How to Record a Video on a Laptop

Movavi Screen Recorder is simple and easy-to-use video recording software, available for your PC and Mac. It's ideal for capturing online calls or for making your own tutorials and other high-quality videos with sound. It features a streamlined interface and a built-in editor to make adjustments to your recordings. Wondering “How to make a video on my laptop?” Just read on!

Key features:

• Can capture your mouse and keyboard inputs
• Records in HD and 4K
• You can draw on screen while recording

If you're wondering how to use my laptop camera to record a video, the built-in Camera app on Windows 11, 10, or 8 is all you need. This app is really simple to use with a built-in camera and lets you video record on a laptop using a webcam, capturing video and audio of yourself with just a couple of clicks.

How to record myself on my laptop with the Camera app

Step 1. Open the Camera app

The first step of using Camera to take a video on a laptop is to open it up. It's installed by default on all modern Windows devices, so you don't have to download or install it. Just click on the Start button or Windows logo and find Camera in your list of apps. Or type Camera into the search bar at the bottom of the laptop screen and click on the Camera icon to open it up.

Step 2. Configure the settings

With the Camera app open, you'll be able to configure the settings for your recording. You can switch between photo and video mode, as needed, and you can adjust the settings of your webcam and microphone. You can adjust aspects like brightness and focus to get the clearest image, as well as activate your microphone if you want to capture audio.

Step 3. Record your webcam

Once the app is open, you can click the Record button to start recording. The recording will begin right away and a timer will appear on the screen to show you how long you've been recording for. You can then pause and stop your recording when needed by pressing the corresponding buttons on the side of the screen.

Step 4. Review and save the file

Once you've finished recording, you can see your most recent recording appear as a small square in the bottom right of the program window. Click on it to watch your recording. You can review the content and use Windows' own editing tools to make changes if desired. The recording will be saved automatically to your device.

It's also possible to record videos on a MacBook using the built-in PhotoBooth feature. This app requires no downloads or installations and is very easy to use, even for beginners. It allows you to record videos via your webcam or a connected external video camera.

How to record a webcam video with PhotoBooth

Step 1. Open PhotoBooth

The first step of using PhotoBooth is to simply open the app from the app menu on your device. You'll need to connect an external camera, if you plan on using one, or simply use your device's built-in cam.

Step 2. Start recording

To start recording, you'll need to click on the Video mode and then press the Record Video button, which has an icon like a video camera. You can also click the Record a movie clip button in the bottom left.

Step 3. Record your webcam

The recording will begin as soon as you click on the Record Video button. When you're ready to end it, just click on the Stop button.

The Xbox Game Bar app is a gaming overlay built into Windows 10 devices. It gives you various widgets and bonus features to use while gaming, including the ability to record your screen.

Step 1. Open the program

To get started with this app, launch it. If it’s not installed, you'll need to get it for free from the Windows Store.

Step 2. Activate Game Bar

Next, you'll need to activate Game Bar if it isn't already active. To do this, press the Windows logo key on your keyboard together with the I key to open the Windows Settings menu, then type Xbox and click on Enable Xbox Game Bar in the drop-down list. Check the box to enable the app.

Step 3. Open Game Bar

Once Game Bar is all set up on your device, you can press the Windows logo key and the G key at the same time to open it up. Once it's open, click on the Settings icon. This will open the Settings menu, where you can adjust capture parameters and activate audio capture.

Step 4. Capture your screen

So, how to record a video on a laptop? Well, all you need to do is open the game or app you want to record, open Game Bar, and then press the Capture button. You can also use the shortcut: Windows + Alt + R. Play the game and continue your recording until you're ready to stop, then press Windows + Alt + R again to stop the recording or press the Stop button in the Game Bar overlay (Windows + G). Your video clip will be saved in MP4 format in your device's Videos folder, by default.

Here are a few tips to help you get the best results for webcam video recording on your laptop or another device:

• Try to find a quiet spot to make your recordings where you won't pick up much background noise or risk being disturbed.

• Use a good quality microphone to capture the clearest and best quality audio for your video.

• Try to position yourself near windows to get good natural light, without glare on the screen or excessive shadows.

• Do some practice before recording and try different positions around the room to see what looks best.

• Use a minimal background without lots of objects that could distract your viewers.

• Do a test video and play it back to see how the audio sounds and how clear the image is.

• Try to sit still and remain in the center of the frame throughout your recording.

• Maintain a clear and consistent speaking volume, so your video doesn't have overly loud or quiet parts.