VLC Player Screen Recorder – How to Capture Screen with VLC Media Player
Last Updated on October 20, 2025 by John Paul
Windows and Mac have built-in screen recorders, but they may be inadequate or yield suboptimal results for your needs. But little do people know that the VLC Media Player can be used as a screen recorder as well. Yes! VLC is packed with numerous features, one of which is a screen recorder.
If you’re looking for another way to record your computer screen or you simply don’t like the features of your computer’s native screen recorder, there’s the VLC player screen recorder for you. I’ve discussed the steps on how to use it below. And if by any chance you’re not satisfied with the VLC player screen recording, I’ve also prepared the best alternative screen recorder for you. Go on!
Part 1: Can VLC Record Screen?
Many people know what VLC is. It’s a free media player that’s available on Windows and Mac. But what people don’t know about it is that VLC can be a screen recorder as well. It has the Open Capture Device feature, which allows it to record the screen, record audio, and record webcam. If you want to record your desktop screen or any content on your desktop, you can use VLC to do just that.
In case your computer doesn’t have VLC yet, you can install it from VideoLAN’s official website. There, you can select whether you’re downloading it for Windows or Mac.
2. The Open Media window will appear. There, look for Capture Mode and select Desktop as the target. You may adjust the output frame rate to 30.00f/s or to your preferred settings.
3. Look for the drop-down menu that says “Play”, click the arrow beside it, and choose Convert. Alternatively, you can press Alt + O if you can't find it.
4. In the Convert window, you can set the name of the recording and the destination folder. Aside from that, you may choose your preferred Profile (MP4, Webm, TS, etc.). When you’re done, just hit the Start button.
5. If you’re finished with your VLC screen recording, just hit the stop icon in the player, and the recording will automatically be stored to the destination folder.
Part 3: Where Are VLC Screen Recordings Saved?
If you’re new to the VLC screen recorder, you may not know where the recordings are saved by default. To find your VLC recordings, simply navigate to the Videos or Movies folder (the same location applies for both Windows and Mac). It could also be in the destination folder you’ve set when you’re converting/saving the recording. You can set it by clicking the Browse option and choosing your preferred folder on your computer or storage device.
If you still can’t find your recording. You may use your Windows Explorer or Finder’s Search Bar, and type in the name of the file to locate it.
Part 4: What Are the Downsides of Using VLC as A Screen Recorder
While it’s great that VLC can be a screen recorder whenever you need it, it’s not free from potential downsides. Well, it’s free software and we really shouldn’t nitpick, but if you’re someone who does, there are some disadvantages that you might need to consider before using the VLC screen recorder.
- The setup before recording can be complicated for newbies (not user-friendly).
- There’s no dedicated screen record button.
- The audio from screen recordings can have issues at times ( no sound, low quality, etc.).
- It uses too much CPU power, which can result in lags, errors, and battery drain for low to mid-tier computers.
In other words, it’s not really a dedicated screen recorder. Yes, it can do screen-recording tasks, but its downsides could make or break the output or your experience in general. There is a far better screen recording software out there.
Best Alternative: Use Widsmob Screen Recorder Instead of VLC for Better Results
Are you looking for an easier and more efficient way to record your computer screen? Widsmob Screen Recorder for Mac/Windows makes it incredibly simple to capture anything on your screen, whether it's a tutorial, gameplay, or an important online meeting. The user-friendly interface enables you to start recording with just a few clicks, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users. Simply launch the software, select the desired recording, and click the record button. It's that simple!
Besides its one-click recording feature, the factors that set Widsmob Screen Recorder apart from VLC Player Screen Recorder are its other useful features. It can:
- Record high-quality and lag-free videos up to 4K resolution. Thanks to its built-in GPU acceleration technology, your recordings will go smoothly without frame drops while keeping a crisp quality.
- Capture system audio and microphone sound simultaneously (good for streamers and educators);
- Take screenshots during your recording, making it easier to highlight key moments;
- Customize your recording area—whether it's a specific window, full screen, or a selected region. This offers flexibility for all kinds of recording needs.
- Save files in a variety of formats such as MP4, MOV, WMA, MP3, JPG, PNG, GIF, etc.
- Record the screen without a watermark. Other screen recorders include watermarks after recording, which can be annoying to look at.
- Take screen recordings of your Android and iPhone on your computer if the native screen recorder on your phone is not good enough for you.
- Edit video after recording. You can add pictures, arrows, stickers, lines, texts, shapes, and more. This helps you create quick tutorials, presentations, etc, as you don’t need to use another editing app. You can also set video codec, audio quality, frame rate, and hotkeys
Indeed, Widsmob Screen Recorder is an all-in-one solution and a perfect alternative for your screen recording needs. It’s easy to use and has features that can cater to different situations. If you wish to try Widsmob Screen Recorder, here are the steps you need to follow.
1. Click the button below to download the installer. Once downloaded, you can double-click the installer to set it up on a Windows PC. If you’re using a Mac, drag it to the Applications folder instead.
2. Launch the screen recording software. On the main interface, you have to choose between Full Screen, Record Webcam, and Custom Area. Then, select your preferred audio source/s (System Audio and Microphone Audio). You can use either or both.
3. Choose the video format, frame rate, resolution, and other settings that you want. Check everything before you proceed to the next step.
4. When you’re done setting your preferences, hit the REC button to start recording the target screen. Once you’re done, just click the Stop button, and options will appear on the screen. You can preview, save, or delete the recording right there.
5. If you’re satisfied with the result, save/export the recording and select your preferred destination folder. You can also choose the format during this step. Hit Save afterward.
You may go to the recording within the app and edit it if you want. That’s it! It’s pretty simple and clear. You don’t have to struggle with the VLC Media Player screen recorder. Capture your screen quickly and efficiently with Widsmob Screen Recorder.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, VLC’s screen recording feature is like that reliable old tool in your drawer — it works, it’s free, and it gets the job done when you need something simple. If you’re just trying to capture a quick demo or save a clip without downloading new software, VLC can be a surprisingly handy option. But let’s be real: it’s not built with screen recording as its main function. There are no advanced features, like post-recording editing tools or wide format output support. You might want to explore dedicated screen recorders like Widsmob Screen Recorder for a smoother and easier screen recording experience.
FAQs
In some versions of VLC, screen recording with system audio is automatic by default. However, many users complain about inconsistencies that result in no audio output. Moreover, you may also record microphone audio while screen recording with VLC, but setting it up can be challenging for starters, and the quality can be hit or miss.
No. VLC can only record in full screen, which means your entire desktop. So anything you do in it is recorded. There’s also no available option in the software that allows selecting a region on the screen. That’s why VLC is not recommended for screen recording by many users.