Want to record your app usage live when using Windows 10 or Windows 11? Here’s how.
Luckily, it’s nice and easy, as the feature is built into Microsoft’s operating system, which means you don’t need to purchase any additional screen recording software.
Here’s how to use the Xbox Game Bar tool to take a real-time screen capture on Windows.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Screen Recording: Load Xbox Game Bar
First, load the app you intend to use and save. This process cannot save a Windows desktop.
Then press and hold Windows Key + G.
This will load Xbox Game Bar, a recording tool built into Windows 10 and Windows 11 that can be used for more than just gaming.
As you can see from the image above, this is your screen recording hub, with lots of easy-to-use tools available.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Press the record button
In the Xbox Game Bar, there is a small window called Capture, where the “Start Recording” button is located.
Tap it to start recording. Alternatively, pressing Windows Key + Alt + R will perform the same function.
There is also an option “Enable mic while recording”, which controls your mic recording.
Note: Recording will take the specific app that is open and “on top”, it will not allow you to tab between multiple apps.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
How to back up and source
The Xbox Game Pass tools all disappear when you click on the active app and start recording – except for a small floating window, which maintains runtime, the “Stop Recording” button, and an “Enable/disable the microphone” command.
Once you press the stop button, a pop-up window saying “Recorded game clip” will appear. It doesn’t have to be a game, of course, it can be any application, but not the Windows operating system itself.
Where can you find these saved files? Press Windows key + G to reload the Xbox Game Bar, where there is a collection of previews of all your captures. At the top of it is an “Open in File Explorer” button, which will open the corresponding folder.
Generally, this will be located in: This PC: Local Disk: Users:
It’s as simple as that, so go record!
