How to Record Screen on PC for FREE using OBS

In this step-by-step tutorial, learn how to record your computer screen for free using a free and open-source tool called OBS or Open Broadcaster Software. You can download OBS at www.obsproject.com.
The screen recorder is very powerful. Watch the video to learn how to configure and set it up.
📃 Watch related playlists and videos
- How to See Yourself while using OBS Screen Recorder: • How to See Yourself wh...
- OBS Black Screen Fix Windows 10: • OBS Black Screen Fix W...
- Best OBS recording settings: • Best OBS Recording Set...
INSTALL
To start, we'll go to www.obsproject.com to install the OBS Studio or Open Broadcaster Software Studio software. Then we'll install the software on my computer.
SOURCES
Once installed, the first thing we'll do is add sources. We'll add one for the 'Display Capture' -- which gives us the desktop. We'll add another for the 'Video Capture Device' -- which gives us the webcam. You'll want to make sure that Video Capture Device appears at the top of the list, which ensures that the video appears on top of the desktop image.
OUTPUT TAB
Next we check the output tab. This shows where the videos files are stored. You can also edit the file type that we store the video as.
AUDIO
Next we check the audio. You can see how you can adjust the audio level for system audio as well as for the mic.
Lastly, we'll click on recording, show a demo recording in a game, and then play back the file to see how the recording worked.
Looking for a quality webcam? Check the latest pricing on webcams at Amazon: amzn.to/3aqtu3A (as a disclaimer, purchasing through this link gives me a small commission to support videos on this channel -- the price to you is the same).
Hope you enjoy the video! Let me know if you have any questions or feedback.
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www.kevinstratvert.com

[@KevinStratvert]

Here's a playlist including all of my screen recording tutorials, including how to highlight your mouse cursor, how to annotate screen while recording, how to see yourself while recording in OBS, and more: kzbin.info/aero/PLlKpQrBME6xLJaD0HEgfWfQ7dzoQS9be1

[@davidmelgar1935]

Thank you so much Kevin!

[@IceWaterVR]

I have a question. Is OBS sfe or is it a virus.

[@bg9580]

How to mute mic in ons can someone tell me

[@matthew-danoy]

how can i cuz videos with obs?

[@theepicgamer3286]

My screen is just black

[@holdup7280]

using this to record my online class as my lecturers doesn't provide any lecture videos for me :") this is SO HELPFUL! thank youuuuuuuuu

[@calmandeasy]

Wonderful tutorial, Kevin. Extremely helpful as I was looking for a free platform to use that did not add watermarks to my content. Just subscribed. Thanks so much!

[@diegowandal]

congrats for the tutorials, man. this one in particular helped me a lot! thanks!

[@jameswright5627]

Kevin, you outdo yourself with these tutorials every time. Great job.

[@KevinStratvert]

Thanks for the note James! Really appreciate it! :)

[@trilobitegames789]

@@KevinStratvert :)

[@karthikmangathaya9529]

@Maximilian Balmont Just like your grammar.

[@AdityaWaghmare]

@Reidazora Animations Have you set the display capture?

[@criztyplayz6801]

@@KevinStratvert Hi Kevin.. how can I record the desktop audio while I'm using my headphones while playing and recording my game? thank you. hope i get a response from you.. love your tutorials.

[@liresto]

Hey Kevin, I'm so glad I stumbled on your site. OBS is a dream program to use for presenting content. i just subscribed yesterday to your channel and I'm so glad I did. Your explanations were right on and I now have tools I can use with this program. You explained just enough for me to use productively and explore on my own. Big thanks!

[@aurthurpendragon1015]

This is, by far, the best tutorial for OBS that I've seen. It's so easy to follow and makes me excited to start using it. Thank you!!!

[@zzztarrynight-nocopyrightr8612]

By far THE BEST youtuber EVER!!! Explains everything clear and complete! Always give me what I needed to hear at the moment, no more no less. Thank you!

