Record PC Gameplay: Windows 10 Game DVR & Game Bar Guide
Recording Gameplay on Windows 10
Windows 10 provides an integrated solution for capturing video recordings of your computer games. This allows users to share their gaming experiences on platforms like YouTube, or privately with friends.
Utilizing the Game Bar
The functionality is accessed through the Game Bar, a component of the Game DVR feature found within the Xbox application. This built-in tool simplifies the process of recording gameplay.
The Game Bar offers a convenient way to document your gaming sessions without needing third-party software.
Customizable Keyboard Shortcuts
Windows 10 allows for personalized keyboard shortcuts to initiate video recording and screenshot capture. This customization enhances user control and streamlines the recording process.
These shortcuts can be configured to suit individual preferences, providing a more efficient gaming and recording experience.
Users can quickly start and stop recordings or take screenshots with a simple key combination.
Footage captured can be stored locally on your PC or uploaded to various video-sharing sites.
Accessing the Game Bar in Windows
This guide details how to launch the Game Bar feature. It is relevant to users preparing for or utilizing Windows 10.
The Game Bar can be activated during gameplay by simultaneously pressing the Windows key and the 'G' key. The interface will then appear overlaid on your active game.
Should the Game Bar be invoked while no game is detected by Windows, a prompt will appear. This prompt confirms whether you intend to proceed with opening the Game Bar regardless.
In some instances, the game must be running in windowed mode for the Game Bar to become visible. Adjusting your game’s display settings to windowed mode may resolve visibility issues.
The Game Bar provides convenient access to several features. These include launching the Xbox application, managing background recording, capturing screenshots, initiating gameplay video recording, and configuring settings.
Capturing Your Gameplay: A Video Recording Guide
Recording gameplay on your PC is easily achieved using the built-in Game Bar. Initiate the Game Bar by pressing the Windows Key combined with the 'G' key. Subsequently, activate the recording process by clicking the prominent red record button.
A timer will be displayed in the upper-right corner of your game screen to indicate that recording is in progress.
To conclude the recording, re-open the Game Bar and select the red stop button. Alternatively, you can utilize the keyboard shortcut Windows Key + Alt + R to both begin and end recordings.
The timer's visibility can be toggled by pressing Windows Key + Alt + T. These keybindings are the defaults, but customization is possible within the Xbox application.
Adjusting Keyboard Shortcuts
The Xbox app allows for personalized control over the recording experience. Users can modify the default keyboard shortcuts to suit their preferences.
This ensures a streamlined and comfortable recording workflow. Consider adjusting the shortcuts for quicker access to recording functions.
- Windows Key + G: Opens the Game Bar.
- Windows Key + Alt + R: Starts/Stops recording.
- Windows Key + Alt + T: Toggles timer visibility.
These shortcuts provide convenient methods for managing your gameplay recordings. Familiarizing yourself with these commands will enhance your recording efficiency.
Capturing Game Screenshots
The Game Bar provides a convenient method for taking screenshots during gameplay. Simply click the screenshot icon, positioned centrally within the Game Bar interface, to instantly capture an image.
Alternatively, a keyboard shortcut can be utilized. Pressing the Windows Key, Alt, and Print Screen keys simultaneously will capture a screenshot of the currently active game.
Utilizing the Game Bar for Screenshots
The Game Bar offers a streamlined approach to screenshot capture. This eliminates the need to minimize or interrupt your gaming experience.
Employing the Windows Key + Alt + Print Screen combination offers a rapid and efficient way to document key moments within your games.
- The screenshot icon within the Game Bar is the primary capture method.
- The keyboard shortcut provides an alternative, hands-free option.
Both methods ensure that you can easily preserve and share your in-game achievements and memorable experiences.
Locating Your Recorded Videos and Screenshots
Windows automatically stores all recorded videos and captured screenshots within a dedicated folder in your user account. This folder is named "Videos\Captures." The video files are saved in the .mp4 format, while screenshots are preserved as .png files.
Each file is labeled with the title of the game being played, along with the precise date and time of the recording or capture.
Accessing Captures Through the Xbox App
The Xbox app provides an alternative method for accessing your gameplay recordings. Launch the Xbox app from your Start menu. Then, select the "Game DVR" icon located on the left-hand side of the application interface.
This will direct you to the Game DVR section, where a categorized list of your captures – both screenshots and videos – is displayed under the heading "On this PC."
- You can conveniently view and playback your recordings directly within the Xbox app.
Game DVR offers a centralized location for managing all your gameplay content.
Adjusting Game DVR Configuration
The configuration of the Game Bar and Game DVR functionalities is managed through the Xbox application. Access the Xbox app, navigate to the Settings icon, and subsequently choose Game DVR to personalize these features.
Complete deactivation of the Game DVR is possible from this location. Alternatively, you can define custom keyboard shortcuts for actions such as launching the game bar, initiating video recordings, capturing screenshots, activating/deactivating the timer, and utilizing the "Record that" function.
Furthermore, options are provided to designate the directories where Windows 10 will store game clips and screenshots. Video quality and resolution preferences can also be adjusted here.
By default, audio is included during gameplay recording. However, you have the ability to prevent audio recording or regulate the audio quality level through the Game Bar settings.
These settings allow for a tailored experience, ensuring gameplay capture aligns with your specific needs and preferences.
Utilizing Background Recording Capabilities
Related: Methods for Capturing Video and Screenshots from a Game Console or TV Streaming Device
Both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 consoles feature automatic background gameplay recording. This allows for the quick saving of noteworthy game moments as they occur.
Windows 10’s Game DVR offers a comparable functionality. Activation of this feature requires enabling the “Record in the background while I'm playing a game” setting within the Game DVR Settings section of the Xbox app. The application notes that this may impact system performance.
Constant resource allocation is necessary for recording while gaming with this setting active. Therefore, it’s advisable to keep it disabled unless gameplay recording is a priority, or if your computer possesses substantial processing power.
The system defaults to continuously recording and retaining the most recent 30 seconds of gameplay. To preserve these last 30 seconds, access the Game Bar and select the second icon from the left, or utilize the keyboard shortcut Windows + Alt + G.
This “Record that” function automatically saves the previously recorded gameplay segment, mirroring the functionality found on the Xbox One console.
At present, the Game DVR feature is primarily intended for video capture and subsequent sharing. Live streaming gameplay directly to platforms such as Twitch.tv is not supported.
Consequently, third-party game-recording software remains essential for those wishing to broadcast their gameplay live.
