How to Record Your Screen with OBS Studio for YouTube (Free)

Five steps to record your screen, webcam and mic with OBS Studio: the auto-configuration wizard, sources, noise suppression, a safe file format, then record. Free, no watermark.

OBS Studio is free, open-source software that records your screen with no time limit and no watermark. The first launch shows a lot of settings, but these five steps are all you need for a good tutorial or gameplay recording. Menu names may vary slightly by version.

1. Install and run the wizard

Download OBS from obsproject.com. On first launch, run the Auto-Configuration Wizard (Tools menu) and choose to optimize for recording.

2. Add sources

In the Sources box, click +: Display Capture for the full screen, Window Capture for one window, Video Capture Device for your webcam. Drag to position them.

3. Clean up the audio

In the Audio Mixer, check your mic and desktop audio. Click the mic’s gear icon → Filters → add Noise Suppression to cut background noise.

4. Choose the file format

Settings → Output → Recording: pick a folder and MKV or Hybrid MP4 (newer versions) so you don't lose the file if your PC crashes. MKV can be converted with File → Remux Recordings.

5. Record

Click Start Recording, do your thing, then Stop Recording. Set hotkeys in Settings → Hotkeys so you don't record yourself clicking in OBS.

Tips

Do a 10-second test and listen back before the real take
Turn on Windows Do not disturb while recording
Zoom text and the cursor for viewers on phones
Edit afterwards in Clipchamp (fast) or DaVinci Resolve (in depth)

Guide based on official help pages and docs, checked October 30, 2026 — no affiliate links.