How To Screen Record on Windows PC For FREE (FAST & EASY) - OBS Studio Tutorial
Learn how to screen record on a Windows PC for free with OBS Studio. This easy tutorial shows you how to capture your screen, webcam, mic, and computer audio.
Learn how to record your screen using OBS Studio, including webcam, mic, and INTERNAL COMPUTER AUDIO on a Windows PC, for FREE! By the end of this video you'll be a pro at screen recording on your PC using OBS, plus a few bonus tips to elevate the quality of your videos.
Links mentioned:
OBS Studio: https://obsproject.com/
Watch next:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u1LBOCNH_Y
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:14 Download, install, and launch OBS Studio
0:24 Open Settings
0:34 Configure Output Settings
1:05 Configure Audio Settings
1:22 Configure Hotkeys
1:35 Add Source - Display Capture
2:08 Resize output (source size)
2:19 Settings → Video → Output Resolution
2:46 Add a webcam source - Video Capture Device
3:09 Audio Mixer & check mic levels
3:28 Start Recording!
3:43 Open and watch the saved recording
3:56 SUMMARY OF STEPS (PAUSE HERE)
4:06 Subscribe
4:16 Outro
- Download and install OBS Studio for a completely free way to capture your screen, webcam, microphone, and internal computer audio.
- Configure your Output settings to save files in the MP4 format on High Quality for universal video compatibility.
- Assign custom Hotkeys (like F10) to seamlessly start and stop recordings without keeping the OBS application visible on your screen.
- Use the Sources panel to add a Display Capture for your screen (enable Force SDR if using an HDR monitor) and a Video Capture Device for your webcam.
- Right-click the video preview to Resize output (source size) and configure your scaled video resolution to 1920x1080 (HD) for perfectly framed recordings.
- Balance your Audio Mixer by slightly lowering your desktop volume and ensuring your microphone stays below 0 dB (the red zone) to prevent audio distortion.
Screen recording on a Windows PC doesn't require expensive software. You can record your screen, webcam, microphone, and internal computer audio entirely for free using OBS Studio.
Whether you are making tutorials, recording gameplay, or capturing presentations, this guide will walk you through exactly how to set up OBS Studio to create high-quality screen recordings with simple keyboard shortcuts.
Step 1: Download and Install OBS Studio
To get started, you need to download the recording software. Head over to OBS Studio and download the Windows version. Once the download is complete, install the program and launch it on your PC.
Step 2: Configure Your Settings
Before you start recording, it is crucial to tell OBS where to save your files, what quality to record in, and which audio devices to use. Click on in the bottom right corner of the OBS window.
FAQ
Quick answers to the questions people usually ask about this topic.
Is OBS Studio completely free for screen recording on a Windows PC?
Is OBS Studio completely free for screen recording on a Windows PC?
Yes, OBS Studio is entirely free software. It allows you to record high-quality video, including your screen, webcam, microphone, and internal computer audio, without needing to purchase an expensive license.
How do I record both my microphone and internal computer audio at the same time?
How do I record both my microphone and internal computer audio at the same time?
In OBS Studio, open your Settings, navigate to the Audio tab, and set both Desktop Audio and Mic/Auxiliary Audio to Default. To ensure your voice is heard clearly, check the Audio Mixer panel and slide the Desktop Audio volume down slightly so it doesn't drown out your microphone.
What is the best video format to use for saving my screen recordings?
What is the best video format to use for saving my screen recordings?
It is highly recommended to set your Recording Format to MP4 in the OBS Output settings. MP4 is the most universal video format, meaning it will be seamlessly supported by almost any video editor, media player, or online platform.
Why does my screen capture look hazy or washed out in OBS?
Why does my screen capture look hazy or washed out in OBS?
If your display monitor supports HDR (High Dynamic Range), OBS might struggle to process the colors by default, resulting in a hazy preview. To fix this, double-click your Display Capture source and check the Force SDR box to properly correct the colors.
Should I screen record in 1080p or 4K resolution?
Should I screen record in 1080p or 4K resolution?
Setting your Output Resolution to 1920x1080 (HD) is highly recommended and perfectly fine for most content. You can choose 3840x2160 (4K) if your monitor supports it and you specifically need ultra-high-definition footage, but be aware that 4K video files will be roughly four times larger.
How do I prevent my microphone audio from sounding distorted?
How do I prevent my microphone audio from sounding distorted?
To prevent distorted or "clipping" audio, speak into your microphone while monitoring the Audio Mixer at the bottom of the OBS window. Make sure your microphone's volume meter does not cross into the red zone (exceeding 0 dB).
What are the best free tools to edit my screen recordings?
What are the best free tools to edit my screen recordings?
Once you have successfully captured your screen with OBS, there are plenty of free software options available to edit and enhance your footage. For a great list of resources, watch this guide on 10 of the Best Free Tools You Can Use to Create Videos for YouTube.
