In today’s digital age, screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, including creating tutorials, recording gameplay, and even capturing video calls. Windows 10 offers several built-in and third-party options to record your screen with audio. In this article, we will explore the different methods to record your screen with audio on Windows 10, highlighting their features, advantages, and disadvantages.
Method 1: Using the Built-in Game Bar
Windows 10’s built-in Game Bar is a convenient tool for recording your screen with audio. Although it’s primarily designed for recording gameplay, you can use it to record any screen activity. Here’s how to use the Game Bar:
Enabling the Game Bar
To enable the Game Bar, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + G to open the Game Bar.
- If you don’t see the Game Bar, you may need to enable it first. To do this, go to Settings > Gaming > Game Bar and toggle the switch to On.
Recording Your Screen with Audio
Once the Game Bar is enabled, you can start recording your screen with audio by following these steps:
- Press the Windows key + G to open the Game Bar.
- Click on the microphone icon to enable or disable audio recording.
- Click on the record button (or press the Windows key + Alt + R) to start recording.
- To stop recording, click on the stop button (or press the Windows key + Alt + R again).
The recorded video will be saved in the Videos > Captures folder.
Method 2: Using the OBS Studio
OBS Studio (Open Broadcasting Software) is a popular third-party screen recording software that offers advanced features and high-quality video recording. Here’s how to use OBS Studio to record your screen with audio:
Downloading and Installing OBS Studio
To download and install OBS Studio, follow these steps:
- Go to the OBS Studio website and click on the Download button.
- Choose the correct version (32-bit or 64-bit) and click on the Download button.
- Run the installer and follow the prompts to install OBS Studio.
Configuring OBS Studio
To configure OBS Studio for screen recording with audio, follow these steps:
- Launch OBS Studio and click on the Settings button.
- In the Settings window, click on the Audio tab and select your microphone as the audio input device.
- In the Video tab, select the screen capture device (e.g., Display Capture) and set the resolution and frame rate.
Recording Your Screen with Audio
To start recording your screen with audio using OBS Studio, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start Recording button (or press the F9 key).
- To stop recording, click on the Stop Recording button (or press the F9 key again).
The recorded video will be saved in the file location you specified in the Settings window.
Method 3: Using the Camtasia
Camtasia is a powerful screen recording software that offers advanced features and high-quality video recording. Here’s how to use Camtasia to record your screen with audio:
Downloading and Installing Camtasia
To download and install Camtasia, follow these steps:
- Go to the Camtasia website and click on the Download button.
- Choose the correct version (32-bit or 64-bit) and click on the Download button.
- Run the installer and follow the prompts to install Camtasia.
Configuring Camtasia
To configure Camtasia for screen recording with audio, follow these steps:
- Launch Camtasia and click on the New Recording button.
- In the Recording Options window, select the screen capture device (e.g., Full Screen) and set the resolution and frame rate.
- In the Audio tab, select your microphone as the audio input device.
Recording Your Screen with Audio
To start recording your screen with audio using Camtasia, follow these steps:
- Click on the Record button (or press the F9 key).
- To stop recording, click on the Stop button (or press the F9 key again).
The recorded video will be saved in the file location you specified in the Recording Options window.
Method 4: Using the Bandicam
Bandicam is a lightweight screen recording software that offers high-quality video recording and advanced features. Here’s how to use Bandicam to record your screen with audio:
Downloading and Installing Bandicam
To download and install Bandicam, follow these steps:
- Go to the Bandicam website and click on the Download button.
- Choose the correct version (32-bit or 64-bit) and click on the Download button.
- Run the installer and follow the prompts to install Bandicam.
Configuring Bandicam
To configure Bandicam for screen recording with audio, follow these steps:
- Launch Bandicam and click on the Settings button.
- In the Settings window, select the screen capture device (e.g., Full Screen) and set the resolution and frame rate.
- In the Audio tab, select your microphone as the audio input device.
Recording Your Screen with Audio
To start recording your screen with audio using Bandicam, follow these steps:
- Click on the Record button (or press the F9 key).
- To stop recording, click on the Stop button (or press the F9 key again).
The recorded video will be saved in the file location you specified in the Settings window.
