Use your device’s built-in screen recorder, choose what to capture, and set microphone or device audio before you start. The steps differ across Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android and Chromebook; the guides below also explain where each recording goes.
Before you record: choose the screen area and audio
Decide whether you need the entire display, a selected region, a window, or an app or game clip. Then check the audio controls: microphone narration and device or system audio are separate options, and availability depends on the platform and sometimes the app being recorded.
Built-in recorders cover the basic task on the platforms below; you generally do not need extra recording software. If an app blocks capture, its window or audio may not appear in the recording.
How to screen record on Windows
Record an area with Snipping Tool
- Open Snipping Tool in Windows 11 and choose Record.
- Select the screen area, then adjust its boundaries if needed.
- Start recording, and preview the result when you stop.
Snipping Tool is a straightforward choice when you want to record a selected area. Microsoft also lists Xbox Game Bar and Clipchamp as Windows recording options: Microsoft’s overview of recording options.
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Record an app or game clip with Xbox Game Bar
- Open the app or game you want to capture.
- Press Win+G to open Xbox Game Bar. Press Win+Alt+R to start or stop a recording.
- To toggle the microphone during a clip, press Win+Alt+M. Check Game Bar’s capture settings if you want computer sounds included.
Game Bar recordings are saved as MP4 files under VideosCaptures. The documented steps apply to Windows 10 and 11; capture behavior can depend on what you are recording. See Microsoft’s Xbox Game Bar instructions.
How to screen record on Mac
- Press Shift-Command-5 to open Screenshot.
- Choose to record the entire screen or a selected portion.
- Open Options to choose a microphone or save location, then click Record.
- Stop from the menu bar, or press Command-Control-Esc.
Apple’s guide describes Desktop as the default save location and lets you choose another location in Options. QuickTime Player can also record the whole screen or a selected area. System-audio recording is available on macOS 27 or later, so do not assume it is available on older macOS versions. Some apps may prevent their windows from being recorded; Apple notes, “Some apps, such as the Apple TV app, might not let you record their windows.” See Apple’s Mac screen-recording guide.
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How to screen record on iPhone
- Open Control Center and tap Screen Recording. If the control is missing, add it to Control Center.
- Wait for the countdown, then record the screen.
- To narrate, press and hold the Screen Recording control, turn on Microphone, and start recording.
- Stop the recording. Find it in the Photos app.
Some apps may block video or audio capture. Screen recording also cannot run at the same time as screen mirroring. See Apple’s iPhone instructions.
How to screen record on Android
- On Android 12 or later, swipe down to open Quick Settings and tap Screen Record, if available.
- Choose whether to record audio or show touches if those options appear on your device.
- Start the recording, then stop it from the Screen recorder notification.
These steps apply to Android 12 and later on most supported screens. The menu position and options vary by device, so look for Screen Record in the expanded Quick Settings panel if it is not immediately visible. See Google’s Android screen-recording instructions.
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How to screen record on Chromebook
- Press Shift+Ctrl+Show windows, then choose Screen record.
- Select full screen, partial screen, or a window.
- In Settings, choose device audio, microphone, or both as needed.
- Stop with the screen control or press Search+Shift+X.
Recordings go to Downloads by default; you can change the save folder. A partial-screen capture can be saved as a video or GIF, but GIF does not include audio or video input. See Google’s Chromebook instructions.
Where to find your screen recording
| Device or recorder | Default save location | Useful detail |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Xbox Game Bar | VideosCaptures | MP4 recording |
| Mac Screenshot | Desktop | Choose a different location in Options |
| iPhone | Photos | Find the recording with your other saved videos |
| Chromebook | Downloads | Change the save folder in settings |
| Windows Snipping Tool or Android | Not stated in the cited instructions here | Check the app or device’s save destination after recording |
Common screen-recording problems
The recorder or shortcut is missing
- iPhone: Add Screen Recording to Control Center if it is not present.
- Android: Expand Quick Settings and look for Screen Record. Options and placement vary by device.
- Windows: Use Snipping Tool’s Record option for an area, or Xbox Game Bar for an app or game clip.
The recording has no narration or system sound
Before recording, check whether the recorder is set to capture microphone audio, device audio, or both. These are different inputs. On Mac, system-audio recording is documented for macOS 27 or later; on Chromebook, select the desired audio sources in Settings. On Android, choose audio options if offered by your device.
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A window, video, or sound is missing
The app may restrict capture. Apple specifically notes that some apps do not allow window recording, and iPhone apps can block video or audio capture. On iPhone, also check that screen mirroring is not active alongside screen recording.
The file is not where you expected
Check the documented destination for your platform: Game Bar uses VideosCaptures, Mac Screenshot defaults to Desktop, iPhone saves to Photos, and Chromebook defaults to Downloads. Mac and Chromebook let you change the save location.
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Copyright and sharing a screen recording
Recording your screen does not grant permission to redistribute what appears on it. Before publishing a recording, consider whether it includes copyrighted video, music, private messages, account details, or other material you do not have permission to share. YouTube’s copyright and monetization decisions are separate from the act of recording; check the rights and platform rules that apply to the material you plan to upload.
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If your goal is to keep a YouTube channel live with uploaded recordings rather than capture your screen, StreamNeo is a separate cloud service for looping uploaded videos or playlists. Upload the recording, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on; videos stream as uploaded up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. Start the free day with StreamNeo.
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