Forum Discussion
Yarisyoyo
Feb 20, 2025Iron Contributor
How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop with Windows 10/11 OS
Hi all,
I'm using a Dell laptop running Windows 10, and I need to record my screen for tutorials and presentations. However, I'm not sure what the best way to do this is. Is there any built-in options or free software that can help me record my screen smoothly.
From what I've found so far, Windows has a built-in Game Bar (Windows + G), but I’m not sure if it works for all applications or if there are better alternatives. Also, I’d like to know the following question when it comes to screen record on a Dell laptop:
- How can I record the entire screen, not just a single app?
- Can I record both system audio and microphone at the same time?
- Are there any recommended free tools that provide high-quality recordings without watermarks?
Thanks for the help!
- WokhioskIron Contributor
I won't use the built-in screen recording tool as it only has some basic functions. You need advanced features for recording professional videos. I am using this one and works great on my Windows 11 PC:
https://www.netgeair.com/record-windows-11-screen-with-audio
It supports lossless 8K/4K image quality and comes with a handy editing tool. So you can make some editing for the recorded videos.
- EorkuIron Contributor
Don't use Caamtasia though is a powerful screen recording and video editing tool. In the past, it was an excellent choice for users who need high-quality recordings with advanced editing capabilities. Unlike the built-in Xbox Game Bar, which only records application windows, it allows full-screen recording, multi-track editing, and customizable effects. It's particularly useful for creating tutorials, presentations, and professional-quality videos, as it includes features like annotations, transitions, and audio enhancements. This is a great option for screen recording on a Dell laptop and PC. Additionally, it supports multiple export formats so you can share your recordings in the best possible quality.
However, Caamtasia comes with a high price tag ($299 for a single license), which may not be ideal for users who only need basic screen recording. While it offers a free trial, the trial version includes a watermark on exported videos. Moreover, it can be resource-intensive, meaning it might slow down performance on lower-end Dell laptops. If you need just screen recording without heavy editing, free alternatives like OBS Studio or ShareeX could be better screen recorder options.
- WainkusRobertIron Contributor
Once I needed to record a tutorial temporarily, but there was no screen recording software installed on my Dell laptop Windows 11. Later I found that there is a screen record on Dell laptop Windows 11 function in PowerPoint, which is simple and practical.
- Open PowerPoint, click "Insert" > "Screen Recording".
- Select the recording area and click "Start Recording".
- After recording, the video will be automatically inserted into PowerPoint. Right-click and select "Save as Media" to save it as MP4.
Although it can only record microphone sound, not system sound, it is completely sufficient for simple tutorials!
- VersecxyIron Contributor
When it comes to screen recording on a Dell laptop, there are definitely some things you wanna watch out for. First off, be super mindful of what you’re recording. If you’re capturing anything that involves sensitive info—like personal chats, passwords, or sensitive work documents—make sure you’re not on display. I learned that the hard way when I accidentally recorded a whole chat full of private info once. Total facepalm moment!
Speaking of audio, keep an eye (or ear) on your surroundings. If you’re in a noisy environment—like a cafe or a busy household—those background sounds can totally ruin your recording. I remember doing a bunch of takes for a tutorial because my cat decided it was the perfect time to start meowing. Pro tip: record when it’s nice and quiet!
Make sure your laptop can handle the recording length. Recording long videos can fill up your storage really quickly! I once got caught off guard when I was in the middle of a long gameplay session, and my laptop popped a warning about low disk space. I had to rush and clear some files, which was super distracting. Check your storage before hitting that record button!
- IndiaerIron Contributor
There are several ways to record screen on Dell laptop in Windows 10/11. Here are three common methods, both built-in and free third-party tools, that can help you record high-quality videos smoothly.
1. Use the Game Bar that comes with Windows 10/11
The Game Bar (Windows + G) you mentioned is indeed a good choice. Although it is designed for games, it can also record other applications or the desktop. You can open the Game Bar and click the record button to start recording the screen.- Pros: No need to install any software, easy to operate.
- Cons: It can only record one application window, not the entire desktop. If you want to record the entire screen, it may be a bit limited.
System audio and microphone: You can record system audio and microphone sound at the same time, which is convenient to set up.
2. Use OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software)
If you need more powerful screen recording functions for dell laptop, OBS Studio is a free open source tool that is widely used for live broadcasting and screen recording. It supports recording entire screen on dell laptop Windows 11, a specified window, and even multiple audio sources (including system audio and microphone).- Pros: Completely free, no watermark, supports high-quality recording, powerful, suitable for professional use.
- Cons: The interface is a bit complicated and takes some time to learn, but once you master it, it provides very flexible recording functions.
System audio and microphone: You can record system audio and microphone at the same time, and you can adjust the volume of each.
3. Use Bandicam (free version)
Bandicam is another popular screen recording software. Although the free version has some functional limitations, it can record high-quality videos without watermarks. It supports recording entire screen, specified areas, and even game modes.- Pros: Easy to use, good recording effect, and the free version can also meet most basic needs.
- Cons: The free version has a recording time limit (10 minutes), and some features require payment to unlock.
These three methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the recording functions and ease of operation you need. If you just want to screen record on dell laptop Windows 11 for tutorial recording, Game Bar is enough; if you need higher quality and more professional functions, OBS Studio and Bandicam will be better choices.
- AmeliaAdamsIron Contributor
Screen recording on a Dell laptop is super easy, and I’ve been using it for ages to capture everything from gameplay to video calls. If you're not feeling the Xbox Game Bar, you can also use Microsoft PowerPoint, which is pretty nifty! Here's how to screen record on a Dell laptop:
- Open PowerPoint and create a new slide.
- Go to the Insert tab, and find the Screen Recording option.
- Click on it, and your screen will dim. You can select the area you want to record by dragging your cursor.
- Hit Record! You can stop it by moving your cursor to the top of the screen, and clicking on the Stop button.
- PowerPoint will insert the recording into your slide. You can save it as a video by right-clicking on the video and selecting "Save Media As."
I’ve done this a couple of times for quick tutorials when I wasn’t in the mood for more complex options. The only catch is you need PowerPoint installed, but if you have it, it's a great alternative.
- BarbarankIron Contributor
The Xbox Game Bar is a built-in screen recording tool in Windows 10 and 11, making it convenient for basic screen recording tasks on a Dell laptop.
How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop Free:
- Go to Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar.
- Open the app or window you want to record. Press Windows + G to open the Game Bar overlay.
- Click the Record button (🔴) or press Windows + Alt + R to start recording. A small recording bar will appear, showing the recording time.
- To stop, press Windows + Alt + R again or click the Stop button (⏹) in the floating bar. Your recording will be saved in Videos > Captures folder.
- Go to Settings > Gaming > Captures to tweak settings like recording quality, audio input, and background recording.
Pros:
✅ Built-in and free – No need to install third-party software.
✅ Easy to use – Shortcut keys make it quick to access.
✅ Records system audio and microphone – Ideal for voiceovers.
✅ Good for gameplay and single-app recording – Works well for capturing specific apps.Cons:
❌ Cannot record the entire desktop or File Explorer – Only works for active application windows.
❌ Limited customization – No advanced settings for frame rates, resolution, or format.
❌ No built-in editing tools – You’ll need another program for editing.