[@Pindi44]

Brilliant tutorial, this is the first time I have succeeded in recording my desktop with sound, many thanks Kevin. I have sub´d on the strength of this video!

[@MoneySkills4Life]

The universe directed me to this video! I was thinking of software like this. While watching KZbin, you come up. Thanks for the training.

[@pathofprophecy]

Path of Prophecy says "Thank you Kevin!" for an excellent video. I just watched it again and did a complete walk through--even using the pause button during a recording. You're making very helpful videos for the rest of us. Many blessings to you!!!

[@rintinrina]

Man this was ABSOLUTELY amazing. no bsing around and talking in circles for 15 minutes. Clear cut, concise, and easy to follow. thank you so much

[@f1shorts614]

thanks for the tutorial, im starting a channel soon and have been struggling to figure out OBS.

[@Jakeindbox]

That was one of the best tutorials I ever went through. Really well made. You earned my like and sub! :)

[@therebelarmy2936]

Same here lol

[@dinithikawya7111]

lol

[@perrooceaniko2005]

yes indeed ... and is not talking a talk of shit to fill time ... consice and concentrated !!!

[@Tstar-vf5tc]

@@perrooceaniko2005 yeah, he hit the ten minute mark while actually telling us useful info and not just stalling

[@nxu5107]

Kevin, I watch youtube stuff all the time but you are are definitely one of the best vloggers. Definitely the best for helpful content on Microsoft / software stuff. No one comes close. May you be happy and bless you.

[@blaydo]

Perfect, after your short and well explained introduction to OBS I was able work everything out for recording in-game videos and cropping out areas to be hidden. Thanks!

[@simplyghosted1926]

OH MY GOD! THANK YOUUUU! I've been trying to figure out how to record on obs for like a year, I actually deleted it a couple of times because i couldnt figure out why it let me record. Thank you so much!

[@SirMusabody]

Kevin you know what !!!! I didn’t know my problem but the moment you mentioned Graphics setting ....lol it worked...am subscribing

[@nicholasseamus553]

Free tools always grab my attention. I stopped using OBS 1 year ago because I found ScreenRec which was easier for me to use. This video of yours described OBS really well and forcing me to use OBS again. Very inspirational!

[@10bthembi]

I love your videos man. Always simple, straight and to the point. Thanks this is sooooo helpful

[@parasatabi4136]

Oh my goodness! I have been watching a lot of tutorial videos about OBS lately and I could not find any solution to my screen recording problem, and that "graphics settings" issue solved it. Thank you so much, you just got a thumbs up and a new subscriber.

[@MonacoVirago]

Para Sa Tabi 3:34

[@PlanetBeatYT]

You've been the most helpful person to help me understand how to use it so far it's easy to understand your explanation is 10/10

[@successexplained]

Thank you for the awesome tutorial, everything was well explained and very detailed. It inspired me to create my very own OBS screen tutorial. I also found out that if you save the recording as an FLV file you are able to recover it during a computer crash (supposedly) unlike with MP4 files. I hope this tip helps others.

[@ben-kx6mh]

he said that in the video

[@radiologymhc1896]

Thanks Man.😊😊 I was stuck with this app. I installed it but the screen does not recording at first, then I came to yt & seen your most helpful guiding video & now I'm totally satisfied with it.👍👍

[@purplearrows3416]

This has improved my recording, thank you!

[@abangjohn3294]

This time u include how to make display capture works. Good work !

[@TheAtheriel]

Wow! Super helpful and to the point. Thanks for all the additional tips!

[@wakeness]

Brother, you are the FIRST SOURCE I have found to fix the back screen issue. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

[@thefurrykid2158]

Kevin thank you! keep up the good work I would definitely recommend my friends to you!

[@SeitzlerStrategies]

You are helping me out so much Kevin! I learn something, do it and watch another video, etc. etc.! Thanks so much and keep up the good work.

