The best Windows feature you’re not using yet
Tech problems can be pretty complex, which makes them hard to describe over the phone. A built-in Windows tool you may not know about helps both parties to find a solution more effectively. Steps Recorder boosts long-distance understanding.
This guide explains how this native feature works and how it can make your life easier. You’ll be able to record your steps before encountering a tech issue. By reproducing how you got there, your technician can help you find a solution more quickly.
Steps Recorder comes with all Windows computers
This handy solution is free, simple and easy to use. Steps Recorder is native to your computer, so you don’t have to download anything to your PC.
Essentially, this tool takes screenshots to which you can add comments. For instance, you can take a screenshot of a program that isn’t working and type a caption like, “My computer froze when I hit the start button here.”
Just like that, you’re giving the other person a crystal clear image of how the tech issue came about. This is useful for two reasons:
- When getting help from an IT professional, you can record your screen to show how the problem occurred.
- When helping someone fix a tech problem, you can show them the steps they need to take to correct it.
Unlike most screen recorders, Steps Recorder is specifically designed to solve troubleshooting issues. It records your actions but not your voice, so you’ll have to add captions to clarify.
Pros and cons to keep in mind
Before we explain how it works, here’s a quick overview. Like most any program, it has advantages and disadvantages.
Let’s say you have a tech issue you need help with. Here’s all you need to know:
| ✔️ Steps Recorder helps you record detailed steps you took on your computer. | ❌ It can’t record videos, audio, gameplay or GIFs. |
| ❌ It can’t record videos, audio, gameplay or GIFs. | ✔️ It takes screenshots of whatever you’re doing. You can then turn your steps into a slideshow. |
| ✔️ Have a dual monitor system? It can record both displays. 📹 Want to record just one screen? Follow these steps. | ❌ Steps Recorder only saves your slideshow recordings as ZIP files. |
Now that you know the ins and outs, let’s dive into the action.
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How to use Steps Recorder
Type Windows Steps Recorder into your search bar. Select Open when the app pops up.
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