How to Record Screen on Windows 8

In the past months, a majority of businesses and students have shifted to work from home where they needed a range of tools to make everything work. The most important tool that one will need is a screen recording application.

For those who are using Windows 8, Microsoft has provided an in-built tool to let you record your desktop in high quality. The Windows 8 screen recorder also offers multiple features.

Almost all the classes are being conducted online and students will need to record their lectures so they can always be able to take reference from them while studying. Not just for the students, but the screen recording tool will also be needed by the content creators who are into making guides and video tutorials for their online audience.

Part 1: Screen Recording using the in-built Recorder

When it comes to recording your desktop, everyone will start finding the best available tools on the internet. There will be a range of software applications you will find, however, a majority of them will charge you a fee to offer advanced features. Before you spend hours to research and find a tool that can satisfy your requirements, you must take a look at the native options.

Microsoft has offered a Windows 8 built-in screen recorder that will allow you to get the basic tasks done. The tool will be a perfect fit, especially for students, who are searching for a basic tool just to record the lectures. It will also allow you to record the system sounds. The final file can be recorded in the highest possible resolution based on your system requirements.

Here are the steps you will need to follow to how to record screen on Windows 8 using the in-built tool that Microsoft is offering.

Once booted completely, press the Windows button on the keyboard to access the Start menu.

Find the Accessories option and then scroll to the Steps Screen Recorder tab. Click on it.

A new dialog box will open up and here, you will need to click on Start Record. You can also trigger the record button by pressing Alt+A on the keyboard.

It will start recording your desktop instantly and the dashboard will also give you the tool to add certain comments. These comments will be added to the recording at the time you hit Ok.

Once done, click on Stop Record. You can also use the shortcut Alt+O to stop.

Part 2: Top 10 Screen Recording tools for Windows 8

The Microsoft native Windows 8 screen recorder comes with very limited functionality and you will need to have some advanced tools if you want to record the screen for professional use. There are multiple applications present online that you can download where you will get an advanced set of features. These features will give you the ability to crop, trim, and merge multiple videos.

1. Wondershare DemoCreator

Wondershare DemoCreator is an advanced Windows 8 screen recorder software. This screen recording software provides multiple options for on-screen demos, presentations, tutorials, classes, running games, etc. recording. Most of the teachers, gamers, office staff, and vloggers, etc. are using this to make their The primary focus of this software application is to offer users a simple and intuitive dashboard where they are capable of recording their desktop and share it with their audience. The application will also offer enough tools to make the video presentable.

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The interface that you will get here is quite intuitive and user-friendly. If you are worried about the learning curve, there is nothing to worry about even for beginners. The software is available in both, free and paid options.

The basic set of features will make sure you get to record your screen without spending a single penny. It is also a significant step forward over the native Windows 8 screen recorder. However, there is one thing that you need to know that’s the free version will carry a Wondershare DemoCreator watermark on the final video.

Key Features:

• The application will be able to record the webcam along with the desktop screen. It will be a huge plus for teachers.
• There will also be multiple customization options for the pointer so that viewers can spot it easily.
• The final video can be exported in a range of formats. You can also save only the audio or video, as well.
• Users will also be able to set the preferred frame rate along with the custom recording area.
• The Crop & Split tool will give you the ability to add a picture or video from your local storage somewhere between the recorded footage.
• There will also be a range of transition effects along with drawing and annotations.
• The interface is highly intuitive.
• Support Windows laptops(such as HP, ASUS, Lenovo), desktops and Mac devices.

2. Open Broadcaster Software (OBS)

OBS is an open-source Windows 8 screen recording app where users will get to experience a range of features and tools that will allow producing quality content. The application is widely used by professionals, as well as basic users. Students also find the application quite handy where you will get to explore your creativity in each and every way you want.

For those who are worried about the OS support, there is nothing to take stress about. OBS Studio is available to use across platforms, be it Windows, macOS, or Linux. We recommend this tool mostly to professionals because of the functionality that it has to offer.

When it comes to recording the screen, there isn’t a very wide scope of creativity. Yet, OBS managed to offer what not many are able to.

Users will be able to record screens from multiple sources and display the ones they want to while streaming. Yes, beginners might face a bit of hassle in understanding the interface, but once you get a hold of it, you are just not going back. The tool will also record the webcam footage which will be significantly helpful for the teachers and online content creators to establish a better connection with their audience.

Key Features:

• While screen recording, you will also be able to draw on the screen. It will help users in creating a guide in a much effective manner.
• Through the interface, you will be able to set certain hotkeys so that you don’t have to reach the mouse for every command.
• The dashboard is highly intuitive and user-friendly where all the features are made easily accessible.
• Users will also be able to record the webcam footage alongside the screen recording so they get to interact better.
• While recording, the application will also allow you to capture screenshots.
• Users will get to put a custom watermark on their screen, this feature is present on almost all the other screen recording application in the paid version.

