Record the screen – with the free program VLC

All versions of Windows have several built-in functions for capturing still images of the whole or part of the display, but there is no general possibility to record a moving movie that shows what is happening on the screen. So, for example, if you want to make an instructional video, you are directed to third-party software.

There are several programs that can be used for this purpose, but you may already have one installed without realizing that it can be used for this. Many people use the excellent music and video program VLC Media Player and this can actually also be used to depict what is happening on the screen.

If you don’t already have this versatile program installed, it can be downloaded absolutely free at Videolan.org:

1. Start

Start VLC and go to the menu Media. Choose Convert/Save.

---

2. Capture

Switch to tab Capture unit. Change capture mode to Desk in the drop-down list at the top. Set the desired number of frames per second further down. click Convert/Save.

---

3. Start

Select the movie type you want to watch Profile. Enter in the field at the bottom where the video should be saved. click Start.

---

4. Stop

Now everything you do is recorded and saved to your chosen movie file. To stop the recording, open the VLC window and click the usual stop button.