How to Screen Record on Chromebook (Built-In, Free)

To screen record on a Chromebook, press Shift + Ctrl + Show windows (the key with a rectangle-and-lines icon) to open Screen Capture, select the Record option, then click the area to record. It’s built into ChromeOS — nothing to install. On Windows? See how to record your screen on Windows.

Step by step

1. Press Shift + Ctrl + Show windows (or click the time → Screen capture).
2. In the toolbar at the bottom, click the Record video icon (a camera).
3. Choose Full screen, Partial (drag a box), or Window.
4. Click Record. A countdown starts.
5. Click the red stop button in the bottom shelf when done.

Recording audio

• Toggle the microphone icon in the toolbar to record your voice.
• To capture system audio, you can’t natively — use a mic or a Chrome extension like Loom or Screencastify.

Where do recordings save?

Recordings save as WEBM files to your Downloads folder, and appear in the Files app → Downloads. You can also open the Tote (bottom shelf) to see recent captures.

Note: WEBM plays in Chrome, but not always on iPhones. To share widely, convert to MP4 (free online converters like CloudConvert work).

FAQ

Is the Chromebook screen recorder free?

Yes. It’s built into ChromeOS — no download, no watermark, no time limit. On Android, see how to screen record on Android.

What’s the shortcut for screen recording on a Chromebook?

Shift + Ctrl + Show windows (Show windows is the key with a rectangle and two lines, in the top row).

How do I record a single window on Chromebook?

In the Screen Capture toolbar, pick Record, then choose the Window option and click the window you want.