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How to record the screen on Windows PC or Mac

From YouTube content to work tutorials, here's screen recording made easy.

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Whether you’re creating tutorials for work or you’re recording gameplay footage for a YouTube upload, screen recording with audio can be super useful. In the past, finding out how to screen record on Windows or Mac could be a mess of buggy third-party apps and saved footage it was impossible to find on your laptop! Fortunately, both Apple and Microsoft have started to fold screen recording into their operating systems, so it’s a much simpler process once you know what to look for.

So, in this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about screen recording on both Windows PC and Mac.

Using built-in tools in Windows 11

To access the Windows Game Bar screen recording feature, press the Windows key + G on your keyboard to open the Game Bar. From there, click on the camera icon to take a screenshot or the microphone icon to toggle your microphone on or off for audio recording. Click on the "Record" icon to begin recording your screen and click on it again to stop. The recordings will be saved in your Videos/Captures folder.

Step-by-step guide to screen recording on Windows

  1. Open the app or program you want to capture in your recording.

  2. Press the Windows key + G to open the Game Bar.

  3. Click on the "Capture" button (or press Windows key + Alt + R) to start recording.

  4. To stop recording, click on the "Stop" button in the Game Bar or press Windows key + Alt + R again.

That's it! Your recording will be saved to your Videos/Captures folder by default.

Tech tip: If you have an Xbox controller connected to your PC or laptop, you can simply press the Xbox button.

Record with macOS screenshot tool

As with most things Mac, its screen recorder is easy to use and very intutive. To access the built-in screen recording feature on Mac, press Command + Shift + 5, choose what to record, and the recording will automatically be saved to your desktop once stopped.

(We’ve also got a simple guide to screen recording on your iPhone too.)

Step-by-step guide to screen recording on Mac

The built-in screenshot tool on Mac also includes a screen recording feature. To access it, follow these steps:

  1. Press Command + Shift + 5 on your keyboard to open up the screenshot toolbar.

  2. Click on "Record Entire Screen" or "Record Selected Portion" depending on what you want to record.

  3. Once you have started the screen recording, a control bar will appear at the top of your screen where you can choose to pause or stop the recording.

  4. When you stop the recording, it will be automatically saved to your desktop.

Choosing the right screen recording software

If you don’t want to use in-built software, there are plenty of third-party options available too. Screen recording software allows you to capture and record anything that's happening on your computer screen. They’ll let you create tutorials, demos, and training materials, as well as for documenting and sharing bugs or issues with colleagues or support staff.

If you're in the market for screen recording software, there are a few important things to think about:

Compatibility

Make sure the software you choose is compatible with your operating system and hardware. Some software may only work on Windows, while others are Mac-only. Additionally, consider the system requirements - will the software run smoothly on your computer?

Features

Different screen recording software offers different features, so it's important to think about what you need. Do you need to record audio as well as video? Do you need to capture webcam footage? Do you need to edit and annotate the recording after it's captured? Think about your screen recording goals and look for software with features that match.

Ease of use

Screen recording software can be complex, so ease of use is an important factor to consider. Look for software that's intuitive and has a user-friendly interface, so you can quickly and easily set up and start recording. If your task is simple and you’re new to screen recording, it can be fine to sacrifice features for a fool-proof UI. If you have something more complicated in mind, check out YouTube tutorials to help get you started.

Cost

Finally, consider the price of the software. There are both free and paid options available, and the price will often be determined by the features included. It's worth remembering that some free software may have limited functionality or may be ad-supported, so weigh up the pros and cons before making a decision.

Tips for professional-quality screen recordings

Knowing how to screen record on a laptop or PC isn’t always as simple as firing up the right app. To get the best quality, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got the best set up. Here are some tips that will work for both Mac and Windows.

  • Use a high-quality microphone to ensure clear audio.

  • Choose a screen resolution that will look good when viewed in full-screen mode.

  • Adjust your recording settings to match your output format and quality.

  • Use keyboard shortcuts instead of clicking around on the screen to make your recordings more seamless.

Common challenges and solutions for screen recording

If your screen recordings aren’t looking and sounding how you want them, there are a few common problems that are easy to resolve.

  • Low-quality audio: Use a dedicated microphone or adjust your recording settings to capture audio more clearly.

  • Large file sizes: Compress your video files using a tool like Handbrake to make them more manageable.

  • Inconsistent frame rates: Adjust your recording settings to ensure a consistent frame rate throughout your video.

Tech tip: Lots of dual screen laptops and gaming laptops are almost set up for screen recording, so you should experience far fewer issues.

FAQs

How do I record my screen when Windows is not working?

If your Windows is not working properly, you can use third-party software to record your screen. There are a number of options available, including OBS Studio, Camtasia, and Filmora Scrn. These apps allow you to capture your screen even if your computer is experiencing issues.

Why won't my PC let me screen record?

If your PC is not letting you screen record, there may be a number of causes. Some common issues include outdated graphics drivers, insufficient system resources or conflicts with other software. To troubleshoot the issue, try updating your drivers, closing other programs or disabling your anti-virus software temporarily.

How do I record full screen on my laptop?

To record your laptop screen in full screen mode, you can use the built-in Windows 10 Game Bar. To open Game Bar, press Windows Key + G. From there, click the Record button to start recording. You can also customise settings such as the quality of the video and where the recordings are saved.

Ready to record?

To get the best quality recordings, you can find all the microphones, headphones and more in our amazing choice of computer accessories or you can get your questions answered with our Computer accessories buying guide.

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