3. CamStudio

There are not many applications that are present online that actually meet all your requirements. CamStudio is a tool that you can download to make sure that you are able to record the screen and perform some basic editing tasks. The interface that you will get here is also very user-friendly and beginners will also be able to understand the interface without any hassle.

While recording, CamStudio will also allow you to highlight the cursor so that your viewers can see what you are doing on the screen. If you are looking for an application to record screen on Windows 8 with audio, this is just the right tool you can settle for.

The installation process is also quite easy, all you need to do is download the setup file from the CamStudio official site and then follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation process in no time.

The feature set will also include the option of recording full screen or if you just want to capture a certain part of the screen. There will also be a range of multiple features that are there to help you in polishing the final video.

Key Features:

• The audio and video that is recorded through CamStudio will be exported in AVI format. It means you can play it on almost any device.
• The interface will also allow you to convert the AVI file into a Flash one.
• Users will get to add comments at any frame of the video. It will be much helpful in creating guides or video tutorials.
• The pointer can be given the proper highlight so that you can easily demonstrate the activity.
• The system sound will also be recorded with crisp clarity and you will not face any muffled audio problem.
• The installation will take minimal space and you will not face any system slow down after installing CamStudio.

4. iSpring Free Cam

When it comes to recording the screen, multiple software applications are available online to download. If you are going to just record the screen for personal use, you can use the native tool that is offered by Microsoft will get the job done for you.

However, if you are a professional and searching for a tool that has the capabilities to produce quality content, you can try iSpring Free Cam. As the name suggests, the application is completely free to use with a range of basic tools along with some basic add-ons.

There is also a Pro version that you can download if you want to access more features. Some basic features will include providing you with the ability to set the recording area of your screen. If you are worried about the installation process, that’s also not even worth mentioning. It’s that simple.

All you need to do is download the file and then follow the onscreen instructions. Through the application’s interface, iSpring has added detailed instructions regarding the features. It will help beginners and other novice users to understand the feature. The editing tools that you will get on this application will be used to add certain effects that will help you in bumping up the overall video quality.

Key Features:

• The editing tools will also include noise reduction and you will also get to completely mute the audio in any part of the video.
• If the audio isn’t quite clear, you will be able to find some features that are there to polish your audio along with adding some professional features.
• Once the recording is complete, you will get to trim or crop it.
• After all the tweaks are done, users will get to share the video directly to their socials without first exporting the video.
• There is also absolutely no time limit that iSpring will restrict you to record.
• For teachers and content creators, there is also a zoom feature that you can use to focus on any particular part of the video.

5. Snagit

When it comes to having a tool that focuses on the user experience, Snagit can be one of the best performing screen recorders that you can get. The application will also take much less time to load and you will also not face any lagging issue on extended use.

The application will also allow you to combine multiple images into one video. It can also be exported into the GIF format. The interface will also give you the ability to add comments or annotations to your video so that you are able to explain the content better to your audience. The control center that you will get here will also be highly intuitive and user-friendly.

All the features will be easily accessible here and beginners will also be able to understand it quite easily. Before you decide to settle on using this, you must know that the application comes free for only a trial period and you will have to make a one-time payment to continue using it. Snagit screen recorder is widely used by professionals to share a step-by-step process or creating a guide with their colleagues. Students will also be able to use this screen recording application to take notes during their class or asking their teacher to explain a certain point by adding some annotation on it.

Key Features:

• Users will get to extract full text from the images. This feature will be a huge plus for the professionals in copyrighting.
• Snagit will easily convert any webpage into a PDF without any hassle.
• The editing tool will also allow you to resize the pictures that you have captured.
• The dashboard that Snagit offers comes with a very clean UI and all the features will be accessible quite easily.
• The application comes with multiple presets that you will be able to use just by adding the content that it requires.
• Users will get to add multiple transition effects that will help them in enhancing the video quality to a professional level.

6. Ezvid

When it comes to the tools that are available to provide you the solution to screen capture Windows 8 or creating a video, Ezvid can be the perfect choice for you. First, it’s not primarily a screen recording software, it is a professional video editing software.

There are multiple features that are present here to help you with all the tweaks and customization that you need to do. The biggest advantage that comes with this application is that it is a completely free tool to start with.

Users will be able to create detailed guides and video tutorials using this application. Not only the guides, but Ezvid can also be the best tool to record your gameplay and share with your online audience.

The features that you will get here will include adding voiceovers and it will also let you record the webcam footage. The webcam addition will allow creators and other users to establish a better connection with their users and other audience.

Once everything is done, the final video can directly be shared on the social media platforms without being exported to your local storage. The user interface that you will get on this application will be highly intuitive and no one will struggle to understand the functionality.

Key Features:

• The editing tools that you will get are quite extensive with advanced features like noise reduction, etc.
• Creators will get to add robotic voiceovers if they aren’t able to record themselves.
• The video speed can also be adjusted in post-processing, all thanks to the in-built editor that you will get with Ezvid.
• The default video resolution in which the application will record is 1280*720p. It will give you a very clear output.
• The interface that you will get is quite modern and you will not feel like using an outdated tool.
• There is also an audio library that you will get with this application. It will allow you to bump up your video quality.

