VLC Fix Guide

How to Record Your Screen with VLC (Full Screen or Region)

Intermediate Last updated: Applies to: Windows / Linux · VLC 3.0.x (macOS: see note)

VLC includes a full screen-capture engine — no extra software needed. It records your desktop, a specific window, or a region, with audio from the microphone or system. The catch: the options are hidden in the Convert/Save dialog. This guide shows exactly where they live and which settings produce a smooth, non-jumpy recording.

Step 1 — Open the capture device dialog

  1. Go to Media > Convert / Save (Ctrl+R), then open the "Capture Device" tab.

    The capture options appear.

  2. Set "Capture mode" to Desktop.

    Screen capture is selected.

  3. Optional: set the frame rate to 30 (25 in PAL regions) — higher rates waste CPU and rarely improve tutorials.

    The frame rate is set.

NoteOn macOS the built-in capture is limited; see the note at the bottom of this guide for the macOS alternative.

Step 2 — Record a window or a region instead of the full screen

  1. In the same dialog, for "Desktop" mode set the "Frame width/height" to the window size you want to capture, and "Left/Top" to its screen position.

    Only that region is recorded.

  2. Move the target window to the coordinates you entered — a maximized browser at (0,0) with a 1920×1080 capture is the simplest setup.

    The region matches the window.

  3. Set "Screen capture framerate" to match the content: 30 for normal UI, 15 for slideshows, 60 only for gameplay.

    The capture rate is set.

Step 3 — Add microphone audio

  1. In the Capture Device tab, select the microphone as the audio device (Windows: Microphone Array / USB Mic; Linux: pulse device).

    Microphone capture is enabled.

  2. Now click "Convert / Save" at the bottom (not Play) and choose "Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4)".

    The output profile is set.

  3. Pick a destination file and click Start.

    Recording begins immediately.

  4. Stop with the square Stop button in VLC — the file is finalized on stop.

    A playable MP4 is saved.

NoteIf the recording has no sound, your audio capture device is missing or muted — see the recording-no-audio fix for the full checklist.

Step 4 — Fix a jumpy or laggy recording

  • Lower the frame rate to 15–20 fps for static content like presentations.
  • Reduce the capture region — full-4K screen capture at 60 fps is beyond VLC’s software encoder on most machines.
  • Close hardware-accelerated apps (games, browsers with video) that fight the encoder for CPU.
  • For serious capture, use OBS Studio — VLC’s capture is a convenience feature, not a production tool.

Frequently asked questions

Does VLC record the whole screen or just one window?
Either — set a capture region with Left/Top/Width/Height in the Capture Device dialog, or record the full desktop. VLC cannot attach to a single window dynamically.
Why is my screen recording silent?
The microphone was not selected as the capture device, or the OS muted it. Re-check Step 3; system audio (what you hear) is NOT captured by default — VLC records the mic input only.
What is the best output format for screen recordings?
H.264 + AAC in MP4. It plays everywhere and compresses UI content well. Avoid lossless formats unless you are editing afterward.
Can I pause and resume a VLC recording?
No — VLC records continuously until Stop. To edit, trim afterward with VLC’s crop or a dedicated editor.

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Edited by the VLC Fix Guide Tech Team — 10+ years of media software troubleshooting