How to Stop Screen Recording on Windows 10: A Quick Guide

If you’re using Windows 10 and need to stop screen recording, it’s a simple process. You can quickly end a recording session using the Xbox Game Bar, which is built into Windows 10. Just press the Windows key + G to open the Game Bar, then find the recording button and click Stop Recording. This stops the recording and saves the file to your computer.

How to Stop Screen Recording on Windows 10

Stopping a screen recording on Windows 10 is straightforward. The steps below will guide you through using the Xbox Game Bar to end your recording session smoothly.

Step 1: Open the Xbox Game Bar

Press the Windows key + G on your keyboard.

The Xbox Game Bar is a built-in feature in Windows 10 that provides quick access to gaming activities, including screen recording. When you press the Windows key + G, the Game Bar overlay will appear on your screen, showing various options like performance monitoring, audio settings, and recording controls.

Step 2: Locate the Capture Widget

Find the Capture widget on the Game Bar interface.

Once the Game Bar is open, look for the Capture widget. It usually appears as a small window with icons for taking screenshots and starting/stopping recordings. If you don’t see it immediately, you might need to click on the widget menu icon to ensure it’s active.

Step 3: Stop the Recording

Click the Stop Recording button, which looks like a square icon.

When you click the Stop Recording button, the recording session ends immediately. The recorded video is automatically saved to a folder on your computer, typically in the Videos > Captures directory. You can access it anytime to review or edit your footage as needed.

Step 4: Confirm the Recording Stopped

Check the notification confirming the recording stopped.

After you click Stop Recording, Windows 10 will usually display a brief notification confirming that the recording has been saved. This lets you know that your action was successful and that your video is ready for viewing or sharing.

Step 5: Access Your Recorded Video

Navigate to the default save location to view your recording.

By default, the Game Bar saves recordings to the Captures folder in your Videos library. You can easily access this folder through File Explorer to find your latest screen recording.

After you’ve stopped the screen recording, your video is saved and ready for you to view or edit. You can find it in the default save location and use your preferred video editing software to make any changes.

Tips for How to Stop Screen Recording on Windows 10

  • Make sure the Xbox Game Bar is enabled on your device before you start recording.
  • Familiarize yourself with the Game Bar shortcut keys for a smoother recording experience.
  • Keep the default save location in mind to easily locate your recordings.
  • Regularly check for updates to ensure your Game Bar is working correctly.
  • Consider third-party software if you need more advanced recording features.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enable the Xbox Game Bar?

Go to Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar, and toggle the switch to On.

Can I change the keyboard shortcut for opening the Game Bar?

Yes, you can customize the shortcut in the Xbox Game Bar settings under the Keyboard shortcuts section.

Where are my screen recordings saved?

By default, recordings are saved in the Videos > Captures folder.

What if the Game Bar doesn’t open?

Ensure it’s enabled in settings, or try restarting your computer.

Can I record without the Game Bar?

Yes, you can use third-party software for screen recording.

Summary

  1. Open Xbox Game Bar.
  2. Locate the Capture widget.
  3. Stop the recording.
  4. Confirm the recording stopped.
  5. Access your recorded video.

Conclusion

Stopping a screen recording on Windows 10 is as easy as pie when you know how to navigate the Xbox Game Bar. Whether you’re capturing gameplay, tutorials, or anything in between, knowing how to end your recording session is crucial. In just a few simple steps—opening the Game Bar, locating the capture controls, and clicking stop—you can effortlessly manage your recordings.

Keeping your screen recordings organized helps, too! Regularly check your Videos > Captures folder to ensure your clips are safely stored and ready for editing or sharing. If you’re someone who frequently records your screen, why not dive a little deeper? Explore the Game Bar’s settings to customize your shortcuts or even look into third-party tools that might offer the extra features you need. Remember, mastering your tools not only saves you time but also makes the recording process a breeze. So, whether you’re a pro or a newbie, getting the hang of stopping your screen recordings efficiently is a nifty skill to have in your digital toolkit.

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