Comparison of Screen Recording Software
| Software | Price | Features | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| — | — | — | — | — |
| OBS Studio | Free | Advanced features, high-quality video recording | Free, open-source, customizable | Steep learning curve |
| Camtasia | $299.99 | Advanced features, high-quality video recording | User-friendly interface, advanced editing features | Expensive |
| Bandicam | $39.95 | High-quality video recording, advanced features | Lightweight, easy to use | Limited editing features |
Conclusion
Recording your screen with audio on Windows 10 is a straightforward process, thanks to the various built-in and third-party options available. The Game Bar is a convenient tool for quick recordings, while OBS Studio, Camtasia, and Bandicam offer advanced features and high-quality video recording. When choosing a screen recording software, consider your specific needs and budget to select the best option for you.
What is screen recording and why do I need it?
Screen recording is the process of capturing the content displayed on your screen, often accompanied by audio, to create a video file. This feature is useful for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, recording gameplay, or capturing video calls. With screen recording, you can easily share your experiences, demonstrate software or apps, and provide visual explanations.
Screen recording can also be helpful for personal use, like recording a video conference or a webinar for later reference. Additionally, it can be used to create educational content, such as video lessons or online courses. Overall, screen recording is a versatile tool that can be applied in various contexts, making it a valuable feature to have on your Windows 10 device.
What are the system requirements for screen recording on Windows 10?
To record your screen on Windows 10, your device should meet certain system requirements. First, your computer should be running Windows 10 version 1803 or later. Additionally, you’ll need a compatible graphics card, such as Intel Iris Xe, NVIDIA GeForce, or AMD Radeon. A stable internet connection is also necessary if you plan to upload your recordings to the cloud or share them online.
In terms of hardware, a dual-core processor with a minimum clock speed of 2 GHz is recommended. You’ll also need at least 4 GB of RAM, although 8 GB or more is recommended for smoother performance. Furthermore, ensure that your device has enough storage space to save your recorded videos. A minimum of 10 GB of free disk space is recommended, but this may vary depending on the length and quality of your recordings.
What are the built-in screen recording tools on Windows 10?
Windows 10 offers two built-in screen recording tools: the Xbox Game Bar and the Snipping Tool. The Xbox Game Bar is primarily designed for recording gameplay, but it can also be used to record other screen activities. To access the Xbox Game Bar, press the Windows key + G on your keyboard. The Snipping Tool, on the other hand, allows you to capture screenshots and record short videos of your screen.
The Xbox Game Bar offers more advanced features, such as the ability to record audio commentary and capture screenshots. It also allows you to customize the recording settings, such as the video quality and frame rate. The Snipping Tool, while more limited, is still a useful tool for quick screen captures and short recordings.
How do I record my screen with audio using the Xbox Game Bar?
To record your screen with audio using the Xbox Game Bar, start by pressing the Windows key + G on your keyboard. This will open the Xbox Game Bar overlay. Click on the microphone icon to enable audio recording, and then click on the record button to start capturing your screen. You can also press the Windows key + Alt + R to start recording directly.
During the recording process, you can press the Windows key + G to open the Xbox Game Bar overlay and access various controls, such as the pause and stop buttons. You can also use the Windows key + Alt + R to stop the recording. Once you’ve finished recording, the video will be saved to the “Captures” folder in your Videos library.
Can I record my screen with external audio using the Xbox Game Bar?
Yes, you can record your screen with external audio using the Xbox Game Bar. To do this, connect your external audio device, such as a microphone or a webcam, to your computer. Then, open the Xbox Game Bar and click on the microphone icon to select your external audio device as the recording source.
Make sure that your external audio device is properly configured and selected as the default recording device in your Windows settings. You can do this by going to Settings > System > Sound and selecting your external device as the default recording device. Once you’ve set up your external audio device, you can start recording your screen with audio using the Xbox Game Bar.
Are there any third-party screen recording software available for Windows 10?
Yes, there are many third-party screen recording software available for Windows 10. Some popular options include OBS Studio, Camtasia, and Bandicam. These software offer advanced features, such as video editing, annotation tools, and customizable recording settings. They also support various file formats and allow you to upload your recordings to popular video sharing platforms.
Third-party screen recording software can be useful if you need more advanced features or higher video quality than what’s offered by the built-in Xbox Game Bar. However, some of these software may require a subscription or a one-time purchase fee. Be sure to research and compare different options to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.
How do I edit and share my screen recordings on Windows 10?
Once you’ve recorded your screen, you can edit and share your video using various tools and platforms. Windows 10 offers a built-in video editor, the Photos app, which allows you to trim, split, and merge your video clips. You can also add text, music, and effects to your video.
To share your screen recording, you can upload it to popular video sharing platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or Facebook. You can also share it via email or messaging apps, or save it to a cloud storage service like OneDrive or Google Drive. Additionally, you can use third-party video editing software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve, to edit and enhance your screen recordings.