Desktop recorders are computer programs, just like any other, that you may download and run natively. These screen recorders for Windows 7 typically function swiftly and efficiently because they are not dependent on a network connection. However, they don’t work correctly on computers where you can’t install software, such work computers or other things you don’t own.
What Is the Best Screen Recording Software for Windows 7
Windows 7’s built-in Game Bar
Best for: Capturing videos of PC games
You may have overheard friends or acquaintances talking about how they record their screen using Windows’ Game Bar. If you’ve looked for it on Windows 7, you might assume that it’s hidden and difficult to find. Unfortunately, this recording program is not compatible with Windows 7. It was originally a feature of the Xbox software developed expressly for Windows 10 and is now a feature of more modern Xbox systems that utilize that OS. It is useful for recording video games and other Xbox and Windows 10 compatible applications. It includes all of the apps available in the Windows Marketplace as well as some more.
If your computer satisfies Windows 10’s system requirements and specs, you can update it and access the Game Bar. Simply press Windows + G on your keyboard to bring up the Windows 10 Game Bar, and then select the record button on the overlay that appears to start recording video from the screen. Windows will stop recording when you tell it to, and it will save the video in the location you chose in the program’s options panels.
Imagine that you choose not to upgrade to Windows 10. In that case, Movavi Screen Recorder is an excellent replacement that provides superior output control and is virtually as quick to use as the integrated Windows 10 alternative.
Pros
- Free tool, built into Windows
- Records videos of gaming sessions
- Live-streams (no third-party software needed)
- Share content from Windows and Xbox games
Cons
- Not all games work while using Game Mode
- Games compatible with Game Mode may not run in full screen
OBS Studio
Best for: Screencasts and broadcasting game streams to platforms like YouTube and Twitch
TechRadar rating: 4 out of 5
OBS is a desktop recorder for Windows 7. It’s a desirable alternative for streaming video broadcasting because it has many amazing options for blending and combining sources to deliver a highly professional image. However, this power comes with a cost. The application was aimed towards ardent streamers who demand complete control over each and every second of their stream. For a simple push-and-record scenario, it is less intuitive and less user-friendly than competing solutions on the market. The program is free and well worth a try if you don’t mind a little bit of a learning curve and want something with lots of functionality.
Compared to most Windows 7 video recorder tools, OBS requires more work to record with. After downloading and installing the software, you’ll need to finish some setup that other apps don’t demand. Before beginning to record, a scenario must first be created. To accomplish this, open the Scenes section of the OBS window and select Add from the menu. Before moving on to the Sources section, give the scene a title. Click the plus sign (+) there to add a source. Select Display Capture to capture an image of your display. Now, you can crop the capture area by dragging the mouse while using the alt key. Once everything is ready, click the Start Recording button to begin the capture process.
Pros
- Powerful high-quality video recording tool
- Computer screen recording
- Open-source code
- Easily connects with popular streaming service providers
- Plugins available to add custom functionality
Cons
- Layout a tad overwhelming for novice users
- Can be taxing on CPU usage
Screencapture.com
Best for: Teachers, students studying at home, presentations, creating tutorials
Trustpilot rating: 4.6 out of 5, 190 reviews
The requirement for a download discourages many people from using Apowersoft. Despite being a new company that is still growing, Screencapture.com has an advantage over Apowersoft because it doesn’t need any downloads to work. The program provides a free version that watermarks the recorded video only minimally. The web-based application functions as a video recorder and a screen recorder for Windows 7 and other platforms. Users are likely to find the site easy to use and convenient.
Here’s how to record a movie on Windows 7 using screencapture.com. Access the website, make your options, and click Start Recording are all that are required. A dialog window will show up and ask for your permission before requesting the capabilities from your browser needed to record the screen. You can decide whether to record your complete screen, a specific open window, or an active tab in the browser you are using to view the website. As soon as you confirm the rights and the recording space, the capture process will begin.
Pros
- Free online screen recorder
- No need to download/install an app to use
- Fast HD video saves
- Records audio, voice, and internal system sounds
- Can include user’s face via webcam
Cons
- Cannot upload files directly to video-sharing sites like YouTube
Apowersoft Online Recorder
Best for Recording video and audio at the same time, including narration and voiceover
TechRadar rating: 4.5 out of 5
On the website Apowersoft, Windows 7 screen recording is possible right from the browser. The website does request that you download a little helper application so that it can work with your computer more efficiently. However, the actual recording procedure will start on the internet. This little download adds some of the features that its entirely native counterparts have, such as the option to select which portions of the screen to record. After recording, the software gives you the option of saving the clip to a disk or uploading it to well-known video and cloud storage sites.
