Need to show someone how to use a website, software program, or process? PowerPoint includes a built-in screen recording tool that lets you record your screen, capture audio, and insert the finished recording directly onto a slide – no additional software required.
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to record part (or all) of your screen, include narration and mouse movements, and quickly add the recording to your presentation. It’s a great feature for creating tutorials, demonstrations, or self-guided presentations.
What You’ll Learn
- How to record your screen directly in PowerPoint
- How to choose the area of your screen to capture
- How to record narration and mouse movements
- How to pause, resume, and stop a recording
- How to insert the recording into a presentation
- How to resize and format the finished video
Common Uses
- Creating software tutorials
- Recording product demonstrations
- Building employee training presentations
- Creating online course materials
- Explaining websites or online tools
- Recording step-by-step instructions
- Adding narrated walkthroughs to presentations
Requirements & Compatibility
This tutorial was originally recorded in PowerPoint 2013, but the Screen Recording feature continues to work in current desktop versions of Microsoft PowerPoint, including:
- Microsoft 365
- PowerPoint 2024
- PowerPoint 2021
- PowerPoint 2019
- PowerPoint 2016
PowerPoint for the web does not currently include the same built-in screen recording feature.
Practice & Resources
No practice files are required for this tutorial.
Simply open a PowerPoint presentation and follow along using any website or application you’d like to demonstrate.
Video Tutorial
Breaking Down the Concepts
Unlike inserting a video you’ve already recorded, PowerPoint’s Screen Recording feature lets you capture your screen without leaving PowerPoint. The recording is automatically embedded into your presentation when you finish.
Screen Recording
The Screen Recording tool records activity on your computer screen.
You can choose to record:
- Your entire screen
- A specific application window
- A custom area of the screen
Why it’s useful
Instead of switching between multiple programs, you can record and insert a tutorial without leaving PowerPoint.
Selecting a Recording Area
Before recording begins, you’ll select the portion of your screen you want to capture.
Recording only the area you need helps:
- Keep viewers focused
- Hide unrelated desktop items
- Create a cleaner-looking tutorial
Recording Audio
PowerPoint can record narration through your microphone while you demonstrate something on screen.
Why it’s useful
Adding narration makes it easier for viewers to understand what they’re seeing without relying only on text.
Recording the Mouse Pointer
By default, PowerPoint records your mouse movements.
Why it’s useful
The pointer naturally guides viewers’ attention and makes it easier to follow each step.
Embedding the Video
When you click Stop, PowerPoint automatically inserts the recording onto your current slide.
Unlike linking to an external video, the recording becomes part of the presentation itself.
This means you can:
- Resize it
- Add borders
- Apply formatting
- Play it during your slideshow
Step-by-Step Instructions
Record Your Screen
- Open the presentation and navigate to the slide where you want the recording.
- Select the Insert tab.
- Click Screen Recording in the Media group.
- Click Select Area.
- Drag to select the portion of the screen you want to record.
(Shortcut: Windows + Shift + A)
Configure Recording Options
Choose whether to:
- Record audio
- Record your mouse pointer
Both options are enabled by default.
Optionally, click the Pin icon to keep the recording controls visible.
Start Recording
Click Record.
Or press:
Windows + Shift + R
PowerPoint displays a three-second countdown before recording begins.
Pause or Resume
If needed:
Press
Windows + Shift + R
again to pause.
Press it again to resume recording.
Stop Recording
When you’re finished:
- Click Stop on the recording dock
or
Press:
Windows + Shift + Q
Your recording is automatically inserted into the current slide.
Format the Video
Once inserted, you can:
- Resize the recording
- Move it anywhere on the slide
- Add a border
- Preview it using the Play button
Additional Tips
Record Only What You Need
Selecting a smaller recording area often creates a cleaner, easier-to-follow tutorial and helps avoid showing notifications or unrelated desktop items.
Pin the Recording Controls
If you’re worried about forgetting the keyboard shortcuts, pin the recording toolbar so it stays visible throughout the recording.
Audio Tip
Record in a quiet environment and use a headset or external microphone if possible for clearer narration.
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