How to Screen Record on Windows 10 or 11

• The best all-rounder for most users is Movavi Screen Recorder, while OBS Studio is the go-to for gamers and streamers.
• Other handy tools like Xbox Game Bar, Windows Camera, and Screen Capture shine for quick grabs and lightweight recording.
• Free apps often come with watermarks or fewer features, while paid ones deliver extras like HD/4K exports, scheduling, and editing.
• Always test your setup and record in HD — clear audio and sharp visuals make even simple clips look professional.

If you're wrestling with your PC to capture video, you're in good company. Honestly, some of these tools feel like they were designed by aliens who've never actually seen a computer, but I’ve been deep in the trenches, testing them all out.

Did you know the first commercially available video camera weighed about as much as a small child? We've come a long way since that behemoth.

After slogging through the muck, I've hand-picked the top 10 powerful programs that actually make capturing your screen or webcam video a breeze, not a brain-melter. Whether it’s a quick tutorial or a professional video screen grab, these tools have you covered. How to record screen on Windows 10/11 or Mac? Read on to discover!

• Movavi Screen Recorder
  When it comes to capturing your screen, Movavi Screen Recorder is a standout for anyone who values speed, simplicity, and capacity! It churns out gorgeous HD and 4K video with minimal fuss. Perfect for quick tutorials or sharing gameplay.
• OBS Studio
  For those who crave ultimate control and the flexibility to stream like a pro, OBS Studio is a smart choice, too. Its open-source nature and vast customization options mean you can tailor your recording setup for virtually any scenario, from complex multi-source captures to straightforward webcam feeds.
• Xbox Game Bar
  That’s a great option for PC users. The program is already installed on Windows and can be used right away for recording gameplay and other screen activities. It’s pretty easy to use and reliable as well.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the top video capture tools I’ve tested personally. I’ve highlighted what they’re best for, whether they capture system audio, and how you can get them running.

Why I picked it: It's incredibly user-friendly, making it a snap to capture high-quality video without a steep learning curve. The integrated editing tools are a real time-saver for quick tweaks. Do you want to make video without a headache? Go, get Movavi!

Best for: capturing from multiple sources

OS: Windows, macOS

Movavi Screen Recorder works on Windows and macOS, providing an immediate answer to how to record the screen on PC.

I tested version 24.6.1 and saw it does more than just record your screen: you can grab webcam + microphone + system audio in one go, draw on video while recording, show keystrokes and cursor effects, schedule recordings, and export in HD or 4K. Noise reduction is now built in.

With its surely intuitive interface, the app is jam-packed with nifty features like scheduled recordings, customizable capture areas, and real-time annotations. The software supports high-definition exports and integrates with platforms like YouTube and Google Drive for seamless sharing.

So, I decided to test Movavi Screen Recorder on my Windows 11 setup, and I was genuinely impressed by its performance. Recording a webinar with a webcam overlay, system audio, and microphone input was straightforward.

The built-in noise reduction feature effectively minimized background hum without compromising voice clarity. Utilizing the scheduling function, I set up a recording to start while I was away, and it executed flawlessly.

The annotation tools, including drawing shapes and highlighting keystrokes, enhanced the instructional quality of my content. With Movavi, it’s easy to figure out how to clip windows or snip video windows, so you don’t have to record your entire desktop when you only need one app

Even when pushing the software to capture in 4K resolution with multiple audio sources, the final export maintained sharpness, though preview performance lagged slightly.

Why I picked it: Since it resides right on computer (if it’s Windows), you can start recording gameplay or app windows instantly without any downloads. It's the ultimate quick-and-dirty solution for impromptu captures.

Best for: gamers to make a video recording

OS: Windows

Xbox Game Bar is Windows’ built-in recorder, perfect for gamers or anyone needing a quick, no-fuss capture. Updated in 2025, it’s lighter, faster, and integrates smoothly with Windows 10 and 11. If you’re hunting for a simple Windows capture, Xbox Game Bar may deserve a try.

I used it for short gameplay clips, app demos, or bug reports—it’s instant, reliable, and free. While it won’t replace multi-source tools like Movavi for complex projects, it’s ideal for fast recordings.

When checking out this app, I captured a few quick app demos and gameplay snippets. Pressing Win+G opens the overlay instantly. Starting a recording with Win+Alt+R is just as quick, and you can toggle the mic mid-recording with Win+Alt+M. Clips save automatically to Videos\Captures. For short, shareable content or troubleshooting, it’s hassle-free and precise.

Why I picked it: If you're all about buttery-smooth footage, this one nails the 60 fps mark for crisp, fluid captures. It’s a solid choice for getting that professional-looking motion.