Once you’ve downloaded and installed the companion application, using Apowersoft’s free online screen recorder is straightforward. After browsing the page, click the Start Recording icon in the screen’s middle. You can choose between taking a screenshot and starting a movie after the software has launched. After choosing video capture, you’ll press the Record button to start recording and the Stop button to end it. To save the file instead of uploading it to a cloud storage service, click the share symbol in the window’s bottom right corner.
Pros
- Easy to use, flexible one-click screen recording
- Wide range of useful features
- No limits on what you can record or for how long
- Export recorded videos to multiple formats
- Make annotation while recording
Cons
- Needs an internet connection to work
- Must download/install the app, despite being an online recorder
How to use Google Chrome extensions as Windows 7 video recorders
The first two Google Chrome extensions on the list below merge their best features into one. Although you’ll be utilizing your Chrome web browser as the host for a screen recording program, the two suggested extensions work even when the computer isn’t connected. Therefore, it is advantageous to have a screen recorder that is already installed locally and to not have to open another program in order to use it.
Screencastify
Best for: Quickly create troubleshooting and how-to videos, record product demos, etc.
Google Web Store rating: 4 out of 5 stars, 11,646 reviews
Users: 10 000 000+
For a screen recording tool that runs in the browser, Screencastify has a vast feature set. On your webcam, desktop, or browser tab, you may record in full HD while capturing sounds from your microphone. Local video storage is available, and Google Drive is automatically backed up as well. The beginning and end of your videos can be edited using crucial editing tools, and you can add drawings to the video with the pen tool. For an upgrade fee, it can combine, crop, and add text to the video you’ve captured.
You must be using Chrome in order to use this software. Utilize your Chrome browser to look for Screencastify at the Chrome web store. When you’ve found it, click Add to Chrome and then confirm the addition. It will be situated in the upper right corner of the toolbar. If you click on that, you’ll be directed to a sign-in page. Create an account and log in. You will then be asked for the required permissions. By clicking the button in the toolbar, you can choose a recording technique and start recording.
Pros
- Free version available
- User-friendly interface
- Screen and audio capture/recording
- Annotations
Cons
- Free version limits video recordings to 5 minutes
- No free trial for the PRO version
Free Screen Recorder Windows 10
1. ActivePresenter
ActivePresenter by Atomi Systems features a built-in screen recorder and video editor. Educators, trainers, and anyone else that need detailed instructions and video demonstrations use YouTube and create videos. ActivePresenter essentially has all the features and effects needed to record the screen and edit movies.
The free edition of ActivePresenter is accessible without a watermark when using free features. You can test out all of ActivePresenter’s features without any functional or time restrictions. After the recording is made, you have the ability to alter it. You can change the volume and tempo, add notes and animations, close captions, and more. You may create spectacular movies and software by subscribing to the paid editions, which offer more advanced audio and video editing options.
2. Windows 10’s built-in Game bar
You might be surprised to hear that Windows 10 has an integrated Game bar for users who want to capture pictures and videos of their gaming sessions. Naturally, this Game bar cannot record the entire screen or a specified area; it can only be used to record programs. This makes sense given that it is designed for gaming capture. Despite the fact that every Windows 10 PC has a gaming bar, you cannot record game screen or clips unless your computer’s video cards meet the hardware requirements.
Recording your screen with the Game bar is easy by following these steps:
- Press WINDOWS+G to open the Game bar. If required, select the “Yes, this is a game.” check box.
- Press the Start/Stop Recording button to start and stop a recording. Use the Turn Microphone On/Off button to toggle microphone if you wish.
- After recording, trim your video or rename it in the Xbox app. Your video will be saved in the Captures folder, which by default is in your Videos folder.
3. OBS Studio
A watermark- and time-free, free piece of software called OBS Studio is used to record and stream live video. Hardcore gamers enjoy it a lot for streaming their in-game action. OBS Studio allows you to record your entire display or a single window, as well as your webcam and microphone. The program’s streaming capabilities let you pick which desktop applications and audio sources to share, as well as create layered films for webcam.
