How to Screen Record on Windows 10 for Free [6 Tools]

Do you know how to screen record on Windows 10 for your games, application tutorials, or anything on your screen without paying? No matter if you are a gamer, a content creator, or a casual user who needs screen recording, we have you covered. In this tutorial, you can learn how to screen record on Windows 10 with step-by-step instructions. 

Part 1: How to Screen Record on Windows 10

You can use Windows 10’s inbuilt features and third-party software to do the job easily. If you don’t know how to do this yet, just read on to learn first with the built-in way to record your screen on Windows 10.

1. How to Record Your Screen on Windows 10 with Xbox Game Bar

The Xbox Game Bar is a built-in feature on Windows 10/11 that you can use directly without installing anything extra. So, the biggest benefit of using it is the convenience. By pressing on several shortcuts, you can start using it right away.

It also provides you with high-quality screen recording, system audio recording, microphone voice recording, and real-time monitoring. A screenshot mode and an FPS counter for users are included as well. However, it cannot capture the desktop and the file explorer, so it is best for recording the game or the applications. 

Step 1: Press the Windows+G keys to open the Xbox Game Bar. If you are using it for the first time, make sure it is enabled (go to Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar and toggle it on)

Step 2: Find the Capture button (a circle icon). If you cannot find it, open it from the Widget Menu to make it visible.

Step 3: Now you can click on the Capture button to start recording (you can also press Windows+Alt+R). Make sure you turn on the Microphone icon while recording. 

Step 4: You can click on the Stop button or press Windows+ Alt+R keys to stop at any time. Then, go to Videos > Captures to check the recorded video files. 

2. How to Record Your Screen on Windows 10 with the Best Free Screen Recorders 

Aside from using the in-built Xbox Game Bar, most people find third-party recorders more suitable due to enhanced features like recording the whole desktop, capturing several windows at one time, editing, and exporting in various formats. The tools come in handy whenever you have to record desktop processes, webinars, tutorials, etc. We present below some of the popular free screen recorders that are compatible with Windows 10, beginning with Leawo Free Screen Recorder.

No. 1 Leawo Free Screen Recorder – For All Users

Being one of the best free screen recorders, Leawo Free Screen Recorder offers multiple functionalities beyond basic screen capturing. It can record all on your computer, including screen, system audio, microphone voice, and webcam. Leawo is an easy, high-definition way to record tutorial videos, capture games, record online content, etc. Being able to record 4K and export videos into different formats, it all supports an online version that you can use unlimited without a watermark. So, it is a very versatile recording tool for everyone. 

Pros:

• All-in-one recorder
• User-defined recording area
• High 4K video recording
• Mouse effects and drawing in real-time
• Watermark-free recordings
• Free and user-friendly
• Online version without downloading and  installing

Cons:

• Needs a compatible graphics card to record 4K

How to use: 

Step 1: Download and install Leawo Free Screen Recorder from the official website.

Step 2: Run the program and configure your recording settings, like output format, video quality, saving directory, etc.

Step 3: Choose your recording area (full screen or custom).

Step 4: After the settings are completed, click on the red REC button to record.

No. 2 CamStudio – For Beginners

CamStudio is an open-source screen recorder that is completely free to use and has been released since 2001. Now it has been relaunched as CamStudio 3.0 whole new 2025 version. It is lightweight, easy to use, and suited for those users who don’t want to encounter complicated recording issues. From recording the whole screen to selective region recording, CamStudio simplifies everything for you through seamless control and customizable settings. It records high quality with H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC, and AV1 codecs and it is ideal for quick recording. 

Pros:

• Easily operate by accessing keyboard shortcuts
• Customizable capture settings
• High-quality video and audio output
• Lightweight, not resource-intensive
• Customizable settings for special needs

Cons:

• Not as many advanced features as in professional-level tools
• Tends to show instability when used for high-quality recording purposes.
• Bundle with unwanted software

How to use: 

Step 1: Download and install CamStudio from the official website.

Step 2: Launch CamStudio and set up your video/audio settings.

Step 3: Start recording with keyboard shortcuts:

• Ctrl + PrtScr – Record the entire monitor
• Ctrl + Win + PrtScr – Record specific window
• Ctrl + Shift + PrtScr – Record selected area

Step 4: End the recording and save the video in your desired format.

No. 3 FlashBack Express – For Casual Users

FlashBack Express is a Windows 10 and 11 screen recorder with both free and paid versions. It allows users to capture their screen, webcam, microphone, and system audio simultaneously, making it a perfect solution for tutorials, presentations, and daily recordings. The program also includes screen annotation, cursor trail, and schedule recording to enhance video quality. Although there are no extremely powerful editing features available in the free version, the software still provides an excellent daily user experience that is easy and simple to use for basic recording purposes.

