Windows 10 doesn’t have a built-in macro recorder, so to create a macro you use a tool. The easiest free option from Microsoft is Power Automate for desktop: install it, select New flow, use the Recorder to capture your clicks and typing, and run the flow whenever you need it. For keyboard shortcuts that type text or launch apps, the free AutoHotkey is popular. Inside Excel or Word, use the built-in Record Macro feature instead.
Applies to: Windows 10 Home and Pro, version 22H2. The same tools work on Windows 11, where Power Automate comes preinstalled. Last reviewed October 8, 2026.
Which tool should you use?
- Repeating a sequence of clicks and typing across apps: Power Automate.
- A hotkey that types a phrase, opens a folder or remaps a key: AutoHotkey.
- Automating work inside a spreadsheet or document: the Office macro recorder.
- Running a task at a set time: a batch file plus Task Scheduler.
- Gaming mouse or keyboard macros: your device maker’s software, such as Logitech G Hub or Razer Synapse.
Method 1: Power Automate for desktop
- Install Power Automate from the Microsoft Store and sign in with a Microsoft account. The desktop version is free.
- Select New flow, name it and select Create.
- In the flow designer, select Recorder at the top.
- Select Record and carry out the steps you want to repeat: open apps, click buttons, type text.
- Select Finish. The steps appear as actions you can edit, reorder or delete.
- Select Save, then Run to play it back.
You can add waits, loops and conditions from the actions panel, and start the flow from the Power Automate console or a desktop shortcut.
Method 2: AutoHotkey
- Download AutoHotkey from its official site, autohotkey.com, and install it.
- Right-click the desktop and choose New > AutoHotkey Script. Name it and open it in Notepad.
- Add a line such as ::addr::123 Main Street, Springfield. Typing “addr” followed by a space will now type the full address.
- Or add ^!n::Run “notepad.exe” to open Notepad with Ctrl+Alt+N.
- Save the file and double-click it to run. A green H icon appears in the system tray.
To start it with Windows, put a shortcut to the script in the Startup folder: press Windows + R, type shell:startup and press Enter.
Method 3: Office macros
In Excel or Word, go to View > Macros > Record Macro, do the steps, then select Stop Recording. Save the file as a macro-enabled workbook or document. See how to record a macro in Excel and how to enable macros in Excel.
Method 4: Batch file and Task Scheduler
For jobs like backing up a folder every night, write the commands in a .bat file and run it on a schedule with Task Scheduler. See how to create a batch file in Windows 10 and, for a simple example, how to schedule a shutdown.
Troubleshooting
A Power Automate flow clicks the wrong place
Windows moved or the app looks different from when you recorded. Edit the action and pick the UI element again, or add a wait before it.
An AutoHotkey script doesn’t respond in some apps
Apps running as administrator ignore scripts that aren’t. Run the script as administrator too.
Antivirus blocks a script
Only download tools from official sites and check your script’s contents. Don’t run macros or scripts sent by people you don’t know.
Frequently asked questions
Is Power Automate free?
Power Automate for desktop is free for personal use on Windows 10 and 11. Cloud flows and some connectors need a paid plan.
What happened to Steps Recorder?
Steps Recorder only recorded screenshots of what you did, for support purposes; it never replayed actions. Microsoft is removing it from Windows.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.