OBS Studio is a capable screen recording tool, however there isn’t a built-in video editor. You will need to use another tool to edit your recorded video. You must be careful to only download OBS Studio from the official website because it is an open-source tool.
4. Flashback Express
Flashback Express, a free application, may record voice, camera video, and screen activity. The finished videos don’t have a watermark or a recording time limit. If you are utilizing this program on a multi-monitor system, you have the choice of recording screens over many monitors or simply one monitor. You may also utilize scheduled recordings to start and stop recording at specific times or each time a specific application is launched.
There is a paid version of an application called Flashback Pro called Flashback Express. Despite the fact that the recording features are the same in all editions, the free edition lacks any video editing tools, annotations, or effects. Movies can be saved as MP4, AVI, or WMV files and uploaded to YouTube instantly. Only paid users are able to password-protect videos and save them as Flash, QuickTime, GIF, or standalone EXE files.
5. Camtasia
TechSmith’s Camtasia is now one of the most expensive screen capture tools on the market. It is used by more than 14 million people worldwide, and it may never stop showing up on lists of the top screen recorders. As an all-in-one screen recorder and video editor, Camtasia claims that it “makes it easy to record your screen and generate polished, professional-looking videos.”The most recent version, Camtasia 2018, features a number of brand-new video assets, such as editable intros, outros, and lower thirds. It also incorporates a variety of themes in order to maintain a consistent look and feel throughout a collection of films. A free trial with a watermark for 30 days is available.
Free Screen Recorder for PC
Camtasia
Best screen recording software overall
Compatibility: Mac, Windows
With a variety of video editing tools, Camtasia is a simple-to-use screen recording program. It supports many formats and can record video discussions on websites and apps thanks to its drag-and-drop editor. To give your video that unique touch, there are resources accessible that are free of royalties. When you’re done, your video may be quickly published to YouTube and has more compatibility, which will make your life simpler. Beginners may use it without difficulty, and there are video tutorials to help you create product demos and how-to videos that can convert viewers into customers. Templates are provided to help you get started, and you can select to enhance your recording with special effects. Themes, libraries, shortcuts, and favorite items are all included.
Loom
Best screen recording software for online sharing
Compatibility: Android, iOS, Mac, Windows
The 2015 startup Loom is currently a screen recording tool used by major corporations like HubSpot, Netflix, and Lacoste. There are 200 clients and 14 million users combined. Loom’s ability to record via your screen, camera, microphone, or internal audio is one of its strongest features. A video is immediately saved to the cloud once you watch it for later viewing. This type of software allows viewers to interact with you through humorous emoji reactions and time-stamped remarks, and it is designed for straightforward teamwork. You will also be alerted each time a viewer interacts with your account so that you never miss a comment. You may access a mobile-friendly library while you’re out and about to watch your videos even when you’re not at your computer. Security measures also provide you with comprehensive audience data, allowing you to gradually improve your films while maintaining control. For those who just use it sometimes, a free option is offered. You can upgrade to a premium plan if you use it often.
Movavi
Best screen recording software for Mac users
Movavi
Compatibility: Mac, Windows
Movavi is a screen recording tool that offers a far larger range of functionality than the typical video editing app, including movie and music editing, special effects, titles, and even slideshows. Even novice users can appreciate how approachable and basic it yet manages to be. It has an intuitive interface that is simple to use without sacrificing the effective editing features needed to create a range of media formats.
Best Screen Recording Software Pc
Listed below are five screen recording software suitable for different computer operating systems, let’s preview the basic introduction and features of this five software.
1. RecForth(Windows-Free)
RecForth is a fully functional HD screen recording application with an unlimited amount of recording time. Without worrying that the program will interrupt your recording in the middle, you can do so. Additionally, you have the option to specify an end time for the screen capture, after which it will stop automatically and you can save the recorded file. RecForth can therefore meet your needs whether you want to record a brief or lengthy video. RecForth is free software, but it also has many more sophisticated features. For example, a built-in webcam can capture your movements and show them on the computer screen, and a microphone can be used to clearly record system sounds for voiceovers. RecForth enhances performance through the use of cutting-edge recording technology.
