Tech 101: How to record your computer screen

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Sometimes, you and your teammates work in different time zones, and a real-time meeting isn’t possible. That’s why recording your screen can do a world of good. You can record lectures, meetings, gaming sessions and more.

Recording your computer screen isn’t as difficult as you may think. That’s because many computers and devices have built-in tools for this purpose. Just follow these easy steps.

How to record your screen on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Windows computers come with a screen recording feature called Xbox Game Bar. Although it’s designed for gamers, it works for various purposes. You can record yourself in almost any Windows app, so it’s ideal for anything you need to record on Microsoft Office.

Here’s how to enable Xbox Game Bar:

  • Tap the Windows icon in the lower-left corner of your screen.
  • Select Settings. (It looks like a gear icon.)
  • In the Settings search section, type Enable Xbox Game Bar and tap it when it appears.
  • Slide the toggle under Xbox Game Bar to the right to enable it.

Here are the steps you need to follow to capture your screen on video:

  • After opening the app you want to record in, open the Game Bar dialog by hitting the Windows Key and G simultaneously.
  • You might get a box that pops up and asks if you want to open the Game Bar. Even if you aren’t recording a game, check the box that says, “Yes, this is a game.”
  • This opens the recording program window. Now you’re good to start recording. Just hit the Start recording button. (Or press Win + Alt + R.)
  • To stop it, just hit the red stop button. You can also hit Win + G for the same result.

If you want to talk in your recording, you can use the Xbox Game Bar. Do this by pressing the microphone button in the top right hand of the screen under capture status.

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