[@katya_glk]

Thank you!!!! I wish all tutorial videos were so straight to the point and informative!!! :)

[@treetummy810]

This is the only tutorial that I've seen talk about the black screen, thank you.

[@Upcyclingelectronix]

This is the tutorial I've been waiting for

[@aubryp3715]

omg i love you, i can finally work with obs thank you!

[@habibbellia2607]

me too

[@saidhenesh6905]

Thank you so much because I tried to so screen recording like how other youtubers did. Like you put your face cam in the bottom right. And I wanted to play a video in Netflix and react at the same time. Thank you so much for the content. Really appreciate it. As when I played the video and I saw the recorded video it was blank. But then I go to the graphics settings and set like how you told to set. It worked. Thank you again ❤️🤩😍

[@unicornprincess1830]

This really helped me was looking for a screen record for my online school for a while now and I have finally found something that works thank you very much!

[@prime7670]

THANK YOU I REALLY NEEDED THIS FOR MY MONTAGES

[@RealAyanHere]

lol

[@clactonitclub]

Hello Kevin. Thank you for your tutorials they have proven to be very helpful. I was challenged by a charity I volunteer with to create videos for our service users and local community, while we are forced to close our doors during Lockdown. This was a steep learning curve for me, and I'm still taking baby steps, first I used the Apps built into Windows 10 now I'm using OBS and Shotcut. I was recently asked to create a video showing how to login to windows and also swap between accounts. Any tips on how to achieve capturing the login screen. Regards Lee Clacton IT Club

[@pathofprophecy]

Thank you Kevin for putting together this video. I'm starting my KZbin channel called Path of Prophecy and I'm trying to learn the technology. Right now the learning curve is very steep. But you make it sound quite doable. Thank you again for making it easy to understand!

[@beWorldly]

awesome video!! straight to the point without any fluff or fillers. Thanks a lot man! subbed.

[@paulaanimates9843]

This helped me alot! thankyou!

[@leejr.rivera7737]

YES YES YES TYSM KEVIN!!!!!!! I CAN"T STOP SAYING TYSM AND I DON"T KNOW WHY, BUT TYSM AGAIN!! XD

[@Yue_mariin00]

This is incredibly helpful and also super easy to follow, bless you thank you so much!😭🙏🏼❤️❤️

[@chandana.reshma]

That black screen is always showing up when i used to open the obs and i was worried a lot. Now I just changed the graphics settings. It's now working properly. Thanks a lot Kevin..🥰 That was just a LIFE SAVER!!!

[@activeinactive99]

Thanks for the comprehensive tutorial! No frills, no bs, straight up information. Subbed for future content!

[@WillsJazzLoft]

Hey Kevin, this was very concise and to the point. In just over 15 minutes I learned everything I needed to know to get recording. Of course, since I'm a Linux user there will be variations on the procedures ( remuxing was different in Linux than on Windows ). Yet, I figured it out. Thank you very much.

[@bingoforge3475]

Super, I was looking for a Solution to record my videos. Indeed I finally have one. Thanks for sharing Kevin. Bravo!

[@BB_luvv]

Dude just straight to the point in an easy and simple way, thanks for the vid very helpful :)

[@benscheltus8313]

Thank you for an excellent tutorial. Why are there nested screen images in OBS (like two mirrors facing each other)? It's a little distracting.

[@loveharrisjung]

my friend needed this i showed it to her and she said that your handsome

[@seanpatrick6006]

You’re

[@enderite4289]

@@seanpatrick6006 shut up pls

[@enderite4289]

@Andrei Ionica this is the internet no one cares about grammer

[@danielonyxer4417]

ooooooooooooooooooooooh

[@MNDashcam]

Thank you for solving my black screen issue!

[@cowanstewy8804]

Thank you so much for making such a helpful video on how to use the OBS Screen Recorder! I liked and subscribed :D!

