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How to Record Your Screen for Free on Windows and Mac

Tap each step to follow along in order.

  1. Open the Xbox Game Bar on Windows

    Press the Windows key and G at the same time to launch the Xbox Game Bar.

  2. Start recording with the Capture widget

    Click the record button in the Game Bar's "Capture" widget, or press Windows + Alt + R to start recording, and press the same shortcut again to stop.

  3. Find your saved recording

    Once recording ends, the file is automatically saved as an MP4 in the "Videos > Captures" folder on your PC.

  4. Open the screen capture toolbar on Mac

    Press Shift + Command + 5 to bring up the capture and recording toolbar at the bottom of your screen.

  5. Choose full-screen or selected-area recording

    Pick the "Record Entire Screen" or "Record Selected Portion" icon from the toolbar, then set the area you want to capture.

  6. Start and stop the recording

    Click "Record" to begin, and click the stop icon in the menu bar to end the recording -- the file is saved to your desktop.

Both Windows and Mac have a recorder built right in

You don't need to install any separate screen recording program -- Windows comes with the Xbox Game Bar and Mac comes with its own screen recording tool, so you can capture a lecture or your work screen right away.

Keep your computer running smoothly while recording

If your computer slows down while recording, close browser tabs and background apps you don't need first -- screen recording itself uses processing power, and fewer things competing for it means smoother footage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Xbox Game Bar record regular programs, not just games?

Yes -- despite the name, the Capture widget works on most windows, including your browser or a document program, not just games.

Does Mac screen recording capture sound too?

By default only microphone audio is recorded; unless you select a microphone in the options menu or set up additional software, your computer's internal system sound is not captured.