Recording a video that's already playing on your screen
You can record video playing on your monitor using screen recording software instead of pointing a camera at the screen. This captures the video file directly from your computer, which gives you a clean, sharp copy without glare, reflections, or camera shake. The method depends on what device and operating system you're using, but most computers have built-in tools or free options available.
The main reason to do this is when you want to save something you're watching — a tutorial, a clip from a streaming service, a video call, or content from a website. Screen recording is faster and produces better quality than filming your monitor with a phone or webcam.
Key Takeaways
- Windows 10 and 11 include the Xbox Game Bar, which records your screen with a keyboard shortcut and saves the file automatically.
- Mac computers have built-in screen recording in the Screenshot tool, accessible from the menu bar or with Shift+Command+5.
- Free third-party software like OBS Studio works on Windows, Mac, and Linux and gives you more control over quality and file format.
- Before recording, check the terms of service for the website or app — some streaming services prohibit recording their content.
- Screen recordings take up significant disk space; a one-hour video at standard quality can use 1 to 3 gigabytes.
Using Windows built-in screen recording
Windows 10 and 11 come with the Xbox Game Bar, a screen recording tool built into the operating system. Open the app or video you want to record, then press Windows key + G to open the Game Bar overlay. A small menu appears in the upper left corner of your screen.
Click the red record button (or press Windows key + Alt + R) to start recording. The timer shows how long you've been recording. When you're done, press the same key combination again or click the stop button in the overlay. The video saves automatically to your Videos folder in a subfolder called Captures, as an MP4 file.
The Game Bar records at your monitor's native resolution and frame rate. If you want to change the quality or audio settings before you start, open the Game Bar settings by pressing Windows key + G, then look for Captures in the menu. You can choose whether to record system audio, microphone audio, or both.
Recording on a Mac
Mac computers have screen recording built into the Screenshot tool. Press Shift + Command + 5 to open the screenshot menu. You'll see options at the bottom of the screen — select the one that looks like a rectangle with a dot in the middle (this is the screen recording option, not the still screenshot option).
Choose whether you want to record your entire screen or just a portion of it. If you select a portion, click and drag to draw a box around the area you want to record. Then click the Record button. A red dot appears in the menu bar to show recording is active. When you're finished, click the red dot or press Control + Command + Esc to stop. The video saves to your Desktop by default, as a MOV file.
Before you start, you can click Options in the screenshot menu to choose where to save the file and whether to include mouse clicks or system audio in the recording.
Using OBS Studio for more control
OBS Studio is free, open-source screen recording software that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It's more complex than built-in tools but gives you precise control over what gets recorded, the quality, the file format, and the audio sources. read it from obsproject.com.
When you open OBS, you'll see a blank canvas. In the Sources section (lower left), click the plus sign and select Screen Capture to add your monitor to the recording. You can add multiple sources — for example, your screen and your microphone at the same time. Adjust the size and position of the screen capture in the preview window if needed.
Before you record, check the Settings menu. Under Output, you can choose the file format (MP4 or MKV are common), the quality, and where to save the file. Under Video, you can set the resolution and frame rate. Once everything is set, click Start Recording, play your video, and click Stop Recording when you're done. The file appears in the folder you specified.
Understanding file size and storage
Screen recordings use a lot of disk space because they capture every frame of video. A one-hour recording at 1080p resolution and 30 frames per second typically uses 1 to 3 gigabytes, depending on the software and compression settings. Higher resolution or frame rates use more space; lower settings use less.
Before you record something long, check how much free space you have on your hard drive. On Windows, right-click your C: drive and select Properties. On Mac, click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, then Storage. If you're running low on space, delete old files or move them to an external drive before you start recording.
After you've recorded, you can compress the video file using video editing software to make it smaller, though this takes time and may reduce quality. For most purposes, the original file size is acceptable if you have the storage available.
Legal and ethical considerations before recording
Many streaming services — Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Hulu — prohibit recording their content in their terms of service. Recording and sharing that content may violate copyright law. Before you record video from a website or app, read the terms of service to understand what's allowed.
If you're recording a video call or meeting, check whether all participants have agreed to be recorded. Some jurisdictions require everyone in a conversation to consent before you record audio. If you're recording just the screen (without audio from the call), this is usually less of a concern, but it's still good practice to ask.
If you're recording a tutorial, educational content, or your own work, you generally have more freedom. Recording for personal use is typically permitted even when sharing is not.
Troubleshooting common recording problems
If your screen recording is choppy or stutters, your computer may not have enough processing power to record at the quality you've set. Try lowering the resolution or frame rate. Close other programs running in the background to free up memory. If you're using OBS, reduce the bitrate in the Output settings.
If the audio is missing or very quiet, check that you've selected the correct audio source in your recording software. On Windows Game Bar, open the settings and confirm that system audio or microphone is enabled. On Mac, the Screenshot tool records system audio by default, but you can check the Options menu. In OBS, make sure you've added an audio source in the Sources section.
If the video file won't play after recording, the file may not have been saved correctly. Check that the recording software closed properly and that the file exists in the folder you specified. Try opening it with a different video player — some players don't support all file formats. If it still won't play, try recording again with a different format or software.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record a video from a streaming service like Netflix?
Netflix and most streaming services prohibit recording their content in their terms of service. Recording and sharing that content may violate copyright law. Check the terms of service for the specific service you're using to understand what's permitted.
What's the difference between screen recording and filming my monitor with a camera?
Screen recording captures the video file directly from your computer, producing a sharp, clear copy without glare or reflections. Filming your monitor with a camera or phone produces lower quality, includes reflections and glare, and takes up more storage space for the same content.
Do I need special software or does my computer have recording built in?
Windows 10 and 11 include Xbox Game Bar, and Mac includes screen recording in the Screenshot tool. Both are free and require no installation. If you want more control over quality or format, free software like OBS Studio is available for all operating systems.
How much disk space does a screen recording use?
A one-hour recording at 1080p and 30 frames per second typically uses 1 to 3 gigabytes. Higher resolution or frame rates use more space. Check your available disk space before recording something long.
Can I record a video call without telling the other person?
Laws vary by location. Some jurisdictions require everyone in a conversation to consent before you record audio. Check your local laws. If you're recording just the screen without audio from the call, this is usually less of a concern, but it's still good practice to ask permission first.