You may or may not see a prompt asking if the highlighted application on your screen is a game. Step 5: When you’re done adjusting your settings, type the default keyboard shortcut to open the Xbox Game Bar: Win + G. There are also options to enable recording while projecting your screen, set a maximum recording length, and adjust your audio settings and video quality settings. Under Captures, you can change your save location for your recordings and screenshots, enable background recording, and enable recordings even when your laptop isn’t plugged in. Step 4: Select Captures listed on the left to view and adjust further customization options if needed.

If it reads Off, then click on the toggle. As shown below, there’s a toggle under the first paragraph that should be set to On. Step 3: The Xbox Game Bar section should load by default. Step 2: Select Gaming in the Settings app. Both of these methods will open the Settings app. Alternatively, you can click the notifications icon on the taskbar and select the All Settings tile in the Action Center. Step 1: Click the Start button, followed by the gear icon located in the Start Menu.

Nvidia NVENC (most Nvidia GeForce 600 or newer most Quadro K series or newer).

Intel Quick Sync H.264 (Intel second-generation CPU or newer).

Most modern graphics cards or processors support them.

To use this feature, your PC needs to support one of the following encoders. If you prefer step-by-step instructions for Windows 11, check out our guide here. However, Windows 11 will look a little different from the images we are using. These steps will also all work on Windows 11, including options to use PowerPoint explained below. However, it can be used for any open application, offering a convenient way to record the screen and even add audio if needed. Windows 10 includes a native video capture tool, but it’s primarily designed for gamers.

In this guide, we’ll show you how by using native, open-source, and paid third-party tools. The task is easier than you might think, as Windows 10/11, MacOS, and even Chrome OS have built-in tools that can get the job done.

Countdown timer for taskbar