How to Record Video Games on a PC

Recording a video game on a PC captures your gameplay as a video file you can watch, edit, or share. Windows includes built-in recording options, while dedicated recording software offers more control; before you start, check that you have enough free storage and know where your recording will be saved.

What You’ll Need

A Windows PC that can run the game and record at the same time.
Free disk space for the video. High-resolution recordings can use several gigabytes per hour, depending on settings and activity.
A recording tool: Windows Game Bar for a quick capture, or OBS Studio for more control over sources, audio, and output settings.
A microphone or headset if you want to record your voice. A webcam is optional.

Step-by-Step

Choose your recording method. For a simple clip on Windows, use Xbox Game Bar, which is built into many Windows installations. Press Windows logo key + G to open it. If the overlay does not appear, open Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar and check that it is enabled. Menu names can vary slightly by Windows version. For a full scene layout, separate microphone controls, or more recording options, install OBS Studio from its official website.
Prepare your PC and game. Close applications you do not need, especially other games or video tools. Check your available storage in File Explorer before recording. Start the game and set its resolution and graphics options to levels your PC can handle smoothly. If gameplay already stutters, lower graphics settings or frame rate before adding a recording workload.
Set up Game Bar, if using it. Open the game, press Windows + G, and locate the Capture widget. In the widget, check the microphone button if you want to include your voice. Use Windows + Alt + R to start or stop recording without reopening the overlay. The default save location is usually Videos\Captures; you can check or change the capture options in Windows Settings under Gaming > Captures.
Set up OBS Studio, if you need more control. Open OBS and follow its initial setup prompts. In the Sources panel, select the plus button and add Game Capture, then choose the option to capture a specific window and select your game. If that source does not capture the game, try Window Capture or Display Capture. Display Capture records everything visible on the chosen screen, so close private windows and notifications first.
Configure OBS audio and saving. Check the audio meters while the game is running and while you speak. In Settings > Audio, select the intended desktop audio and microphone devices; avoid recording a microphone twice through two different sources. In Settings > Output, check the recording path and use the default recording quality initially. Under Settings > Video, choose a resolution and frame rate your PC can sustain. If unsure, begin with 1080p at 30 frames per second, then test higher settings only if performance remains smooth.
Make a short test recording. Record 20–30 seconds of gameplay, including a moment with game sound and a brief voice check if needed. Stop the recording and play it back. Confirm that the picture is visible, the audio is clear, and the saved file opens. This catches capture, microphone, and storage problems before a longer session.
Record your session. Start the game, then start recording from Game Bar or OBS. Avoid switching to private information if you are capturing the desktop. When finished, stop the recording using the same tool. Wait for it to finish saving before closing the game or recording application.
Find and review the video. Open the save location shown in your recording settings. Watch the beginning, middle, and end to check for missing audio, stuttering, or an incomplete file. Keep the original until you have confirmed that any edited or shared copy works.

Common Mistakes

Recording the wrong source: A black screen or desktop instead of the game often means the capture source is wrong. In OBS, select the game window again or try another capture source.
Forgetting the microphone: A moving meter can show that audio is being detected, but playback is the reliable check. Test both game sound and voice before recording for a long time.
Setting quality too high: High resolution, frame rate, and quality increase demands on your PC and storage. Raise settings gradually and check the test recording.
Running out of disk space: A recording may stop or fail to save if the destination drive fills up. Check free space and choose a drive with room before starting.
Leaving notifications visible: Desktop capture can show messages, account details, or unrelated windows. Turn on a focus mode or use game-only capture when appropriate.

Tips

Use a short test whenever you change the game, microphone, capture method, or output settings.
Use a headset to reduce the chance that game audio from speakers is picked up again by the microphone.
Keep recordings organized in folders by game or date, and use clear filenames so you can find clips later.
If the game runs poorly while recording, reduce recording resolution or frame rate, then lower in-game graphics settings if needed.
For sharing, make a copy and edit or compress that copy rather than overwriting your original recording.

Troubleshooting

Game Bar will not open: Check Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar and enable it if available. If the shortcut is disabled or the game is not supported, try OBS or another recording option available on your PC.

OBS shows a black screen: Confirm the correct game is selected in the capture source. Try running the game in borderless-windowed mode, then test Window Capture or Display Capture. If you use Display Capture, make sure OBS is capturing the screen where the game appears.

There is no sound: Check that the correct output and microphone devices are selected, that they are not muted, and that their OBS meters respond. In Game Bar, check the capture audio settings and microphone control. Make another short test and listen to the saved file.

The recording stutters or the game slows down: Lower the recording resolution or frame rate, close background applications, and reduce demanding game settings. Record to a drive with free space and check that the recording software is not using an unusually demanding quality setting.

The file is missing or will not play: Check the save folder configured in the recording tool, including Videos\Captures for Game Bar. Confirm that the recording finished saving and that the destination drive is available. Try opening the file in another media player; if it is incomplete, make a brief test recording before trying again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record gameplay on a PC without installing software?
Often, yes. Windows Game Bar is built in on many Windows PCs. If it is unavailable or does not capture your game, use a compatible recording application such as OBS Studio.

How do I record my voice and game audio together?
Enable the microphone in Game Bar, or select the correct microphone and desktop audio devices in OBS. Record a short test and listen back to make sure both are clear.

Where are Game Bar recordings saved?
They are usually saved in Videos\Captures. Check Windows capture settings if you changed the destination or cannot find a clip.

Why is my game recording a black screen?
The capture tool may be pointed at the wrong window or capture method. Re-select the game, try borderless-windowed mode, or switch between game, window, and display capture.

What settings should I use for recording?
Start with 1080p at 30 frames per second if your PC can manage it, then review a test. Choose lower settings if the game stutters or the video takes too much storage.

Can I record games on a laptop?
Yes, if the laptop can run the game and recording software together. Keep it plugged in, close unnecessary applications, and reduce recording or game settings if performance drops.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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