7. Flashback Express

There are not many options available for content creators in terms of actual practicality when it comes to free applications. There are various cases when you will need to have a screen recording tool and the free tools will not be there to rescue.

Apart from a few options that are open-source and offer all the advanced features, you will have to mostly pay for the high-end applications to extract your full potential. However, you might be wondering what if you don’t like the application; the developers are providing you with a free trial of 30 days.

The Flashback Express screen recorder will allow you to record the screen along with the system sounds. Users will also be able to capture webcam footage along with the microphone; you can also add an external camera and mic for better audio and video.

There is also a Pro version with an extra cost where you will be able to get more features. The Pro version will allow users to tweak the video and audio according to a particular frame.

It will also allow you to add transition effects along with annotations so that you are able to explain easily. However, if you don’t want to pay an extra premium, you can settle for some third-party video editor that can perform the tweaks you want to add to your video.

Key Features:

• The application will allow you to record from multiple sources including audio.
• The interface that you will get here is quite simple and straightforward with all the features made easily accessible.
• The screen recording will also be done simultaneously with the webcam footage, giving you the ability to connect to your audience in a better way.
• If you are going to record the games, some dedicated settings include setting frame rate, etc.
• There will also be no restriction on the time limit of the video recording.
• You will also not get any watermark on the final file.

8. Screencastify

As of the best Windows 8 screen recorders with audio, this one is not an application in particular. Screencastify is a Chrome extension that you can add to your browser. It is the tool that you will find perfect for yourself if you are into very extended use.

There will not be very advanced tools provided in this extension and you will be able to simply record your meetings. The installation process is also pretty straightforward and you will get it done within moments.

There will be a prompt that will ask you if you want to record the screen outside of the browser. Users will also be able to record the webcam footage along with the microphone. Moving on to practical functionality, users will get a compact control center that will offer features like adding pointer effects. While the recording is going on, the extension will also give you the option to hide the cursor when it’s not in use.

Once the recording is completed, the footage can be stored right on the drive. The footage can also be shared directly to the social media handles including YouTube.

Key Features:

• You can set the extension to record just the browser, webcam, or desktop. All three can also be recorded simultaneously.
• Users will also get to add voiceovers using the microphone.
• Once the extension is installed, you will not need to connect to the internet to start recording.
• There will also be a pen tool that you will get to use to make your point even more clear.
• The pointer can be highlighted for a better understanding of your viewer. It will also hide when inactive.
• The footage will be saved over the cloud. It can be exported in multiple formats.

9. TinyTake

TinyTake is seen to be quite an amazing application when it comes to recording the screen. If you are searching for a tool that has the potential of providing you with multiple settings, without taking higher space, you can settle on this one.

The editing tool will also give you the option of adding comments on the video. Users will also get to record the webcam footage that you will get to add to the video to establish a human connection between you and your viewer.

The application will not take much installation space and the whole process will not take many steps to complete.

If you are wondering whether you will get editing tools, TinyTake doesn’t come with any video editing options. There is also a big con that is attached to this editing software and that’s the free version only offers to record time-limited to 5 minutes. Users will also need to register an account with their personal info and e-mail to start using the application.

Key Features:

• The application is safe and you don’t need to worry about any malware or virus.
• Users will also be able to create links to share the video with anyone. The video will be automatically saved on the TinyTake server.
• There will be free 2GB storage available to store videos online.
• The Settings panel will allow you to set hotkeys so that you don’t have to reach the mouse for every action.
• Users will also be able to put an annotation on the pictures and/or any video frame(s).
• There will be no watermark on the final output, even in the free version.

10. Movavi Screen Recorder

The interface offered here is quite simple and easy where users will not have to waste any time learning the functionality. Movavi is available to download on operating systems, Windows, and Mac.

Movavi has focused itself on offering quality over the number of features. The video that you are recording can also be exported in multiple formats so that you don’t have to worry about not being able to play it on a certain device.

When it comes to sharing the file, Movavi Windows 8 video recorder will offer you direct links to share your video with your audience on social media and also through instant messaging apps.

It is also one of the apps that come integrated with hardware acceleration for Intel chips so that users don’t feel any kind of lag. Movavi will also offer advanced features like image processing, color correction, etc.

The SuperSpeed mode will allow users to swiftly convert the final video into one of the supported formats. We hope that you are able to get your answer to the question ‘how to record screen on Windows 8?’

Key Features:

• Movavi will allow you to edit the screenshots that you have captured while video recording.
• Users will also get to schedule the recording session beforehand.
• Through the settings app, you will be able to create shortcuts so that you can trigger the actions from the keyboard.
• The video that you have recorded can be exported in a number of formats.
• Once the file is ready, you will get direct sharing options to your social media including YouTube.
• The screen recording will also let you add webcam footage for better interaction.

Comparison Chart of Windows 8 Screen Video Recorder