Top 3 Best Free Screen Recording Software for Windows 12
Microsoft often releases new versions of Windows every few years. Each update brings exciting features and enhancements that keep users eager for the latest advancements. Windows 12 is expected to be released this fall, so it’s the perfect time to explore tools that will make the most of this new operating system. One essential tool for many users is screen recording software. Thus, in this blog post, we’ll introduce you to the top 3 best free screen recording software options for Windows 12. Whether you’re creating tutorials, capturing gameplay, or recording presentations, these screen recorders will help you achieve professional results effortlessly.
Here are 3 of the best free screen recording software for Windows 12 that we can expect:
With Windows 12’s anticipated fall release, compatibility is key. Our top 3 screen recorders—OBS Studio, ActivePresenter, and ScreenPal—are known for their regular updates and Windows support. While final Windows 12 compatibility details are pending developer confirmation, these tools have a history of adapting quickly to new releases, giving us confidence in their future performance. We’ll monitor updates and refine our recommendations as needed.
To thoroughly assess these screen recording tools, I dedicated several hours to testing each one, focusing on key criteria relevant to users seeking free options. My evaluation prioritized the presence of watermarks, the robustness of editing tools, recording time limits, and overall ease of use. I also considered performance factors like resource consumption and output quality. This hands-on approach allowed me to directly compare how each tool balanced free features with potential limitations, providing a clear picture of what users can expect without spending a dime.
Overview of the Top 3 Free Screen Recording Software for Windows 12
| Feature | OBS Studio | ActivePresenter | Screenpal |
| Primary use | Live streaming, screen recording | Screen recording, video editing, eLearning authoring | Screen recording, basic video editing |
| Ease of use | Steeper learning curve | Relatively user-friendly | Very user-friendly, intuitive interface |
| Platform | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS | Web-based (primarily), Desktop app available |
| Screen recording | ✅ Yes (unlimited, high-quality) | ✅ Yes (high-quality, customizable) | ✅ Yes (with limits in the free version) |
| Video editing | ❌ No (requires external editor) | ✅ Yes (advanced timeline editing, effects) | ✅ Yes (basic editing: trim, cut, captions) |
| Audio editing | ✅ Yes (basic mixer controls) | ✅ Yes (multi-track audio editing) | ✅ Yes (basic audio editing) |
| Annotations & effects | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (shapes, text, animations, interactivity) | ✅ Yes (basic annotations, captions) |
| Webcam recording | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| eLearning features | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (SCORM, quizzes, interactions) | ❌ No |
| Cloud storage & sharing | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Watermark | ❌ No | ❌ No (free features) | ✅ Yes |
| Best for | Streamers, gamers, advanced users | Educators, trainers, professionals | Casual users, educators, quick recordings |
| Pricing | Free (Open source) | Free version available; Paid versions (Standard, Pro) | Free version available; Paid plans (Deluxe, Max, Team Business) |
In summary:
- OBS Studio: Best for live streaming and high-quality recordings, but lacks built-in editing.
- ActivePresenter: Best for eLearning, screen recording, and video editing with rich features.
- ScreenPal: Best for quick and simple screen recording with basic editing and cloud sharing.
#1. OBS Studio
OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software Studio) offers a robust and versatile solution for video recording and live streaming. As an open-source project maintained by volunteer contributors worldwide, OBS Studio stays up-to-date with the latest technology, ensuring compatibility with new operating systems like Windows 12. It’s completely free to use, without any watermarks or usage restrictions, and can even be used commercially. The software is licensed under GPLv2, allowing other developers to utilize the code in their own projects while adhering to the license guidelines.
Pros
- Boast a robust set of features, including: multiple sources, scene switching, audio mixing, encoding options, live streaming, recording and plugins.
- Be completely free to use and open source.
- Offer extensive customization options.
- Have no watermark in the output.
- Be regularly updated with bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features.
- Have a large and active community, providing forums, guides, and tutorials for help and support.
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners.
- No built-in editing tools.
- No official support team for immediate assistance.
- High system resource consumption, which might slow down your computer.
#2. ActivePresenter
ActivePresenter, from Atomi Systems, is a comprehensive eLearning authoring tool always evolving along with the new OS. It seamlessly integrates screen recording, video editing, and eLearning authoring into one powerful package. Users can record everything on screen with audio, webcam, and mouse movement, then edit recorded video with basic features for free. Plus, this tool supports recording software simulations with automatic annotations, making it easier than ever to create effective how-to videos. And with regular updates, you’ll always have access to the latest features and improvements.
Pros
- Offers a comprehensive feature set, including screen recording, video editing, animation, interactive design, quiz creation, and multi-format export. It covers almost every need for eLearning authoring.
- Provides an intuitive user interface.
- Supports multiple export formats: image, video, PDF, PPT, Excel, SCORM (1.2 vs. 2004), xAPI, and HTML5.
- Supports a wide range of advanced features like professional video effects, complex animations, and enhanced interaction options.
- Be updated regularly with new features and improvements.
- Provides a free version with unlimited time and functionality.
- No watermark for free features. Please take a look at the details here: Feature Comparison.
Cons
- Take time to export video if the file is big.
- Required a powerful enough computer for smooth operation.
- Crash occasionally while editing.
Pricing
ActivePresenter offers a free version with basic features. For more advanced video editing and eLearning authoring capabilities, there are two paid options:
- Standard: $199 per license
- Pro: $399 per license
These are one-time purchases; the licenses are perpetual, meaning you buy them once and can use the software indefinitely. Discounts are available for educational institutions and volume purchases.
#3. Screenpal
ScreenPal (formerly Screencast-O-Matic) is another free recording and video editing software for Windows 12. ScreenPal operates primarily as a web-based application, allowing you to access and use it directly through your internet browser. However, it also offers a downloadable desktop app that provides additional offline recording and editing capabilities. This means you can continue working on your projects even without an internet connection and upload them once you’re back online. While the core functionality remains online, the desktop app ensures you have the flexibility to create and edit videos anytime, anywhere. Keep in mind that some advanced features might be limited in the offline mode compared to the online version.
Pros
- Dual platform availability: web-based and desktop applications.
- Multiple saving options: save as a local file and save to the system for embedding.
- Quick recording and sharing.
- Affordable pricing.
- Cloud hosting for recordings, making them easy to share and access from anywhere.
- Ease of use.
Cons
- Limited recording time in the free version (15 minutes).
- Watermark on output in the free plan.
- Basic editing features.
Pricing
Apart from the Free plane, Screenpal offers 3 pricing options as below:
- Deluxe: $4/month
- Max: $10/month
- Team Business: $8/month
Conclusion
So, there you have it – our top 3 picks for the best free screen recording software for Windows 12. Each tool brings its own strengths and weaknesses to the table, so the perfect choice depends on your specific needs. Whether you’re creating tutorials, capturing epic gameplay moments, recording presentations, or diving into live streaming, these free options offer a great starting point. We encourage you to explore each one, experiment with their features, and find the screen recorder that best empowers you to create amazing videos. Happy recording!