Screen recording is a handy tool, especially for live streamers and content creators. But how do you screen record on your PC?
If you don’t know where to begin when it comes to screen recording, then this is the blog post for you. We’ve compiled everything you need to know, including why screen recording is useful, whether you need a capture card, and all the different ways you can screen record.
Why Is Screen Recording Useful?
Screen recording is incredibly useful, especially for those looking to live stream or create online video content. It makes the process of capturing footage a whole lot easier as you can start recording the footage displayed on your monitor with one quick press of a button.
You can then later use your recording either on a live stream or video to showcase your incredible gameplay skills, depending on the type of content you wish to create.
Do I Need a Capture Card to Screen Record on My PC?
A capture card is an internal or external device that is used to capture or stream your display and audio from another source to your PC. It isn’t essential for screen recording unless you are planning on live streaming or recording footage from a console. If you are, then you will need a capture card to serve as a passthrough between your video and recording software.
Realised that you need a capture card? Well, aren’t you lucky as we stock a huge range of high-quality capture cards from a wide range of manufacturers. You can shop all our capture cards by clicking the button below.
How to Screen Record
Snipping Tool
In Windows 11 (version 22621.1344 or later), you can now use the Snipping Tool to screen record.
Simply, select the video camera icon > New > and then drag a box around what you want to capture. If it is your whole screen, then simply draw the box around your entire desktop. Once you’ve selected what you want to record, click Start. You should see a countdown appear, after which the Snipping Tool will automatically start recording your screen.
After you’ve stopped recording, you’ll see a preview of your video which you can playback, along with the option to save the recording as an MP4 file. Please note, that the Snipping Tool only supports the MP4 file format.
XBOX Game Bar
Built into both Windows 10 and 11 is the XBOX Game Bar. The Game Bar includes plenty of handy features including CPU monitoring, screenshotting, and screen recording.
It’s easy to start screen recording using the Game Bar. Simply press record and that’s it! Any clips you take will be saved in the Videos > Capture folder on your PC. Be aware however, if you are planning on recording your screen for live streaming, you can’t use the XBOX Game Bar to stream on YouTube.
Third-Party Streaming Software
Alternatively, you can utilise streaming software to record your screen. One of the most popular is OBS.
OBS:
OBS, or Open Broadcaster Software, is a free-to-use streaming software that you can utilise to record your screen. Whilst it is used by streamers, you can still record your entire screen in both Windows 10 and 11. Your recording is saved as the default .mkv file, however you can also opt for MP4 or MOV.
In OBS, you can optimise for either streaming or recording. For those who just want to screen record, then you should select ‘optimise for screen recording’. In addition to this, you’ll also need to configure both the base resolution and frame rate. We recommend you select the resolution of your display. This ensures you capture your entire screen.
Before you begin recording your screen, you’ll need to add a new source and select ‘Display Capture’. Choose the display you wish to record, mute any desktop or microphone audio if you don’t wish to capture this, and then simply press Start Recording. Plus, if you want to add your voice or face to your recording, you can connect both your camera and microphone to OBS.
Looking to kickstart your streaming career? In the Overclockers UK collection of streaming guides you’ll find plenty of informative guides designed to ensure your stream looks *chef’s kiss*.
Got Any Other Useful Tips on How to Screen Record?
Got any other useful tips on how to screen record on your PC? Share them in the comments below.
- 4 min read
Ruth Rowley
Author
Ruth has been with Overclockers UK for over a year and has gone on to write about everything ranging from in-depth hardware guides to monthly game releases.
Outside of writing blog posts, she can be found wrapped in a blanket with her black cat, engrossed in a book or playing life-simulation games such as The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.
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