Forum Discussion
Rewaina
Sep 03, 2026Brass Contributor
How can I record a video that I am watching on my computer?
Hi everyone, Need to record a video that's playing on my computer, including the audio. Screen recording seems like the obvious solution, but I'm not sure which method gives decent video quality wit...
Easmkom
Sep 03, 2026Iron Contributor
If you need to quickly record a video you’re watching on your laptop without installing any third-party software, the Windows Game Bar is the simplest built-in solution.
Although it’s primarily designed for recording gameplay, it works just as well for recording any on-screen activity, including videos, presentations, or video calls.
How to record a video that I am watching on my laptop With just a few keyboard shortcuts, you can start or stop recording in seconds.
How to record a video that I am watching on my laptop
- Press the Windows key + G to open the Game Bar overlay.
- If the app you want to record isn’t recognized as a game, check the Yes, this is a game checkbox. This ensures that the Game Bar captures the correct window.
- Click the Record button or press the Windows key + Alt + R to start recording.
- To enable the microphone, click the microphone icon in the overlay.
- To stop recording, press the Windows key + Alt + R again or click the Stop button.
- Recordings are automatically saved in the Videos → Screen Recordings folder, with filenames that include a timestamp.
The Windows Game Bar is arguably the quickest and easiest method—it’s built-in and requires no configuration. It’s ideal for everyday recording, quick tutorials, or saving short video clips.
P.S.
If the Game Bar isn't showing, make sure you've enabled it in Windows Settings → Gaming → Game Bar.- Due to digital rights management (DRM) protection, the Game Bar cannot capture content from apps such as Netflix, Spotify, or certain web browsers.
- The recording quality is sufficient for basic screen recording needs but is not suitable for professional use.