Need to record your screen on Windows for free?
Here are the 5 best free screen recorders in 2026
— tested and reviewed.
What Is a Screen Recorder?
A screen recorder captures everything on your
computer screen as a video. Perfect for tutorials,
gaming, online meetings, and presentations.
Top 5 Free Screen Recorders for Windows
- OBS Studio (Best Overall — Free)
OBS Studio is the most powerful free screen
recorder for Windows. Used by millions of
streamers and content creators worldwide.
Key Features:
- Records screen, webcam, and audio together
- No watermark, completely free
- Streams directly to YouTube and Twitch
- Unlimited recording length
- High quality up to 4K
Best for: Gamers, streamers, and serious creators.
- Xbox Game Bar (Built into Windows)
Windows 10 and 11 include Xbox Game Bar —
a built-in screen recorder that works instantly.
Key Features:
- Already installed on Windows 10 and 11
- Press Win + G to open
- Records games and apps
- Completely free, no download needed
- Saves as MP4
Best for: Quick recordings without any setup.
- ShareX (Best for Screenshots and Recording)
ShareX is a free, open-source screen recorder
with powerful features including annotations
and GIF creation.
Key Features:
- Free and open source
- Records screen, webcam, or specific window
- Creates GIFs from recordings
- Built-in screenshot tools
- No watermark
Best for: Power users who need extra features.
- Loom (Best for Work and Tutorials)
Loom lets you record your screen and webcam
together — perfect for work presentations and
tutorials. Free plan available.
Key Features:
- Records screen + webcam simultaneously
- Instant shareable link after recording
- Free plan: up to 5 minutes per video
- Works in browser — no heavy software
Best for: Work presentations and quick tutorials.
- Clipchamp (Built into Windows 11)
Microsoft Clipchamp is built into Windows 11
and includes basic screen recording and editing.
Key Features:
- Free and built into Windows 11
- Basic video editing included
- Easy to use interface
- Exports as MP4
Best for: Windows 11 users who want simple
recording with basic editing.
How to Record Screen on Windows (Step by Step)
Using Xbox Game Bar (No Download Needed):
- Press Windows + G on keyboard
- Click the Record button (circle icon)
- Or press Windows + Alt + R to start instantly
- Press Windows + Alt + R again to stop
- Find recording in:
Videos → Captures folder
Using OBS Studio:
- Download OBS from obsproject.com
- Install and open OBS
- Click + under Sources → Display Capture
- Click Start Recording
- Click Stop Recording when done
- Find video in Videos folder
Which Screen Recorder Should You Choose?
- Best overall: OBS Studio
- No download needed: Xbox Game Bar
- Most features: ShareX
- Best for work: Loom
- Windows 11 built-in: Clipchamp
Frequently Asked Questions
Does screen recording slow down my PC?
OBS can use significant CPU. For lightweight
recording, use Xbox Game Bar instead.
Can I record streaming videos?
Screen recorders capture anything on screen.
However, recording copyrighted content may
violate terms of service.
How do I record audio with screen on Windows?
In OBS: Add Audio Output Capture source.
In Xbox Game Bar: Audio is recorded automatically.
What video format does screen recording save as?
Most tools save as MP4 which works on all devices
and is easy to edit and share.
Conclusion
For most Windows users, OBS Studio is the best
free screen recorder in 2026. It is powerful,
free, and has no watermark or time limits.
For quick recordings without setup, press
Windows + G to use the built-in Xbox Game Bar.
Questions about screen recording?
Leave a comment below!