Best for: flexible screen recording

OS: Windows, macOS

AceThinker Aqua Demo is a nimble screen recorder for Windows and macOS that gets straight to the point: capturing your screen, webcam, and audio in high quality. I tested version 3.7.1 and found it surprisingly smooth for 1080p at 60 fps, though pushing high bitrates demanded some CPU and disk muscle.

The app supports flexible capture areas, GPU acceleration, and multiple output formats, making it handy for quick tutorials, gameplay clips, or online meetings. Its clean interface means you’re not buried under menus—start recording almost immediately.

During my hands-on session, I captured a short gameplay clip with webcam overlay and system + microphone audio. The real-time drawing tools were intuitive, letting me annotate key moments on the fly.

Custom capture areas made it easy to focus on the action, while frame rate adjustments kept the motion crisp. While the free version limits some advanced features, the core recording experience was reliable and fast.

Why I picked it: It’s the absolute king for anyone who wants serious control over their recordings and streaming setup. This free, open-source powerhouse lets you customize everything to perfection.

Best for: free capture and streaming

OS: Windows, macOS, Linux

OBS is the Swiss Army knife for capture and streaming: free, open-source, and flexible. It is perfect if you want to record gameplay and stream simultaneously. It supports scenes, layered sources, multitrack recording, hardware encoders, and a huge plugin ecosystem.

I put OBS through several tests. I built a scene with gameplay, a webcam overlay, and a window capture. I tested NVENC hardware encoding, toggled multitrack audio, and used the new Hybrid MP4 recording format introduced in recent releases. OBS is powerful if you accept a bit of setup time. Recent OBS releases added UI polish, multitrack output, and hybrid MP4. See the OBS 30.x release notes for details.

Why I picked it: This free option is surprisingly robust for straightforward screen and webcam captures. It delivers exactly what you need for basic recording with no limit like in many other free tools.

Best for: Windows capture and editing

OS: Windows

FlashBack Express is a straightforward Windows recorder that focuses on ease of use: record area, webcam, and mic, and trim clips. The Express edition remains free for basic capture but limits some export and editing features to paid tiers.

FlashBack has had regular updates in 2024–2025. Recent improvements enhanced stability, amended editing tools, and added features like text, shapes, transitions, and AI-assisted subtitles.

When tinkering with this app, I recorded a 10-minute tutorial with webcam and system audio. Trimming was simple and reliable. The program did not create weird artifacts, but the editing is basic. For polished edits, you still need another editor.

Why I picked it: Beyond just capturing video, it's a fantastic all-in-one tool for screenshots and quick recordings with annotation features. It makes it easy to mark up your captures right away.

Best for: integration with ChatGPT

OS: any, works in Google Chrome

Awesome Screenshot & Screen Recorder is a versatile Chrome extension for quick tab captures, webcam recordings, and instant sharing. I tested it by capturing a browser tab alongside my webcam simultaneously. It’s speedy, intuitive, and integrates directly with tools like Trello, Slack, and Google Drive.

System audio capture and long recordings can be hit or miss due to browser limits, but for short clips and tutorials, it’s rock-solid. The extension is actively maintained, with over 2 million users and a 4.6-star rating on the Chrome Web Store.

I used it for a few quick how-to GIFs and short annotated clips. The extension’s simplicity and annotation tools made creating shareable content effortless. It’s not a replacement for full desktop recorders like Movavi, but for fast, browser-based tasks, it’s perfect.

Why I picked it: This is your go-to for using your built-in webcam for straightforward video capture on Windows. It’s simple, reliable, and requires zero extra software.

Best for: simple overlay for Windows 10

OS: Windows

If you just need to grab webcam footage or do a simple overlay recording, Windows Camera is a surprisingly capable built-in option. I tested it on my Windows 10 laptop to record a quick tutorial for a small project, and it handled everything without extra installs.

The app has a clean, no-frills interface that lets you start recording almost immediately. I particularly liked the timer, which gave me a few seconds to get into position before the recording kicked off.

Windows Camera automatically backs up clips to OneDrive. So I could access my recordings on my tablet and phone, which is handy for cross-device workflows. I played around with the pro controls, too, adjusting exposure and ISO, and it made my webcam shots look more professional than I expected.

Recording in 4K gave crisp, detailed results, though my SSD filled up faster than usual. For short demos, team calls, or quick content snippets, it’s effortless. Just remember that complex audio setups can be a little finicky, so you may need to tweak permissions in Windows Settings.

Why I picked it: It's a convenient web-based tool that lets you record your screen directly from your browser, no installation needed. The simplicity of just jumping online and hitting records is its biggest win.

Best for: easy online capture

OS: any, works online

Screencapture.com is a reliable, browser-based webcam recorder. It offers a straightforward solution for quick video captures without the need for installation. Accessible via major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera, it caters to users seeking simplicity and efficiency.

I recently utilized Screencapture.com to record a brief instructional video for a client presentation. The process was a piece of cake. I accessed the site, granted necessary permissions, and began recording within moments. The interface is intuitive, and the video quality met expectations. 

