The default screen recorder in Windows 10 is part of the Xbox Game Bar, a powerful overlay designed primarily for gaming but also excellent for capturing desktop activities. You can open it directly or start recording with a simple keyboard shortcut.
Quickly Start and Stop Recording
The fastest way to begin screen recording without opening the full Game Bar interface is by using a dedicated keyboard shortcut:
- To start recording: Hit the
Windows Key + Alt + R. - A small screen recording widget will appear in the corner of your screen, showing you how long you've been recording.
- To stop recording: You can either click the Stop button on this widget or hit
Windows Key + Alt + Ragain.
Once the recording stops, a notification will pop up, letting you know the video has been saved and allowing you to click it to view the recording directly.
Using the Xbox Game Bar Interface (Windows Key + G)
If you prefer to see more options, adjust settings, or manually control the recording process, you can open the full Xbox Game Bar:
- Open Game Bar: Press the
Windows Key + Gsimultaneously. This will bring up the Xbox Game Bar overlay on your screen. - Locate Capture Widget: Within the Game Bar, look for the "Capture" widget. It typically shows icons for taking a screenshot, recording the last 30 seconds, and starting a new recording.
- Start Recording: Click the Start recording button (a circle icon) within the Capture widget.
- Manage Recording: A small recording control bar will appear, showing the recording time, and buttons to stop recording or toggle your microphone.
- Stop Recording: Click the Stop button (a square icon) on the recording control bar, or close the Game Bar.
You can also use the Game Bar to manage audio inputs, view performance metrics, and access other gaming-related features that might be useful during your recording sessions.
Where to Find Your Recordings
By default, all your screen recordings captured using the Xbox Game Bar are saved as MP4 files in a specific folder on your PC:
- Navigate to
This PC>Videos>Captures.
Alternatively, after stopping a recording, a notification will appear. Clicking on this notification will take you directly to the video file within the Xbox Game Bar's gallery, where you can play, trim, or share your capture.
Key Shortcuts for Screen Recording
For quick access and control, keep these essential Game Bar shortcuts in mind:
| Action | Keyboard Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open Xbox Game Bar | Windows Key + G |
| Start/Stop Recording | Windows Key + Alt + R |
| Take Screenshot | Windows Key + Alt + PrtScn |
| Record last 30 seconds | Windows Key + Alt + G |
| Toggle Microphone | Windows Key + Alt + M |
For more detailed information and advanced settings, you can visit the official Microsoft Xbox Game Bar support page.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter issues:
- Ensure Game Bar is Enabled: Go to
Settings>Gaming>Xbox Game Barand make sure the toggle is set to "On". - Check Background Recording Settings: In
Settings>Gaming>Captures, you can adjust settings like background recording, video quality, and audio settings.
Windows 10 Screen Recording