Pros:

• Screen, webcam, mic, and system audio captured
• Screen markup and cursor tracking
• No limit on recording time

Cons:

• Watermarked videos in some cases
• Powerful features are only in the paid version

How to use:

Step 1: Open the software and choose your recording mode (full screen, window, or region of interest). Enable webcam and microphone if needed.

Step 2: Press the Record button to start recording.

Step 3: To stop recording, press the stop button within the interface. Then, save or edit your video if needed.

No. 4 ShareX – For Advanced Users

ShareX is a free, powerful screen capture and file-sharing application for advanced users who need flexibility and automation. It has several capture modes, including full screen, window, region, and scrolling capture, as well as GIF recording. The application has over 80 upload sites for sharing screenshots and videos in real time. With native annotation, OCR, QR code generation, and automation workflows, ShareX is ideal for the user who needs complete control of their screen record and share procedures.

Pros:

• Completely free and open-source with no adware
• Totally customizable workflow and automation support
• Several direct file-share platforms supported
• Includes superior features like OCR, image refinement, and conversion of video

Cons:

• Rather complex interface and is hard to navigate for newbies
• Overwhelming because of features quantity

How to use:

Step 1: Open the software and choose a capture mode (full screen, region, window, scrolling capture, or screen recording).

Step 2: Use keyboard shortcuts to start recording:

Capture Fullscreen: PrtSc

Capture Active Window: Alt + PrtSc

Capture Region: Shift + PrtSc

Start/Stop Screen Recording: Ctrl + Shift + PrtSc

Step 3: After capturing, use the “After Capture” tasks to edit, annotate, or upload your file to its destination, and then you can save the files. 

No. 5 OBS Studio – For Professionals

Designed for live streaming and professional video capture, OBS Studio boasts a full-featured set perfect for gamers, content creators, and broadcasters. You can compose sophisticated scenes with any source, including screen captures, webcams, and browser windows. It features a simple-to-use audio mixer with advanced filters, customizable transitions, and complete integration with the major streaming sites. Overall, OBS is free, open source, and highly customizable so that professionals are in full control of their video production.

Pros:

• Completely free and open source without limits
• Compatible with recording and high-definition streaming
• Advanced audio mixing with support for VST plugins
• Personalizable interface with hotkeys and scene changes
• Supports various platforms like Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Direct sharing to social platforms

Cons:

• The steep learning curve for new users
• High system resource usage, especially for high-definition streaming
• Hand setup required to achieve optimal performance

How to use:

Step 1: Start OBS and configure video and audio settings.

Step 2: Add screen capture or webcam sources to your scene.

Step 3: Create hotkeys for easy control of actions.

Step 4: Click Start Recording or Start Streaming to broadcast live.

Part 2: How to Choose a Screen Recorder

Some of you may be confused when choosing a reliable screen recorder since there are so many options in the market besides the above ones. So, for you to locate the best-suited one, consider the following to ensure it fits your needs:

• Ease of Use: When starting screen recorders, select a recorder that provides a user-friendly design that matches the requirements of beginner users.
• Recording Features: Review the recording features of potential screen recorders because they must provide full-screen capture together with region selection, webcam recording, and system audio capabilities.
• Editing Features: The built-in editing features make a tool the optimal choice since it enables trimming and annotation insertion, etc. if you have this kind of need.
• Output Quality: Users requiring premium-quality output need to select a tool that supports HD resolution including good audio quality.
• Compatibility: Check if the recording program works with your system (Windows, macOS, Linux).
• Price: Choose a free tool or a paid tool including additional features in your decision to purchase. Note that some of the free recorders may contain watermarks and other limits.

Part 3: FAQs

Q1: Can I record my game screen on Windows 10?

Yes. Windows 10 users can perform gaming screen recording through Xbox Game Bar or you can use Leawo Free Screen Recorder as a third-party option.

Q2: Can I record both the screen and the webcam?

Yes. Screen and webcam recording functions are supported in many screen recording programs, such as Leawo Free Screen Recorder, Flashback Express, and OBS Studio.

Q3: Do I need third-party software to record my screen?

Xbox Game Bar enables users to record their Windows screen through the built-in tool without any installation requirements. It’s a built-in tool. But, if you prefer additional capabilities during recording, users can use third-party recorders such as Leawo Free Screen Recorder or OBS Studio.