How to Record Videos on a PC

  1. Download the screen recorder.

  2. Adjust the recording parameters.

  3. Save the recorded video to your PC or cloud service.


Need to record a video? Try Movavi Screen Recorder!
Edited by Ben Jacklin
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Are you looking for a simple method to record videos while using your PC? Our guide walks you through how to record a video on a PC and screen-recording software you will need to make straightforward recordings.

  1. Movavi Screen Recorder – best for video and audio capture
  2. Game Bar – best for users who want to record gameplay videos
  3. Windows Camera – simple overlay for Windows 10
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  • When testing, we compare the key characteristics of the products, which include selecting capture area, schedule recording, showing keystrokes and mouse, and other significant features.

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How to record a video on a PC (Windows 10) with Movavi Screen Recorder

Best for: Capturing from multiple sources

Price: $69.95

G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5, 47 reviews

Those looking into the best way to make a video recording from multiple sources should consider Movavi Screen Recorder. Not only does this give you the option to set parameters on screen, you can choose between screen capture and video recording from webcam and any other on-screen source.

Movavi has a simple interface and advanced features such as scheduling recordings and choosing a part of the screen to record rather than the whole thing. You can also draw on the videos to illustrate points for future reference.

Check out the instructions below to learn how to record a video on a PC Windows 10 and other versions as well.

Step 1. Download and install Movavi Screen Recorder

Download the program from our website. Run the downloaded file and follow the instructions on the screen to install the video capturing software. When that’s done, double-click the program icon to launch the recorder.

Step 2. Adjust the settings

To set the capture parameters before you start recording, click Preferences on the sidebar.

Here you’ll find different options. For example, in the General tab, you can choose to hide the recording panel. To select the folder for output videos, go to the Files tab. Open the Effects tab to change the cursor settings. Click OK when you’re finished.

Then click the Screen recording button. Using the mouse, draw the capture frame to set the area you want to record. After you click Screen recording and select the capture area, the recording panel will appear on the screen. Click System Audio to enable recording of internal sounds. The icon turns green when it’s activated. Make sure that the Webcam and Microphone are turned off.

Step 3. Record a video on your PC

Now click the REC button to start the recording process. There will be a 3-second countdown before the screen capture begins.

You can hit Pause during the recording if you need to. To finish the recording, click the Stop button.

Step 4. Edit and save your video

Now you can remove any unnecessary segments from the recorded video. To do this, place the cursor at the edge of the unwanted segment and click Cut. Repeat as needed. Then select the part you want to remove and hit Delete fragment.

Next, click Export. In the dialog box that opens, you can change the output format, file name, and export folder. When all the necessary changes have been made, click Save.

How to record a video on your computer with Game Bar

Best for: Gamers to make a video recording

Price: Free

PCMag rating: 3.5 out of 5

Windows users can record the screen with a built-in video capture program. PCs with Windows 10 have the Xbox app built-in, which includes Game Bar to enable you to capture game video. The app can be also used to capture video on a computer.

Here’s how to record a video on your computer with Game Bar:

Step 1. Open Game Bar

Tap the Windows key + G on your keyboard. You will see the Game Bar.

Step 2. Customize settings

To adjust the settings, you need to go to Windows settings and open Gaming. Next, select Captures. Here, you can select video quality settings, audio settings, and the length of your recording. Unfortunately, you can’t choose the folder in which to save your recordings. The Game Bar has a small settings menu too, which you can open by clicking the Settings symbol on the Bar. You can adjust the length of your video, switch to background recording mode, and change other clip settings.

Step 3. Start recording

To start recording, use the combination Windows + Alt + R or press the Start recording button on the Bar. You can also take a screenshot by using the Windows + Alt + Print Screen combination or clicking the camera icon.

Step 4. Finish the recording

Click the Stop sign to stop recording. You can also use the same hotkeys (Windows + Alt + R). Your video will be saved in the Capture folder, located in the C:\Users\%user_name%\Videos folder. The other way to locate your videos is to go to Windows settings > Gaming > Captures and select Open Folder.

Get Game Bar

How to capture a video on a PC with Windows Camera

Best for: Simple overlay for Windows 10

Price: Free

Softonic rating: 3.5 out of 5, 602 reviews

If you want to record your webcam only, you can use Movavi Screen Recorder or Windows Camera. Windows Camera has some brilliant features for recording and capturing your computer screen or tablet screen if you are running Windows 10.

The camera app also lets you use a timer if you want to get yourself in a shot, and it automatically backs up your photo and video to OneDrive so you can see them on any device and keep them securely stored in the cloud. It has a simple interface for recording your desktop or PC screen with audio.

Windows Camera app even offers pro controls to adjust exposure, ISO, and other aspects of the video and webcam capture output. Up to 4K video capture means you can capture sharp stills, but don’t forget that this can take up a lot of hard drive space.

Here’s how to use Windows Camera to capture your webcam:

Step 1. Install Windows Camera

Download and install Windows Camera using the link below. Open the app.

Download Windows Camera

Step 2. Start recording

Select the small camera icon in the top corner, which will let you choose your video input, such as a webcam. Hit the Record icon to start recording and the Stop button when you are finished.

Step 3. Check the recorded video

Review the video that you have made. If you have issues with the webcam or the audio, you may need to change permissions within the Settings menu of your computer.

Summary

There are a number of easy options to video-record from your computer screen, whether you are playing games or looking to make a screen capture of a meeting to refer back to at a later date.

Our guide covers how to capture a video on PC with ease, whether you want to record from just a computer screen or incorporate games and webcam footage.

Platform

Best for

Records

Download

Capturing from multiple sources

Screen and webcam

Gamers to make a video recording

Screen and webcam

Simple overlay for Windows 10

Webcam

Frequently asked questions

How can I record a video on my computer for free?

The software and apps mentioned in this guide give you options to capture video for free.

  • Movavi Screen Recorder is great for capturing from multiple sources, including webcam and screen capture.

  • Game Bar is a good option for gamers who want to record video and audio from their games.

  • Windows Camera has a simple overlay and it is easy for Windows 10 users.

How do I record from my computer?

Screen recording is simple with Movavi Screen Recorder. Just follow these quick steps:

  1. Download Movavi Screen Recorder: Windows / Mac.

  2. Install and launch the program.

  3. Adjust the settings for the session.

  4. Record your screen.

  5. Cut and trim the footage if necessary.

  6. Save and/or share the recording using one of the suggested methods.

How do I record audio and video on my computer?

You can use Game Bar to record both audio and video on your computer.

  1. While in a game, press Windows + G to bring up the Xbox Game Bar.

  2. Select the Circle icon to start recording and the Square to end the recording. If you are using a full-screen mode, you can use the Windows + Alt + G keys together to stop recording.

  3. If you wish to edit, select the Xbox button and open the app, before selecting Captures to start making edits.

Movavi Screen Recorder

The perfect way to record anything from your screen

Disclaimer: Please be aware that Movavi Screen Recorder does not allow capture of copy-protected video and audio streams.

Movavi Screen Recorder
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