For a long time, it was necessary to download special software to record the screen in Windows. However, since Windows 10, this feature is an integral part of the operating system: the Xbox Game Bar allows you to record the screen in Windows 10 with just a few clicks. Since it is a gaming function , its options are designed for video games, so in principle, it is not possible to record the desktop or the Windows file explorer. However, these limitations can be circumvented. We explain how..
The function to record the screen that Windows 10 has installed as standard, the Xbox Game Bar, is designed for gaming , that is, to record video games . However, it can also be used in the workplace, since it allows you to record all kinds of programs. You can create, for example, a screencast to clearly explain a procedure to co-workers. This option in principle does not allow you to record the desktop or the Windows file explorer, so, in these cases, you will have to use a little trick.
Screen recording: screen recording consists of making a video of the content displayed on the monitor ..
Next, we explain how to record the screen in Windows 10 step by step:
First, open the window you want to record. Then, press the [Windows] + [G] keys at the same time to start the Windows 10 screen recorder. If you prefer, you can search for the application using the search box on the taskbar: just type the term Xbox Game Bar in the box and open the application.
If the application asks if it is a game or if you want to open the game bar, confirm it by pressing Yes ..
The Xbox Game Bar menu will then appear . If you click on any of the icons, the corresponding window will open:
To record the Windows 10 screen, open the Captures window by left-clicking on the camera icon in the Xbox Game Bar. Then, start recording by pressing the corresponding button.
When you start to record the screen, the options displayed in the window change automatically. Click on the square to stop recording . You can also turn the microphone on and off at any time.
As soon as you start recording the screen in Windows, another window automatically opens , where the options to stop recording and activate or deactivate the microphone also appear.
You can also start and stop Windows screen recording with the Windows + Alt + R keyboard shortcut .
If it does not allow you to click the record button, there is no recording window open. With the Xbox Game Bar it is only possible to record the screen of programs or video games , so, in principle, it is not possible to record the desktop or the file explorer . However, there is an easy way to overcome this limitation: open a game or program, start recording the screen, and then switch to the area you really want to record.
Use the keyboard shortcut Alt + Tab to switch between windows while screen recording.
In addition to screen recording, the Xbox Game Bar also allows voice recording . To activate this feature, click the microphone icon in the Captures window . This will automatically start audio recording and the microphone will not appear crossed out. Recording the voice can be useful, for example, to create webinars or record video game sessions.
The Xbox Game Bar provides a list of all recordings . To view it, go to the Captures window and click the Show all captures option .
The gallery then opens , where the application offers several options to view or edit the recordings: