There are several ways to record what happens on your screen: the built-in Windows tools, an online service in your browser, or a dedicated program. Below is a short comparison and the exact steps for each option, so you can pick the one that fits your task.
Comparison of the methods
| Method | Whole screen | Microphone sound | Internet | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game Bar (Win+G) | No | Yes, with setup | Not needed | App windows only |
| Online service | Yes | Yes | Always required | Time limit, watermark |
| Dedicated program | Yes | Yes | Only during install | Depends on the program |
Method 1. Xbox Game Bar (Win + G)
Built into Windows 10 and 11, nothing to install.
- Press Win + G.
- In the panel that appears, click the record button (or press Win + Alt + R directly).
- For microphone sound, turn on the mic in the Capture widget.
- To stop, press Win + Alt + R again.
An important limit: the Game Bar does not record the desktop or File Explorer — only open app and game windows. If you need to show the whole screen, this method will not work.
Handy hotkeys:
- Win + Alt + R — start and stop recording.
- Win + Alt + G — record the last few seconds.
- Win + G — open the panel.
Method 2. Record online in your browser
Good for a single short recording without installing anything.
- Open a screen-recording website in your browser.
- Allow access to the screen and the microphone.
- Choose what to share — the whole screen, a window, or a tab.
- Record and download the file.
What to keep in mind: you need a constant internet connection, free versions often have a time limit and a watermark, and the recording may be processed on someone else's server.
Method 3. A dedicated program
If you record regularly and without limits, a dedicated program is more convenient. One simple option is Screen Recorder: just two buttons, Record and Save.
- Records the whole screen, including the desktop and File Explorer.
- Captures microphone sound.
- The control panel stays out of the frame (Windows 10 version 2004 and later).
- Works offline — internet is only needed once, during installation.
- Files are saved to the desktop; your data stays on your computer.
How to record the screen with microphone sound
The steps are nearly the same for any program:
- Make sure the microphone is selected in Windows sound settings (Settings → System → Sound).
- Start recording.
- Speak into the microphone if you need voice over the video.
- Stop recording and save the file.
Frequently asked questions
Can you record the screen on Windows without any program?
Yes — with the Game Bar (Win + G). But it does not record the desktop or File Explorer, only app windows.
How do you record the screen on a laptop?
The same ways as on a desktop PC: everything works identically on Windows 10 and 11 laptops.
How do you record only part of the screen?
The built-in Game Bar cannot do this. You need a program with a selectable recording area.
Where is the video saved?
It depends on the method. The Game Bar saves to the Captures folder. Screen Recorder saves to the desktop, in the Mamonov/Mamonov video folder.
What to choose
- Need to quickly capture a game or app window — the Win + G Game Bar is enough.
- A one-off short recording — an online service.
- Need to record the whole screen with sound regularly and without limits — a dedicated program.