RecBeamPart of Chrome screen recorder
Press Ctrl + Shift + Show windows to use the built-in Screen capture tool, or use a Chrome extension to record and share a link.
Quick answer
To screen record on a Chromebook, press Ctrl + Shift + Show windows, switch to Screen record, choose full screen, a partial area or a window, and press Record. Turn the microphone on in the settings (gear) icon first if you want to talk. For the sound playing in a tab, or a recording you can share as a link, use a Chrome extension such as RecBeam.
Method 1: the built-in Screen capture tool
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Show windows. The Show windows key is the one with a rectangle and two lines, usually in the top row. You can also open Quick Settings and choose Screen capture.
- In the toolbar that appears, switch from Screenshot to Screen record.
- Choose what to record: the full screen, a partial area you drag out, or a single window.
- Press Record. A short countdown starts the recording.
- Press the stop button in the shelf when you are done.
Add your voice
Open the settings (gear) icon in the Screen capture toolbar and turn on the microphone before you press Record. Chromebooks ask for permission the first time. Test with a few seconds of speech, because audio cannot be added to a recording after the fact.
Record the sound playing on the Chromebook
People often search for how to record a Chromebook screen with internal audio. The built-in Screen capture tool records your microphone, not the sound that is playing from the Chromebook itself, so a video or a meeting you play will not be heard in the recording unless the microphone picks it up from the speakers (which sounds poor).
The reliable route is a Chrome extension. In Chrome's share picker, choose the Chrome tab that is playing the sound and tick Also share tab audio. The recording then contains that tab's sound, and you can add your own voice on top with the microphone. The full picker walkthrough is in how to record internal audio in Chrome.
Method 2: record with a Chrome extension
A Chromebook runs the full Chrome browser, so Chrome extensions work. That gives you a recording you can share as a link instead of a file. With RecBeam:
- Install RecBeam from the Download page and sign in with Google.
- Choose Screen only, Screen + Camera or Camera only.
- Pick a tab, a window or your screen in Chrome's picker, and allow the microphone if you want to talk.
- Record with the floating controls, then stop. The recording uploads and you get a link.
The extension needs only what Chrome's pickers expose, so it records browser tabs and windows, which is how most Chromebook work happens. See the full steps in how to screen record in Chrome with audio.
Which method to use
| You want | Built-in Screen capture | Chrome extension (RecBeam) |
|---|---|---|
| A quick file on the Chromebook | Yes, saved to Downloads | Yes, plus a cloud copy |
| Your voice (microphone) | Yes, turn it on in settings | Yes, allow the microphone |
| The sound playing in a tab | No | Yes, with Also share tab audio |
| Your face on screen (camera) | No | Yes, Screen + Camera mode |
| A link to send instead of a file | No | Yes, private share link |
| Whole screen or a single window | Yes | Yes, through Chrome's picker |
Use the built-in tool for a quick local clip. Use RecBeam when you need tab sound, your camera or a link. The free Starter plan covers 5-minute recordings at 720p, and Business removes the length limit.
Record only audio
If you only need your voice, such as a voice note or a lesson narration, record with the microphone on and convert the file to audio. The free MP4 to MP3 converter accepts WebM files too, so a Chromebook recording turns into an MP3 in the browser, without uploading it anywhere.
Where recordings are saved
The built-in tool saves recordings in your Downloads folder by default, and you can open them from the Files app. Chromebook screen recordings are commonly WebM files; if you need an MP4 for an editor or another device, convert it free with the WebM to MP4 converter. Large recordings use storage, so clear space if saving fails.
School and work Chromebooks
If the Chromebook is managed by a school or a company, an administrator may turn off screen capture or limit which extensions you can install. If the option is missing or greyed out, ask your administrator. Teachers recording lessons can see how teams use recordings on the Education and Training page.
If something goes wrong
- No sound: check that the microphone is on in the Screen capture settings or allowed for the extension.
- The recording will not start: restart Chrome, then check permissions. The checklist is in screen recorder extension not working: how to fix it.
- The file will not open on another device: convert it to MP4 first.
Next step: Ready to record? Add the Chrome screen recorder from RecBeam, free to start, or compare it on the best screen recorder extension for Chrome page.
Questions
Do Chromebooks have a built-in screen recorder?
Yes. The Screen capture tool lets you record your whole screen, part of it or a single window. Press Ctrl + Shift + Show windows to open it.
Can I record my Chromebook screen with sound?
Yes. Use the settings (gear) icon in the Screen capture toolbar to turn the microphone on, or use a Chrome extension and allow the microphone.
How do I screen record on a Chromebook with internal audio?
The built-in Screen capture tool records your microphone, not the sound playing from the Chromebook. To capture the sound of a tab, such as a video or a meeting, use a Chrome extension: share that tab and tick Also share tab audio in Chrome's picker. RecBeam records that way.
How do I screen record on an HP, Acer, Lenovo or Samsung Chromebook?
The steps are the same on every Chromebook, because the Screen capture tool is part of ChromeOS. Press Ctrl + Shift + Show windows, switch to Screen record and press Record. The Show windows key is the one with a rectangle and two lines.
Where do Chromebook screen recordings go?
By default they are saved in your Downloads folder, and the Files app shows them.
Can I share a Chromebook recording as a link?
Not with the built-in tool, which saves a file. A Chrome extension such as RecBeam uploads the recording and gives you a link.
Why does my Chromebook recording have no sound?
In the built-in tool the microphone is off until you turn it on in the Screen capture settings before you press Record. With a Chrome extension, allow the microphone and tick the share-audio box in Chrome's picker. If the recorder will not start at all, see the fix checklist.
Is there a free screen recorder for a Chromebook?
Yes. The built-in Screen capture tool is free, and RecBeam's Starter plan is free too, with 5-minute recordings at 720p and a share link. See the plans.
Can I record just my voice on a Chromebook?
Record with the microphone on, then convert the file to audio. The free MP4 to MP3 converter also accepts WebM, which is what Chromebook recordings usually are.