Whether you’re recording a class, a Zoom call, a tutorial, or gameplay footage, screen recording has become an essential feature for Dell laptop users in today’s digital world. It’s a versatile tool that allows users to document ideas, share instructions, create engaging content, or even troubleshoot issues step by step. However, many users find themselves stuck at the starting line—unsure of which tools to use, how to record with audio, or where their recordings are saved. This confusion often leads to missed opportunities and wasted time. So, how can you screen record on a Dell laptop quickly, easily, and without spending a dime? This guide breaks down four straightforward methods—ranging from built-in options to robust third-party tools—so you can capture your screen confidently, no matter what your skill level.
Part 1: Using Xbox Game Bar (Pre-installed on Windows 10/11)
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to screen record on your Dell laptop without installing any extra software, Xbox Game Bar is the perfect place to start. Designed primarily for gamers, this built-in Windows feature is also great for recording tutorials, app demos, or any activity within a specific window. It’s especially helpful for beginners who want something simple, fast, and functional right out of the box.
Steps to Use Xbox Game Bar:
Press Windows + G to open the Xbox Game Bar overlay.
open the Xbox Game Bar
Click the Capture icon on the toolbar.
Click the Capture icon on the toolbar
Press the Start Recording (●) button to begin.
When you're done, click the Stop (■) button.
Your video will automatically save under Videos > Captures.
Pros:
Built-in and ready to use—no need to download or install anything.
Clean and simple interface, great for first-time users.
Captures app windows with audio, including microphone input.
Cons:
Cannot record the desktop or File Explorer, which limits its use for full-screen walkthroughs.
No built-in editing or annotation features, so you'll need another tool if you want to make changes post-recording.
I used Game Bar to record a quick how-to tutorial for a friend. The process was smooth and intuitive, and I was surprised that it automatically captured my microphone audio without me needing to adjust any settings. It’s definitely my go-to for basic, fast recordings.
Part 2: Using OBS Studio (Free and Powerful)
If you're looking for more control, better quality, and the ability to record everything on your screen—including your desktop, multiple windows, and webcam—OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is a fantastic free option. It’s open-source and widely used by content creators, streamers, and professionals who need flexible recording setups. While it may take a bit of time to configure, the results are often worth it.
Steps to Use OBS Studio:
Go to obsproject.com and download OBS Studio for Windows.
Go to OBS Studio
Launch OBS and click the + icon in the Sources box.
Launch OBS and click the + icon in the Sources box
Select Display Capture to record your full screen or Window Capture for a specific app.
Select Window Capture
Press Start Recording to begin your session.
When you're done, click Stop Recording and go to File > Show Recordings to access your video.
Pros:
Completely free and open-source, with no watermarks or time limits.
Supports full-screen recording, app windows, webcam overlays, and audio sources.
High-quality video output, suitable for professional tutorials or content.
Customizable layouts and scenes, giving you full creative control.
Advanced audio mixing tools for separate mic and system audio tracks.
Cons:
Initial setup can be confusing for beginners unfamiliar with streaming tools.
Slight learning curve, especially when configuring scenes, resolutions, or audio sync.
I used OBS to record a detailed product demo with both screen and webcam footage. After adding a Display Capture source and adjusting the mic volume, the output looked and sounded professional—and there was no watermark. Once you get past the initial setup, OBS is incredibly powerful for everything from tutorials to live webinars.
Part 3: Using Zight (Formerly CloudApp)
If you need a fast and simple way to create screen recordings and share them instantly, Zight (previously known as CloudApp) is a fantastic cloud-based solution. It’s especially useful for teams, remote workers, and anyone who frequently gives visual feedback or shares quick tutorials. With just a few clicks, you can record your screen—with or without a webcam—and get a shareable link right away. It’s designed for speed and convenience, making it a favorite among professionals who value workflow efficiency.
Steps to Use Zight:
Visit zight.com to download the app and sign in with your account.
Visit Zight
Launch Zight and click the Record icon from the app menu.
Launch Zight and click the Record icon from the app menu
Choose whether to record Screen Only or Screen + Webcam.