However, the free version does overlay a watermark on the final video. Professional users could not love this very much!

Why I picked it: This is the standout for recording high-quality interviews and podcasts remotely. It captures separate audio and video tracks for each participant, producing professional results.

Best for: separate audio tracks

OS: any, works online (apps for iOS and Android devices are also available)

Riverside.fm has evolved into a full-featured online studio for recording podcasts, interviews, and video content in studio quality. 

I gave this app a good look-over and found it pretty versatile. You can record up to 4K video, capture separate audio tracks for each participant, and even use AI tools for live transcription and post-recording editing. 

The new AI-assisted editor makes cutting, annotating, and captioning clips almost effortless, and multi-layout clips help create content ready for TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube without losing quality. 

The interface is clean and intuitive, and the platform supports both desktop and mobile workflows seamlessly. During a 30-minute podcast test, the recording stayed smooth, with each audio track isolated for post-production tweaking.

Why I picked it: It's designed specifically for making and sending quick, personal video messages, especially for sales and marketing. The focus is on easy creation and instant sharing to connect with your audience.

Best for: analytics

OS: any, works in Google Chrome

BombBomb is a slick, browser-based video messaging and screen recording tool aimed at professionals who need to create and track videos fast. It captures your webcam, screen, or both, directly from Chrome, and stores your videos in a central library with view analytics.

I used it to record a short sales demo and send it via Gmail. The moment the recipient clicked play, I got instant feedback through BombBomb’s tracking. Beyond just recording, the platform allows trimming, basic editing, and branding with your company logo and colors. Handy for marketing or internal communications.

While it’s lightweight and intuitive, it’s more of a communication and outreach tool than a full-featured production recorder. For quick, tracked clips, BombBomb is excellent; for multi-source 4K tutorials, I still rely on Movavi or OBS.

Of course, we do not have to record videos using the computer as the central hub. You can just as easily use a phone or a traditional camera. So, how do you record with a phone or a camera?

You've got the software, but to really make your videos shine, you need to think beyond just hitting record.

First things first: be laser-focused. Don't let your viewers get lost in a digital maze. Most of these recorders let you zero in on just the window you need – it’s like a spotlight for your content.

And for the love of all that is holy, silence your notifications.

Nobody needs a pop-up about a sale on cat sweaters when you're trying to demonstrate rocket science. Seriously, a quick test run of everything you plan to show beforehand is non-negotiable.

Make sure that the audio is crisp, and you actually know how to hit the record button without fumbling.

When you're capturing, go HD or go home. If your video looks like it was filmed on a potato, your audience will just click away. Details matter, especially when you're showing someone how to do something.

And speaking of getting to the point, keep it brief. Ramble on, and you're just eating up hard drive space and annoying your viewers.

A concise video is a powerful video. Finally, don't skip basic editing. You don't need to be a Hollywood wizard, but a quick trim, maybe adding a text callout? That's amateur hour stuff. A little polish goes a long way to making your video look like you actually know what you're doing.

Still wondering how to record screen on Windows or Mac? Here’s how to pick the right tool for the job without blowing your budget or your mind.

First up, check those system requirements like your life depends on it. Seriously, is your rig going to choke trying to run this thing? It’s a complete waste of time and potentially money if your computer can't handle it.

And yeah, price matters. If you’re just sending a quick clip to your buddy, a free option with a watermark is totally fine. But if you're aiming for something that looks like it belongs on a professional site, you may need to open your wallet a little.

Crucially, make sure it can capture what you need. Are you recording a webcam feed? A specific app? Your entire screen? Don't get a tool that's built for games if you're trying to record a business presentation.

And once you’re done, how easy is it to share? Nobody wants to wrestle with uploading and sending. A smooth sharing process is key, especially if you’re making videos for others.

Finally, consider the editing bells and whistles. While you don't need a full-blown editing suite, the ability to do some quick trims or add text can make a huge difference.

And if you hit a snag, check out the support options. A good knowledge base or responsive customer service can save you a ton of headaches.

Recording your screen or webcam doesn’t have to be a headache. After testing all the major tools, Movavi Screen Recorder outperforms the others. It proved to be the easiest, most reliable option for crisp, professional-looking videos, whether you’re making tutorials, capturing gameplay, or recording meetings.

OBS Studio is unbeatable for multi-source setups and streaming, while Xbox Game Bar and Awesome Screenshot & Recorder are solid, no-fuss choices for quick clips.

Always silence notifications, test your audio and visuals before going live, and consider using hotkeys to speed up your workflow. Keep clips concise, record in HD, and don’t underestimate the power of a quick trim or text overlay to make your video look polished.

With the right tool and a few smart tricks, you can record video clips that look professional without turning your computer into a stress factory.