Recording gameplay on your PC is a great way to share your skills, create content for YouTube or Twitch, or review your own performance in games. Whether you want to capture a casual gaming moment or produce professional-level footage, there are multiple tools and settings available to help you do just that.
This article explains how to record gameplay on a PC using built-in Windows features and third-party software. You will also learn which settings matter most, how to get the best performance and where to find your recordings once they are saved.
Using Xbox Game Bar in Windows 10 and 11
Windows includes a built-in screen recorder called Xbox Game Bar. It is free, easy to use and does not require any extra downloads. It works well for most users and supports both background recording and live capture.
To launch it, press Windows Key + G while your game is open. A small overlay will appear with various widgets including performance stats, audio controls and a capture panel. Click the red record button or press Windows Key + Alt + R to begin recording. You can stop recording using the same shortcut.
Your clips will be saved automatically in your Videos > Captures folder. Xbox Game Bar works best with full-screen and borderless window games. If it does not work with a specific title, you may need to try a dedicated recorder.
Using OBS Studio
For more advanced features and higher quality control, many gamers use OBS Studio. It is a free open-source tool that supports game capture, webcam overlay, audio mixing and live streaming.
Once installed, OBS lets you create scenes made up of multiple sources. You can add your game window, desktop, microphone and webcam. Click Start Recording when ready and Stop Recording to finish. Your footage will be saved in your chosen output folder.
OBS lets you choose your video resolution, frame rate and bitrate. If your PC is powerful enough, you can record at 1080p or 4K with smooth frame rates. You can also record in different formats including MP4 and MKV.
Nvidia ShadowPlay
If you have an Nvidia graphics card, you can use GeForce Experience to enable ShadowPlay, now known as Nvidia Share. This tool allows you to capture high-quality gameplay with minimal performance loss.
You can use the default shortcut Alt + Z to open the overlay. From there, you can start manual recording or use Instant Replay to capture the last few minutes of gameplay.
Nvidia Share saves your recordings in the Videos > Desktop or Videos > Games folder depending on your settings. It is a popular choice for those with compatible GPUs who want something quick and easy to use.
AMD Software for Radeon Users
If your PC uses an AMD graphics card, the AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition also includes built-in recording features. The Record & Stream tab allows you to record gameplay, save replays and even broadcast.
You can customise your resolution, frame rate and file format. AMD’s software is lightweight and integrated into the driver package, making it an efficient option for Radeon GPU users.
Important Recording Settings
To get good results from your gameplay recordings, pay attention to key settings like resolution, frame rate and bitrate. A 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second is a common standard for smooth and clear video.
Bitrate affects the quality and file size. Higher bitrates mean better image clarity but also larger files. For most users, 10 to 20 Mbps is a good starting point.
Make sure your storage drive has enough space for long recordings and check your CPU and GPU usage while recording to avoid performance drops in-game.
Audio and Commentary
If you want to include your own voice or external audio, make sure your microphone is selected as an input in your chosen recording software. Most tools also let you balance in-game sound with your mic so viewers can hear both clearly.
You can also record voiceovers after the gameplay is captured if you prefer to add commentary later using a video editing programme.
Editing and Uploading
After recording, you may want to trim your clips, add transitions or overlay music and graphics. Free tools like DaVinci Resolve or Shotcut can help with editing. More advanced users might use Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
Once your video is ready, you can upload it to platforms like YouTube, Twitch or Vimeo. Make sure you export the final version in a widely supported format such as MP4 and use a resolution that matches your recording settings.
Final Thoughts
Recording gameplay on PC has never been easier. With built-in tools like Xbox Game Bar and dedicated software like OBS Studio or Nvidia Share, you can capture smooth, high-quality footage with minimal fuss. By choosing the right settings and software for your system, you can create engaging content or simply enjoy watching your best gaming moments again.