The shortcut to record your screen in Windows 10 is Windows + Alt + R. It starts recording the app you’re using with the built-in Xbox Game Bar. Press Windows + Alt + R again to stop. Your video is saved in the Videos > Captures folder.
The Game Bar records one app or game window at a time. To record the whole desktop, see Record the whole screen below. On a Windows 11 PC where the overlay gets in the way, you can turn off the Xbox Game Bar controller button.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 24, 2026.
Record with the shortcut
- Open the app or browser window you want to record and click inside it.
- Press Windows + Alt + R. A small timer appears in the corner of the screen.
- Press Windows + Alt + R again to stop, or select the stop button on the timer.
Handy shortcuts while recording:
- Windows + Alt + M turns your microphone on or off.
- Windows + Alt + Print Screen takes a screenshot of the app.
- Windows + G opens the Game Bar.
Record from the Game Bar
- Press Windows + G to open the Game Bar.
- In the Capture widget, select Start recording (the round button).
- To include your voice, select the microphone button before you start.
If the Capture widget isn’t showing, select the Widget menu on the Game Bar and choose Capture.
Set up sound and recording length
- Select Start > Settings > Gaming > Captures.
- Turn on Record audio when I record a game to include the app’s sound.
- Choose a Max recording length, such as 30 minutes or 2 hours.
The same page shows where your recordings are saved and has an Open folder link.
Change the video quality
Open Settings > Gaming > Captures. Under Recorded video you can set:
- Video frame rate: 30 fps makes smaller files and is fine for tutorials. 60 fps looks smoother for games and fast movement.
- Video quality: Standard or High. High looks sharper but makes much larger files.
- Capture mouse cursor in recordings: turn this on for how-to videos so viewers can follow your clicks.
Save the last 30 seconds
The Game Bar can keep recording quietly in the background, so you can save something that just happened. On the same Captures page, turn on Record in the background while I’m playing a game. Then press Windows + Alt + G to save the last 30 seconds. You can change the length on that page. Background recording uses some performance, so turn it off if a game slows down.
Trim or shrink the recording
To cut the start or end, open the video in Clipchamp, drag it onto the timeline, and drag the ends of the clip to trim it. Select Export and choose 720p or 480p to make a smaller file that’s easier to email or upload. Recording at 30 fps and Standard quality also keeps files small from the start.
Find your recordings
Recordings are saved as MP4 files in C:\Users\ followed by your user name, then \Videos\Captures. The file name includes the app name and the date and time. You can also open the Game Bar and select Show all captures in the Capture widget.
If nothing happens when you press the shortcut
- Turn on the Game Bar: go to Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar and turn it on.
- Click inside the app first. The Game Bar records the active window.
- It can’t record some things. The Game Bar can’t record the desktop or File Explorer, and some apps and protected videos block recording.
- Recording is greyed out: your graphics hardware or driver may not support it. Update the graphics driver in Device Manager > Display adapters.
Record the whole screen
The Game Bar can’t capture the desktop or several windows at once. Other built-in options:
- Clipchamp: Microsoft’s free video editor, available from the Microsoft Store, includes a screen recorder that records your full screen, a window, or a browser tab, with your voice.
- PowerPoint: if you have Microsoft Office, select Insert > Screen Recording, choose an area, and record. Right-click the video on the slide and select Save Media as to save it as a file.
Free apps such as OBS Studio also record the full screen. Download apps only from their official websites.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Windows 10 recorder capture sound?
Yes. It records the app’s sound when Record audio when I record a game is on, and your voice when the microphone is turned on.
Is there a time limit?
Yes. You set it with Max recording length in Settings > Gaming > Captures, up to 4 hours.
Why is my recording black?
Some apps block screen capture to protect their content, such as streaming video services. Windows also can’t record the desktop or File Explorer with the Game Bar. Try recording a different app to check it works, or use Clipchamp or PowerPoint to record the full screen.
Can I record a video call?
Only with everyone’s permission. Many places require consent to record calls, and some meeting apps have their own recording button that tells people they’re being recorded.
How do I turn the Game Bar off?
Go to Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar and turn it off. See how to disable Xbox Game Bar in Windows 10.
For still images, see how to take a screenshot on Windows 10.
To capture a whole web page, see how to take a scrolling screenshot in Windows 10.
Making a how-to video? See how to make an instructional video with screen recording. Need a still image instead? See how to take a screenshot in Windows 10. Microsoft’s guide is Use a screen reader to record your screen with Xbox Game Bar, which lists the recording shortcuts. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
To cut the start or end off a recording, see how to trim a video in Windows 10.
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.