[@Pain___]

I am addicted with his voice and the things he does

[@pandagamer4926]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@georgialeksiev8056]

addicted TO, not with

[@miguelinigolabrador8628]

Hello how can i fix this when i recored with obs studio it lookes like kinda blurry i increase the fps and its still the same help pls

[@Danny199]

Thanks so much, this helped me a lot! High performance didn't work, but power saving did do the trick.

[@rosemariedxb]

Thank you so much Kevin, you are indeed an amazing guy. Your content is always helpful especially this OBS tutorial and comparison with other services, it made my life so much easier. I keep telling everyone around me about your awesome channel…

[@liamgriffiths7580]

I really need some help with something, when I have OBS open on my 2nd monitor, and I open a Steam game on my primary monitor, both screens go black for a second and my game appears as it should but OBS gets minimised on the 2nd monitor to just show my desktop and I can't move my cursor over to re-open it as the cursor is fixed in the game if that makes sense. How can I open a game and keep OBS open on my 2nd monitor? Thanks

[@Heisenberg-fd1dd]

I'm having a trouble changing the black screen to my browser screen. Can you please help?

[@prodbylxfixani]

same

[@thwethwe6931]

Hi, Kevin thank you so much for your crystal clear explanation for the setup!!!

[@skribble7679]

you be coming in clutch with all of these tutorials

[@agentadis6825]

I'm a bit confused it says that I have to install some runtime components that obs requires, do install them or not? (I'm not trying to get a virus)

[@soumya9734]

its c++ yes intall it....not virus bro

[@agentadis6825]

@@soumya9734 Thanks will do.

[@Marktheboy]

When I did this I got the “:( your pc ran into an error” so I restarted my pc then deleted it.

[@handel136]

oof sorry bout that

[@Marktheboy]

Nvm 11 months later of use, I highly recommend using it!

[@tanbeu8310]

this helped so much cause i was so confused at first cause i had initially downloaded "StreamLabs OBS" and i was wondering why i could only go live, thank you for posting this and i am definitely subscribing

[@Kyy2Dizzy]

same 😂😂

[@TheBigFella]

great job and thank you for taking the time to put this together!

[@zachatticus]

I like how his name is Kevin and my dad's name is kevin XD

[@RZTheDumbPerson]

lmao that's cool

[@semedy9605]

uh, the screen is still black.

[@brewsterblockgoogle6372]

Great video for a beginner like me. Still amazed however that so many experienced instructors lapse into the mode of "So first I am clicking down here to....and then if you select this.... and then click up here.." when the viewer can not possibly see your cursor especially when you move it rapidly. You are looking at your entire screen. We are not. At a minimum I wish lecturers would 1) Remind people who are watching on KZbin to use full screen mode. Otherwise your screen on occupies a tiny portion of mine. 2) Hold a pointer like a pencil in your left hand so when you refer to clicking "here" you actually point to your cursor so we can see it before you move it again. This not meant to be a reprimand but so often I have to abandon people on KZbin who don't even SPEAK - they just play some music and their entire video is what I described above. Your commentary is excellent. I spent many years as a QA Analyst after being a mainframe developer and it is obvious none of these people ever played "user" and tried watch their own works. Will be looking for lots of your other tutorials. Thanks

[@iamachs]

Oh wow, beautiful video, easy to follow, clear explanation, thank you so much Kevin mate, and all the best!

[@crouton7805]

when i try to record it says it failed and check logs for details, so it dont work /:

[@notyouraveragevrucko1853]

same here so have you managed the problem or is it still going

[@crafter6930]

Check detail what wrong

[@kulo3710]

Im still stuck on the black screen and cant get rid of it :(

[@Night_UH]

same

[@eluaquz9687]

same..

[@zaidlemaide]

same

[@cynthiasaid2359]

same. followed everything, closed, reopened, still black.

[@zacbretzing836]

Thank you so much! I could not figure out how to get the black screen to go away! It's working great now!

[@khalidelgazzar]

Great tutorial .. watched it like 2 years ago and rewatching right now!

