How to Use the Desktop Recorder

This guide shows you how to use the desktop recorder to capture your screen, with or without audio, and save the recording as a video file. You’ll learn the essential steps, common pitfalls, and how to fix issues when things don’t go as planned.

What You’ll Need

A computer running Windows, macOS, or a Linux distribution with a desktop environment.
Built-in or external microphone if you want to record audio.
Enough free storage space for the video file (a few hundred MB per hour of recording at standard quality).

Step-by-Step

Open the desktop recorder. On Windows, press Win + G to open the Game Bar, which includes a record button. On macOS, press Cmd + Shift + 5 to open the screenshot and recording toolbar. On many Linux systems, you can use a tool like SimpleScreenRecorder or OBS Studio if installed.
Choose what to record. Select either the entire screen or a specific window. On Windows Game Bar, click the capture widget and choose “Record” (it records the active window by default). On macOS, choose “Record Entire Screen” or “Record Selected Portion” from the toolbar.
Select audio sources. If you want to record system audio (what you hear), enable it in the recorder settings. If you want to record your voice, select your microphone as an input. On macOS, click “Options” in the toolbar to pick the microphone. On Windows, click the microphone icon in the capture widget to turn it on.
Start recording. Click the record button (usually a red circle) or press the shortcut (e.g., Win + Alt + R on Windows, Cmd + Shift + 5 then click Record on macOS).
Stop recording. Use the same shortcut or click the stop button in the toolbar. On Windows, you can also click the stop icon in the Game Bar overlay.
Find your video. On Windows, the recording is saved automatically to Videos > Captures (in your user folder). On macOS, it appears as a thumbnail in the corner of the screen; click it to save, or it will be saved to the Desktop by default. On Linux, the location depends on the tool, often in Videos or Home.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to enable audio. Many users record video but no sound because the microphone or system audio was off. Double-check audio settings before you start.
Recording the wrong screen. If you have multiple monitors, the recorder may capture the wrong one. On macOS, you can choose which screen to record; on Windows, the Game Bar records the active window, so click the correct window first.
Not stopping the recording properly. Leaving the recorder running can fill up storage and produce a very long file. Always stop it explicitly.
Low disk space. High-resolution recordings consume space quickly. Check available storage before starting a long session.

Tips

Use keyboard shortcuts to start and stop quickly: Win + Alt + R on Windows, Cmd + Shift + 5 on macOS.
If you need to record a specific app that isn’t a game, you can still use the Game Bar on Windows—it works with most applications.
For longer recordings, consider lowering the resolution or frame rate to save space and reduce file size.
Test your microphone level before recording by speaking and checking the input meter.
Close unnecessary applications to free up CPU and memory, which can prevent dropped frames.

Troubleshooting

No video file is created

Check that you actually clicked the record button and that the recording stopped properly. On Windows, ensure the Game Bar is enabled (Settings > Gaming > Game Bar). On macOS, make sure the screen recording permission is granted to the app you’re using (System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording).

Audio is missing or too quiet

Verify that the correct microphone is selected and that system audio is enabled in the recorder settings. On Windows, you may need to enable “Record system audio” in the Game Bar settings. On macOS, check that the microphone isn’t muted in the toolbar. Try increasing the input volume in your system sound settings.

Recording is choppy or laggy

Close other programs that use a lot of CPU or GPU. Lower the recording resolution or frame rate. If you’re recording a game, try enabling hardware acceleration in the recorder settings if available.

The file is too large

Use a shorter recording or lower the resolution. Many recorders allow you to change the video format (e.g., MP4 vs. MOV) or compression level. You can also compress the file afterward with a video editor or converter.

Screen recording is blocked by an app

Some apps (like DRM-protected video players) prevent screen capture. Close those apps or use a different recording method. On macOS, you may need to quit and reopen the app after granting permission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record just a portion of the screen?

Yes. On macOS, choose “Record Selected Portion” and drag the selection box. On Windows, the Game Bar records the active window, which you can resize to the area you want. Some third-party tools also allow region selection.

How do I record system audio along with my voice?

Enable both the microphone and system audio inputs in the recorder settings. On Windows, the Game Bar can record both if you turn on “Record system audio” and the microphone. On macOS, you can use the “Options” menu to select a microphone, but system audio recording may require a third-party tool.

Where are my recordings saved?

On Windows, they go to Videos > Captures. On macOS, they are saved to the Desktop by default (you can change this in the recording toolbar options). On Linux, it depends on the tool—check its settings.

Can I record a PowerPoint presentation with the desktop recorder?

Yes, as long as the presentation is on your screen. Use the “Record Entire Screen” or “Record Selected Portion” option. You can also record just the slide show window.

Does the desktop recorder work on a laptop?

Yes, it works on laptops, but battery life and performance may be affected. Plug in your laptop and close other apps for best results.

How do I stop recording without using the mouse?

Use the keyboard shortcut: Win + Alt + R on Windows, and Cmd + Shift + 5 then press the stop button (or press Esc on macOS after the toolbar appears).

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