures

You can also find it under Gallery in the Xbox Game Bar.

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🎤 How to Record Screen with Sound on Windows 10

If you want to include microphone and system audio, follow these steps:

1. Open Xbox Game Bar (Windows + G).

2. Click Settings → Capturing.

3. Enable Record audio when I record a game.

4. Adjust sliders for System and Microphone audio.

🎧 Tip: Always test your mic before starting a long recording session.

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📷 Method 2: Screen Record with the Camera App (for Webcam + Screen)

While the built-in Camera app can’t record your screen directly, you can combine it with screen recorders like OBS or ShareX to record your face and screen simultaneously — perfect for tutorials or reaction videos.

We’ll cover that next.

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🎬 Method 3: Screen Record with OBS Studio (Advanced Users)

If you want professional-quality screen recording with webcam overlay, transitions, or streaming support, OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is your go-to tool.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Download OBS Studio
   Visit https://obsproject.com/ and install it.

2. Add Display Capture

   • Open OBS.

   • Click the + button under Sources → Choose Display Capture → Select your screen.

3. Add Audio Input

   • Under Sources, click + → Audio Input Capture → Choose your mic.

4. Add Webcam (Optional)

   • Click + → Video Capture Device → Select your webcam.

   • Resize and position it for picture-in-picture effect.

5. Start Recording

   • Click Start Recording from the bottom-right corner.

   • To stop, click Stop Recording.

6. Find Your Video
   OBS saves recordings by default in:

   C:\Users[YourName]\Videos

🎯 Pro Tip: You can customize quality, resolution, and frame rate in Settings → Output → Recording.

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🧑‍🏫 Method 4: Record Your Screen Using PowerPoint

Did you know PowerPoint has a built-in screen recording feature? It’s perfect for making tutorials or demos right inside your presentation.

Steps:

1. Open PowerPoint and go to the slide where you want to add a recording.

2. Click Insert → Screen Recording.

3. Select the area of your screen you want to record.

4. Click Record to begin.

5. Press Windows + Shift + Q to stop recording.

6. Right-click the video → Save Media As to export it.

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💡 Method 5: Use ShareX for Customizable Screen Recording

ShareX is a powerful, free, open-source recorder that allows you to capture specific regions of your screen.

Steps:

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

2. Open ShareX → Click Capture → Screen recording.

3. Choose the screen region.

4. Hit Record.

5. Press Shift + Print Screen to stop.

📂 Your videos are saved in: Documents → ShareX → Screen recordings.

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⚙️ How to Change Default Save Location for Screen Recordings

If you’re running out of space on your main drive, you can move your save folder:

1. Go to Settings → System → Storage.

2. Select Change where new content is saved.

3. Under Videos, choose a different drive.

Now, all future recordings will be stored there automatically.

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🧾 How to Edit Your Screen Recordings

Windows 10’s built-in Photos app includes basic video editing tools.

Steps:

1. Open your recorded video in Photos.

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

3. Use Add text, Slow motion, or Filters if desired.

4. Save your edited copy.

For more advanced editing, try Clipchamp, Camtasia, or DaVinci Resolve.

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🧠 Common Problems and Fixes

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🔒 Privacy and Security Tips for Screen Recording

• Avoid recording personal or sensitive information.

• Turn off notifications using Focus Assist before recording.

• Mute background apps for privacy and better clarity.

• If recording a meeting, always get permission from participants.

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⚡ Pro Tips for Better Screen Recordings

• Record in 1080p or higher for clear visuals.

• Close unnecessary apps to avoid lag.

• Use external microphones for better audio quality.

• Keep your desktop clean for a professional look.

• Practice before recording a long tutorial.

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

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🏁 Conclusion: Record Your Screen Like a Pro

Now that you know how to screen record on PC Windows 10, you’re ready to capture everything — from gameplay and tutorials to meetings and creative projects.

If you want quick and simple recordings, the Xbox Game Bar is your best friend. But if you’re after professional-quality videos, OBS Studio and ShareX give you more flexibility and control.

Experiment with each tool and find what works best for you — soon, screen recording will be as easy as taking a screenshot!

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❓ FAQs About Screen Recording on Windows 10

1. Does Windows 10 have a built-in screen recorder?
Yes. The Xbox Game Bar lets you record screen and audio without installing anything.

2. Can I record my desktop or File Explorer?
Not with Xbox Game Bar — you’ll need tools like OBS Studio or ShareX for that.

3. How long can I record on Windows 10?
There’s no strict time limit, but longer videos depend on available storage space.

4. Can I record both my screen and webcam together?
Yes, using OBS Studio or ShareX with webcam input.

5. Where are screen recordings saved in Windows 10?
They’re saved in C:\Users[YourName]\Videos\Captures by default.

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🧾 Summary: Key Takeaways

🎯 Final Tip: For most users, the Xbox Game Bar offers everything you need. But if you want to level up your recordings, OBS Studio is unbeatable — and free!