Features
- Unlimited time recording
- Free and no watermark
- Support stopping recordings automatically
- Support webcam overlay and add voice-over
- Allow take screenshots
2. ScreenRec(Windows, Mac, and Linux – Free)
ScreenRec is a straightforward video recording program available for Linux and Windows. With this free screen recording tool, you may record your computer’s screen in high resolution for an unlimited amount of time.
The application may also record audio, speech, and video from your computer’s camera. With ScreenRec, you may record videos while taking screenshots and then edit the recordings to remove the images.
Features
- Record system sound and your voice
- No watermark or time limits
- Allow taking a screenshot
- Support open webcam
3. ShowMore(Online – Free)
One of the best online screen recorders, ShowMore offers unlimited recording time and can export recorded video without adding a watermark. Because you can record both your screen and camera at once, this online tool is great for learning and having fun as well as for business and school.
Using ShowMore, you can edit live while recording by adding text, arrows, notes, etc. After you’ve completed recording, you can securely host the captured video on a cloud drive.
Features
- Free and no time limit
- Allow editing in real-time
- Record video and audio simultaneously
5. Camstudio(Desktop-Free)
You may easily and rapidly record your screen with the free and open-source screen recorder Camstudio. Before recording, you can also make certain advanced settings, such as permitting voice-overs and inserting annotations.
CamStudio is fully functional and simple for beginners. The video files will be exported to AVI format, but the final file recorded with this tool will be big.
Features
- Record with no time limit
- Easy-to-navigate interface
Best Screen Recording Software for Windows 7 Free
Windows 7’s built-in Game Bar
Best for: Capturing videos of PC games
You may have overheard friends or acquaintances discussing how they use the Game Bar, a component of Windows, to record their screen. If you’ve looked for it in Windows 7, you might think it’s tucked away and impossible to locate. Unfortunately, Windows 7 does not support this recording application. Since more recent Xbox devices also use that OS, it was originally a part of the Xbox software created especially for Windows 10. It is helpful for capturing video games and other Windows 10 and Xbox compatible programs. It includes all of the Windows Marketplace’s apps as well as others that aren’t.
You can update and gain access to the Windows 10 Game Bar provided your machine complies with the system requirements and specifications for Windows 10. With Windows 10, all you have to do to record video from the screen is hit the Windows + G keyboard shortcut to display the Windows 10 Game Bar, and then click the record button on the overlay that appears. When you instruct Windows to stop recording, it will do so and save the video in the folder you specified in the program’s settings panels.
Let’s say you decide against upgrading to Windows 10. In that situation, Movavi Screen Recorder is a superb substitute that offers more control and is almost as quick to use as the built-in Windows 10 solution.
Pros
- Free tool, built into Windows
- Records videos of gaming sessions
- Live-streams (no third-party software needed)
- Share content from Windows and Xbox games
Cons
- Not all games work while using Game Mode
- Games compatible with Game Mode may not run in full screen
OBS Studio
Best for: Screencasts and broadcasting game streams to platforms like YouTube and Twitch
TechRadar rating: 4 out of 5
A desktop recorder for Windows 7 is called OBS. With lots of wonderful tools for blending and combining sources to provide a really professional image, it’s an appealing option for streaming video broadcasting. But there is a price to pay for this power. Hardcore streamers that want exact control over every second of their stream were the target audience for the program. It isn’t as simple to use and less intuitive than other products on the market for a straightforward push-and-record scenario. If you don’t mind a little bit of a learning curve and want something with a lot of versatility, the program is free and worth a try.
OBS requires more effort to record using than the majority of Windows 7 video recorder programs. You’ll need to complete some setup after downloading and installing the software that other apps don’t require. You must first construct a scenario before you can start recording. To do this, open the Scenes area of the OBS window and click the Add symbol. Give the scene a title before going to the Sources section. To add a source, click the plus sign (+) there. To take a picture of your display, choose Display Capture. The capture area can now be cropped by holding down the alt key and dragging the mouse. Press the Start Recording button to start the capture procedure once everything is prepared.
Pros
- Powerful high-quality video recording tool
- Computer screen recording
- Open-source code
- Easily connects with popular streaming service providers
- Plugins available to add custom functionality
Cons
- Layout a tad overwhelming for novice users
- Can be taxing on CPU usage
How to do screen video capture on Windows 7 with an online recorder
The majority of only recorders allow you to capture your screen without downloading any further software, however one choice on this list requires you to download a little help program. Using nothing more than a browser and an internet connection, these applications allow you to capture videos on a PC. Of course, the drawback is that you won’t be able to use the software if there are any issues with internet connectivity.
