How to Use VLC to Screen Capture with Audio

Did you know that you can use VLC to record the screen with audio?

For most Windows users, VLC is the go-to media player. A few of the main reasons are its broad support for various media files, built-in streaming support, easy-to-use user interface, and more. I don’t think another media player comes close to VLC regarding file format support, ease of use, and the sheer number of options and configurations. Most of all, VLC is free and open-source.

If you are using VLC, you might already know that it does a host of other things apart from media playback. Those things include but are not limited to converting media files, recording currently playing video, DVD and Blu-ray ripping, online video streaming, etc.

Of all the things, one of the lesser-known features of VLC is its capability to record the screen with just a few clicks. This feature is beneficial when you want to record a problem, capture your favorite gameplay footage, create a step-by-step instructional guide on using a particular feature in Windows, etc.

No matter the reason, knowing how to record the screen with audio using VLC can be pretty helpful in time of need. So, here’s how to use VLC to screen capture with audio.

The steps below work the same in Windows 10 and 11.

Use VLC to screen capture with audio

You can use the Capture Device feature to screen capture quickly with VLC. Here are the steps to follow.

1. Open the VLC media player.
2. Click “View > Advanced Control.”
3. Choose “Media > Open Capture Device.”
4. Select “Desktop” from the “Capture mode” dropdown.
5. Click the “Play” dropdown menu.
6. Choose “Convert.”
7. Select the “Convert” radio option.
8. Choose “Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4)” from the “Profile” dropdown.
9. Press the “Browse” button.
10. Go to the destination folder.
11. Type a name in the “File name” field.
12. Click the “Save” button.
13. Click the “Start” button.
14. Press “Record” in the main VLC window.
15. VLC starts screen capture with audio.
16. Once done, press “Stop” to stop screen recording.
17. Screen capture is automatically saved to the destination folder.
18. With that, you have successfully screen captured with audio.

Steps with more details:

Open the VLC media player from the start menu. Press the Start key, search for “VLC Media Player,” and click the search result.

The first thing you need to do is enable Advanced Controls. It shows additional controls to record the screen. To do that, select “View > Advanced Control.”

Select “Media > Open Capture Device.”

The above action will open the “Open Media” window. Select “Desktop” from the “Capture Mode” dropdown. Optionally, enter your desired frame rate (like 24, 30, or 60 fps). Click the “Convert” option in the “Play” drop-down menu.

If you accidentally/willingly clicked the Play button rather than the Convert button, you will have the inception moment. Click the “Stop” button to get out of it.

In the Convert window, select the profile as “Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4).” Click the “Browse” button.

Choose a destination folder to save the recording file, name it whatever you want, and click the “Save” button.

Now, click on the “Start” button.

The above action will start the VLC screen capture. If you look at Advanced Controls in VLC, you can see the activated “Record” button.

Once you are done recording, click the “Stop” button to stop screen capture.

The file is automatically saved to the destination that you chose earlier.

That’s it. It is that simple to screen record with VLC. Though it is not perfect and nowhere near a dedicated screen recording software, it sure is helpful in a pinch. Moreover, you don’t have to install yet another software for a quick screen recording session.

I hope this simple and easy Windows how-to guide helped you.

If you are stuck or need some help, send an email, and I will try to help as much as possible.