[@verysweetday]

I cant find "graphics settings" in my computer

[@cyke-zp8dw]

update windows

[@iew3236]

proobably means you only have one graphics card

[@zserboo2942]

4:30 it does NOT work for me, I only can click on obs and there is no obs64

[@weeklydma2758]

and for me

[@owenwells8849]

same!

[@berndeckenfels]

It depends if you installed 32bit or 64Bit OBS, just pick the exe you use.

[@zserboo2942]

@@berndeckenfels ok, thanks

[@UniqueSide1]

thank you so much I was got stuck at why I wasn't getting the pause button u had told me about the auto-configuration window I had not used switched to recording mode now saw ur video I had understood and I had subscribed to your channel and now I am I had switched even too hotkeys so that I shouldn't have to go to obs unnecessarily

[@jamie.miller.inspiring]

So useful what an incredible tutorial on the basics and covered every single thing i wanted to do!

[@fionnuna7947]

you recorded 10 screens, we just want to record one.

[@iamyourmaster2565]

I’ll happily take the extra 9

[@RightToFreedomGirl]

@fon : yeah 1st time he ever confused me. My eyes had trouble finding what was being recorded then i finally foind the thin red outline

[@imadedonikbrahmadiputraard4473]

Thank you for the tips!!! I little bit confused in finding the "Graphic Settings". but i find it in setting, scrolling a little bit to the bottom

[@rajavel_sa]

Thanks Kevin for the past 3 days your channel was very helpful such as recording this, updating to win11 , some drive files , etc etc , thanks again , love you BTW congratulations for advance 1 M subs

[@samoenandra]

I've been looking for a video EXACTLY like this.. Thank you!

[@samherulf2789]

Thank you so much! I create youtube videos but can't transfer the recordings to the free app that comes with windows, but now i can because you showed me. love you!!!!!

[@nmk1ng]

This guy is the only guy to make a tutorial without waffling

[@vjfermo7018]

Thank you very much! This was very helpful. I've been on that black screen for so long. hehe

[@ernestomaria2728]

Been watcNice tutorialng your vids for a good few weeks now, learning new sNice tutorialt each day. my worksoftow has improved so much since watcNice tutorialng

[@JustValiant-]

Thank you so much! My biggest issue was converting the saved Recordings because they wouldn't play as an FlV file. Thank you, huge help.

[@aiapplicationvideos1733]

This is great for what I need. Thanks Kevin

[@TheAssistant.0]

thank you so much bro i have been searching for this for 2 days

[@Modmadmod]

incredibly helpful and much more expansive than the official OBS video tutorial, thank you!

[@petritahkapaa5856]

NO NO NO💩

[@mili158]

Thank you!!! You saved my day!!! quick, on topic, not too many info, just the ones I need!

[@voyd4980]

Thank you so much for the basics. Hope I'll be able to do it

[@lovemonroe2046]

Haha new subscriber here!! I loved this you have saved me punching another hole in my wall LOL I was so frustrated trying to figure out why my screen was black and WALA I stumbled across your video !!!! This was meant to be !! Thank you thank you thank you 🙏🏽

[@MetaIStuds]

LEGEND THIS HELPED SO MUCH thank you, such a reliable video! you earned a sub

[@eroded]

I was having the black screen issue and you solved it, thanks!

[@mayjushaikh1792]

Thank you. This is the best tutorial I have gone through.

[@jobbydude]

this was awesome... straight to the point. Now I have a very simple and flexible tool for recording :)

[@venven2624]

Thanks very much for this tutorial. Now I can edit my recordings in sony vegas.

[@SatbirSingh90]

Thank you, this is exactly what I was looking for

[@Rim1789]

Omg thank you so much ! This was super concise and clear.

[@genc_emekli]

Especially special thanks for the solution of the black screen. I was struggling.

[@s1kbenn]

Thank you Kevin I've been finding a screen recorder and I found this video that is very helpful !!!