Learning how to screen record on Windows is easy! With the native Windows Screen Recorder app, you can record your screen with just a few clicks. In this article, we will go over how to use Windows Screen Recorder to screen record on Windows. Then, we will go over alternative screen recorders for Windows with advanced features such as video editing and cloud sharing. You can compare the following screen recorders for PC to identify the one that best fits your needs.
How to Record Your Screen on Windows
You can record your screen on Windows 10 and Windows 11 with the Xbox Game Bar. The Xbox Game Bar comes pre-installed on all Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices. You can access the Game Bar either by finding it under your programs or clicking the Windows key + G. From the game bar, you can click on the record button to start screen recording. Do note that you cannot record your desktop screen or File Explorer.
While recording, you can toggle audio on and off. When you’re finished recording, your file will save in MP4 format in the Videos > Captures subfolder of your user folder. You can also reach this folder by going to the Game Bar and opening up the Gallery. The Gallery opens up your most recent screen recording and lists your other recordings to the side. If you click on another recording, it will open up. While opened, you can play your recording, change its name, open its file location, delete it, or share it over Bluetooth.
Top Windows Screen Recorders
As shown above, the pre-installed Windows video recorder comes with rather limited features. You can’t change the quality of your video or size of your screen recording. You also can’t edit your recording, and sharing options are rather limited. As such, most Windows users need access to another screen recorder. Fortunately, there are several options available to screen record on Windows with a variety of special features, ranging from free to a monthly cost for access.
Best Free Windows Screen Recorder: OBS Studio
OBS Studio is an impressive open-source software for screen recording, live streaming, and video editing. With OBS studio, you can capture video and audio from your browser and webcam. You can divide recordings into “scenes” along with images and text to create seamless, professional-level video productions combining multiple formats. OBS studio includes professional-level video and audio editing so you can perfect your recordings. And best of all, OBS studio can be downloaded on Windows for free!
OBS Studio is overall the best free recording software for Windows as well as a great free video editing software option.
Best Screen Recorder for Video Editing: Wondershare DemoCreator
Wondershare is the top Windows video recorder for affordable video editing. You can record both screen and webcam in up to 120 fps, perfect for game recordings. After recording, Wondershare includes a full-range professional editing suite with text annotations, audio effects, trimming, and more. Better yet, you can bundle DemoCreator Effects with DemoCreator to access video effects and video effect templates.
You can bundle DemoCreator and DemoCreator Effects together for $99.99/year. If you would prefer to just get DemoCreator, you can purchase it for $39.99 for a one-year license or $59.99 for a lifetime license. Both licenses come with all features, free updates, and tech support.
Best Screen Recorder for Sharing: Droplr
Do you need a screen recorder that lets you quickly share your screen with co-workers and clients? Then Droplr is for you. Droplr screen recording can capture your full screen or a selected area with webcam and audio. After you finish your recording, Droplr saves your recording in the cloud and creates a shareable link that you can copy and paste anywhere. Users simply have to click on your link to open up and view your recording. It’s that simple! You can also trim your recordings to cut out extraneous content. Droplr pricing begins at $6/user/mo.
Best Screen Recorder with Video Email: Covideo
Covideo is the most extensive vide recorder for PC on this list. With Covideo, you can embed videos directly into emails, text messages, and CRM messages. When viewers click on your video, they are redirected to a custom video landing page that you design. There, they can watch your video and click on custom CTAs that can direct them to next steps.
Covideo also includes video editing software for PC. You can trim your videos, merge multiple videos, annotate recordings with text and links, and add and translate captions. Covideo pricing begins at $49/month.
Check Out More Screen Recorders
Want to look at more screen recording options? We have you covered. Check out top screen recorders for video editing, webcam recording, and posting on YouTube. You can also consider top free screen recorders, chrome extension screen recorders, or learn how to screen record with audio.