When we work with our computer it is possible that it may be useful to have the possibility of recording everything that happens on the screen. Either because we want to make our own video tutorials to upload them later or we are teachers and we need to record classes or we simply need to make a video presentation or record our own games. For this, we will need a tool with which to be able to do it, for which it will not be necessary to have to pay and obtain good results.
Whatever the reason, the truth is that if we need to record the screen of our computer, we will surely require complete software and, if possible, without having to pay a single euro. This is something completely possible as we will show you below with a series of free tools that can surprise us.
Features of a screen recorder
When we talk about screen recording software we are not referring to a tool that allows us to capture everything that happens on the desktop of our computer or in a part of it to be able to record it on video with high image quality, either in FullHD as in 4K.
When choosing a screen recorder we must take into account that it has a series of functions that will be very useful to us. For example, it is important that they have the possibility to record the full screen or a particular area. Similarly, some software has the ability to record an open application or window on which to apply the recording. It is also important that the result obtained can be saved in popular formats such as AVI or MP4.
Other interesting features that must be counted include the possibility of reverting the recorded video, recording the desktop as GIF , eliminating the recording frames. It is also interesting that they can transmit the screen or show key presses and mouse clicks during the recording and that at least it has a basic editing tool to be able to make some adjustments.
Record with Windows Game Bar
Many may be surprised, but both Windows 10 and Windows 11 have a game bar natively. Through this we can make recordings , although it can only be used with applications since it is specially designed to capture games, so it does not allow recording full screen or in a specific area.
To activate it, just press the keyboard shortcut “Windows + G” . Subsequently, simply press the “Start” or “Stop” button to start or stop the recording. We can also activate or deactivate the microphone if necessary. By default the video will be saved in the “Captures” folder that we will find inside the “Videos” folder.
The application will allow us to make cuts both at the beginning and at the end of the videos once the recording is finished. In general, they should not include a watermark, time limit or advertising. It should also be noted that its editing features are limited, it lacks a recording pause feature, and it records in the resolution of the size of the target application.
Essential software
Next, we are going to tell you what are the best free options that we can find to make our screen recordings on a Windows computer.
ActivePresenter, popular for YTubers
It is a screen recording and video editor software developed by Atomi Systems. It is quite popular among teachers, video producers or YTubers who need to make video demonstrations or tutorials since it has practically any function or effect that we may need.
The program has a free version without a watermark that allows us to test all its functions without restrictions on use or time. Once the capture is finished, we can carry out basic editing tasks such as trimming, cutting, dividing your recording, changing the speed and volume, adding subtitles, among others. On the contrary, we miss the possibility of programming the recordings. We can export the content obtained to such popular formats as MP4, AVI, WMV, WebM and MKV.
We can download the free version of ActivePresenter from the developer’s website. In the case of accessing its paid version, we will have more advanced audio and video functions.
IObit Screen Recorder, record videos up to 4K
We are talking about software specially designed to record with sound everything that happens on the screen of our computer. With this tool we can obtain high definition videos being able to record images up to 4K at 60 fps. When it comes to exporting the results obtained, it has a wide variety of formats, including AVI, MP4, MOV, MKV, FLV, etc.
Once the recording is finished, we will also have the possibility of carrying out small and useful editing tasks such as cutting out the appropriate parts, although for some users it may be too simple. Although it is entirely in English , its functions are quite intuitive, which allows it to be used by all types of users. The application also has the possibility of taking a screenshot and has keyboard shortcuts to start, stop and pause a recording. In addition, we can upload our recordings to platforms such as Y-Tube, V-imeo, Face-book, Google Drive and Dropbox.
IOBit Screen Recorder is a totally free program for Windows that we can download from its official website. It is worth mentioning that it does not add watermarks, nor does it contain advertising or recording limits.
Free Cam, create personal videos with sound
It is a tool whose main objective is to allow us to create personal videos of everything that happens on our screen. We can make the recordings both full screen, as well as in a selected area or a single window. In this way, we can further personalize the videos and adapt them to our needs. The program also allows you to make a voice-over recording by capturing the audio through the PC’s microphone, as well as the sounds of the system as you move around it and recording the sounds of the programs that you use during the recording.