Screencapture.com
Best for: Teachers, students studying at home, presentations, creating tutorials
Trustpilot rating: 4.6 out of 5, 190 reviews
Many individuals are deterred from utilizing Apowersoft by the requirement for a download. The fact that Screencapture.com doesn’t require any downloads to function gives it an advantage over Apowersoft despite the fact that it is a young business that is still developing. The tool has a free version that adds a minimal watermark on the recorded video. The web-based solution works as a screen recorder for Windows 7 and other platforms as well as a camera recorder. Users are likely to find the site convenient and simple to use.
Here’s how to use screencapture.com to record a video on Windows 7. All you have to do is access the website, make your selections, and click Start Recording. In order to get the necessary capabilities from your browser to record the screen, a dialog box will appear and request your consent. In the browser you are using to access the website, you can select to record your full screen, a specific open window, or an open tab. The capture procedure will start as soon as you confirm the rights and the recording space.
Pros
- Free online screen recorder
- No need to download/install an app to use
- Fast HD video saves
- Records audio, voice, and internal system sounds
- Can include user’s face via webcam
Cons
- Cannot upload files directly to video-sharing sites like YouTube
Apowersoft Online Recorder
Best for Recording video and audio at the same time, including narration and voiceover
TechRadar rating: 4.5 out of 5
Apowersoft is a website that enables Windows 7 screen recording directly from the browser. The website does want you to download a little helper program so it can interact with your machine more effectively. But the website will be where the actual recording process begins. Some of the capabilities that its completely native counterparts have, such as the ability to pick which areas of the screen to record, are added by this small download. The software enables you to store the file after recording to a disk or upload it to well-known video and cloud storage services.
It’s simple to record with the free online screen recorder from Apowersoft once you’ve downloaded and installed the companion application. Click the Start Recording button in the center of the screen after visiting the page. The program will launch, and you may select between taking a screenshot and recording a video. You’ll press the Record button to begin recording after selecting video capture, and the Stop button to end it. Click the share icon in the bottom right corner of the window to save the file instead of uploading it to a cloud storage service.
Pros
- Easy to use, flexible one-click screen recording
- Wide range of useful features
- No limits on what you can record or for how long
- Export recorded videos to multiple formats
- Make annotation while recording
Cons
- Needs an internet connection to work
- Must download/install the app, despite being an online recorder
How to use Google Chrome extensions as Windows 7 video recorders
The two Google Chrome extensions listed below combine the best aspects of the first two. The two listed extensions function even when the computer is not connected; nonetheless, you will be using your Chrome web browser as the host for a screen recording program. As a result, having a screen recorder that is already installed locally and not requiring you to open another app to use it are both advantages.
Screencastify
Best for: Quickly create troubleshooting and how-to videos, record product demos, etc.
Google Web Store rating: 4 out of 5 stars, 11,646 reviews
Users: 10 000 000+
Screencastify has a sizable feature set for a browser-based screen capturing application. You may capture audio from your microphone while recording in full HD on your webcam, desktop, or browser tab. Videos can be saved locally, and Google Drive is also automatically backed up. You can draw on the video with a pen tool and cut the beginning and conclusion of your films with essential editing tools. It can combine, crop, and add text to the video you’ve recorded for an upgrade price.
To use this program, you must be using Chrome. Search for Screencastify at the Chrome web store using your Chrome browser. Click Add to Chrome and then confirm the addition when you’ve located it. It will be positioned in the toolbar’s upper right corner. You’ll be taken to a sign-in page if you click on that. Sign up for an account and login. The necessary permissions will then be requested from you. You can select a recording method and begin recording by clicking the button in the toolbar.
Pros
- Free version available
- User-friendly interface
- Screen and audio capture/recording
- Annotations
Cons
- Free version limits video recordings to 5 minutes
- No free trial for the PRO version
Conclusion
Although taking and maintaining screenshots of large documents can take some time, it’s essential to use the technology to capture important data. By using screencapture to record urgent or upcoming documents, you may save time and keep your recordings. Additionally, by taking screenshots of the data to save for later use, you can save valuable worktime. Overall, taking screenshots of large documents and preserving them is a helpful strategy for keeping track of important events and work records.