Choose whether to record Screen Only or Screen + Webcam
Click Start Recording, and when you're done, click Finish.
Your recording is automatically uploaded to the cloud, and a shareable link is copied to your clipboard.
Pros:
Supports webcam overlay, which is great for feedback or personal walkthroughs.
Instant cloud storage, so there’s no need to manage large local files.
Automatic link generation makes sharing fast and easy—just paste and send.
Cons:
Requires account login, which may not appeal to those wanting an anonymous or one-time use.
Needs an internet connection, as it relies on cloud syncing—no offline recording.
I used Zight to give quick feedback on a website redesign. After recording a short clip with voice-over and webcam, the link was ready to go the moment I hit finish. My team was able to view it instantly—no downloads or attachments needed. If you’re working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, Zight can really streamline your communication.
Part 4: Using WPS Office Screen Recorder
Perfect for beginners, educators, or document walkthroughs.
Steps
Open WPS Office > Go to WPS Tools
Open WPS Office > Go to WPS Tools
Select Screen Recorder
Select Screen Recorder on WPS office
Choose Full Screen or Custom Area
Choose Full Screen or Custom Area on screen recorder
Click Record > Click Stop when done
Click Record
Click Stop when done
Save or edit video in WPS interface
Save or edit video in WPS interface
Pros:
Simple interface
Integrated with Office suite
Great for recording alongside Word/Excel
I recorded a walkthrough of a financial report and edited the clip right in WPS. The tabbed interface made multitasking easy.
Part 5: Record Now, Work Smarter – Use WPS Office After Recording
Once you've finished recording your screen, the next step is transforming that raw footage into meaningful, polished content—and that’s where WPS Office truly shines. This all-in-one productivity suite helps you manage, edit, and present your recorded material with ease, especially for work, school, or content creation.
WPS Office
Here’s how you can use WPS Office effectively after recording:
Write scripts, summaries, or reports using WPS Writer.
Perfect for scripting voiceovers, writing step-by-step guides, or compiling notes alongside your recording.Build engaging presentations using WPS Presentation.
Ideal for turning a recorded walkthrough or tutorial into a slideshow, complete with visuals and speaker notes.Export and share clean PDFs of meeting recaps, training materials, or documentation.
Use the built-in PDF tools to annotate, sign, or compress your files for easy sharing.Let WPS AI assist you in summarizing content, checking grammar, or even translating sections of your script.
Whether you're preparing internal documentation or public-facing material, WPS AI makes it fast and accurate.
I personally used WPS Writer to draft a script for a product demo. After recording, I uploaded the script to WPS AI, which summarized a 10-minute lecture into clear, concise bullet points. It even corrected my grammar, saving me hours of manual work.
With WPS Office, you're not just recording—you’re working smarter, polishing your content, and communicating better.
FAQs – How to Screen Record on Dell Laptop
Q1: What’s the easiest way to screen record on a Dell laptop?
Use Xbox Game Bar—press Windows + G, click record, and go.
Q2: Why can't the Xbox Game Bar record my desktop?
It only records active apps. Use OBS Studio to capture the whole screen.
Q3: Can I use a webcam overlay during recording?
Yes! Both OBS Studio and Zight support webcam overlays.
Q4: Where are my recordings saved?
Game Bar: Videos > Captures
OBS: File > Show Recordings
Zight: Cloud dashboard
Summary
We explored four effective methods to screen record on Dell laptops; each suited to different needs. The Xbox Game Bar is perfect for quick, app-based recordings with no extra setup. OBS Studio is ideal for professionals who need full-screen capture and advanced features. Zight stands out for its instant cloud sharing and webcam overlay options, making it great for collaborative work or tutorials. Lastly, WPS Office offers a simple, integrated screen recording tool for office users who want lightweight, no-fuss experience.
Once you’ve finished recording, use WPS Office to transform your video into a polished presentation, create documentation, or summarize key points using WPS AI. It’s a powerful way to elevate your content and make it presentation-ready in minutes.