The program also has its own built -in audio and video editor . This will allow us to eliminate unnecessary parts of it, being able to cut the fragments that we do not need. In addition, it has a very interesting function such as the possibility of eliminating background noise when capturing the audio, as well as adjusting the volume and adding effects.
Free Cam has a free version that we can download from the author’s website . In addition, for the most demanding users, the application has a paid Pro version, which increases the features and functionalities for those who want to go one step further in their recordings.
OBS Studio, recordings and live broadcasts
It is a free and open source application with which you can make both video recordings and live broadcasts. With it we can not only capture full screen or in a window, but also from the webcam and microphone. We can do all of this without a watermark or time limit . When broadcasting, the software allows us to select which desktop applications and audio sources we want to share, as well as create layered videos for the webcam.
With this program we can broadcast to Tw-itch, You-Tube, Mixer, Daily-Motion among others. It also has filters for scenes, sources and audio devices, as well as noise reduction and audio normalization. Of course, not everything is perfect, since many users will miss the possibility of pausing a recording and, above all, the presence of an editor, so it will be necessary to use another tool to edit our recorded videos.
We can download OBS Studio for free and enjoy using it without watermarks, time limits or advertising, so it’s an option to keep in mind.
ScreenToGif, record desktop screen or from a webcam
We are talking about a free and open source program that is characterized by having different types of tools. We can use it to record the screen or from a webcam, as well as make an animated Gif . During recording it also detects mouse clicks and provides a whiteboard tool on which we can draw freehand and record the steps we take.
The application includes FFmpeg by default to be able to save the saved screen, admitting such popular formats as AVI, MP4 or WebM. Before saving, we can preview it and even remove frames from the recording using its text editor. In addition, it has functions such as adding text on video, freehand drawing, adding image as watermark, reverse video, etc.
To enjoy all the benefits that ScreenToGif incorporates, we only have to download it for free from its GitHub repository.
Capture, recordings with FPS settings
This open source application allows us to record screen and webcam recordings. Once done, it is possible to save the results obtained in MP4, AVI or animated GIF format. During recordings, it allows you to include the keystrokes, the sound of mouse clicks and the pointer of the recording. In addition, it has other additional functions that give it great value, such as the possibility of recording only the audio, the entire screen or only a specific part, as well as a particular monitor in the event that there are several connected or an application open. .
But this is not all since Capture also offers us the possibility to configure the FPS and the quality of the recording. In addition, it is compatible with hotkeys and even allows us to take screenshots of an active application or window, the entire desktop or a particular area.
Capture has an installation version and a portable version that allows us to run and use it directly to record the screen or webcam. If we wish, we can download it for free from its GitHub repository .
ShareX, screenshots and screen recordings at a professional level
It is a software especially known for being one of the best for taking screenshots. However, it can also be extremely useful for recording live desktop screen, supporting AVI, MP4 and WebM formats. It also allows you to share files, record screen as animated GIF , save recordings to Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, Google Drive or via FTP.
The application allows us to configure the hotkeys of our choice to start and stop the recording of the video or animated GIF. It even has an important and differential function such as the possibility of programming the start time to delay the recording and establish a fixed duration for it. In addition, it allows us to configure the FPS , as well as show and hide the mouse cursor during recording.
ShareX is a free and open source program that we can download from this link on its official website .
Which is the most recommended?
As we can see, we are faced with a good number of free applications with which we can make all kinds of screen recordings. They all have more than enough features to satisfy the needs of all types of users, even those who require it for professional reasons. As they are all free options, it will always be recommended that we try them beforehand to check if they really adapt to what we are looking for and need.
Among all of them, it is possible that we opt for IOBit Screen Recorder , since with it it is possible to record up to 4K quality at 60 fps, so those who require the highest quality will be able to find the right instrument in it. Likewise, and in case we don’t need an editor, OBS Studio is another super complete option for both video recordings and live broadcasts. ShareX is also worth keeping in mind, especially for its great versatility, since we can use a good number of tools for both recording and capturing.
