How to Use Steps Recorder When Troubleshooting Windows

Document and solve problems much easier

Do you find it difficult to explain computer issues to support technicians over the phone or via text? The Steps Recorder app can help you describe the issue. It uses screenshots and text descriptions to document steps that led to the issue you’re trying to fix.

Sending support technicians a Steps Recorder report can help them accurately diagnose computer malfunctions and recommend appropriate troubleshooting solutions. This tutorial covers everything you need to know about the Steps Recorder app.

The Steps Recorder app was formerly known as Problem Steps Recorder (PSR) in Windows 7 and 8.1. It’s still the same app, but the interface and some features are slightly different. This tutorial focuses on using Steps Recorder in the Windows 10 and 11 operating systems. Refer toMicrosoft’s documentation on the Problems Steps Recorder appif you have a Windows 7 or 8.1 computer.

How to Use the Problem Steps Recorder in Windows

Close the problematic app, file, or tool and follow the steps below to record the actions that yielded the problem.

You can also launch Steps Recorder through theWindows Run box. PressWindows key+R, typepsrorpsr.exein the dialog box, and selectOK.

Steps Recorder will launch a new window where you can review or save the recorded steps. Before saving the recording, preview and verify that the recorded actions are accurate.

SelectReview the recorded steps as a slide showto play a slideshow presentation of the recording.

Steps Recorder displays each step for 3 seconds and stops the slide show on the final step. ThePauseoption halts the presentation, while thePreviousorNextoptions in the top-right corner let you manually move between steps. SelectExit Slide Showin the top-left corner to end the presentation.

You can view the recording in the Microsoft Edge web browser—open the ZIP file and double-click the MHT document.

Note that Steps Recorder (or Problems Steps Recorder) doesn’t record text input. So, any sensitive information (password, address, etc.) you typed while recording a problem is invisible to Microsoft or whoever has the recording.

Change Steps Recorder Settings

Explore Steps Recorder’s settings menu to configure how the app captures and saves recordings.

Microsoft designed Steps Recorder to capture up to 25 screens by default, but you can increase the screen capture limit. Increase the limit before recording a problem that you estimate may require more than 25 mouse clicks.

Microsoft guarantees that the Steps Recorder app doesn’t record text input when capturing your computer’s screen. You can disable screen capture if you aren’t sold on Microsoft’s assurance of Steps Recorder not recording your personal information.

Open Steps Recorder’s settings menu, selectNoin the “Enable screen capture” section, and selectOK. The app will stop taking screenshots and only record text descriptions of your steps.

Steps Recorder will prompt you to enter a file name and choose a preferred storage location for every recording. You can configure the Steps Recorder app to save recordings to a specific folder under a default file name.

You can’t preview screen captures after setting a default output file name and location. Steps Recorder automatically saves all new recordings to the preferred output location under the default file name when you stop recording.

Also, every new recording overwrites the previously-saved recording in the default output folder.

Document and Solve Problems Easily

Steps Recorder in Windows 10 has anAdd Commentbutton for highlighting and annotating your screen while recording. The revamped Steps Recorder app in Windows 11 lacks the comment feature. It’s also important to note that Steps Recorder may fail to capture some programs (e.g., full-screen games) accurately.

If Steps Recorder doesn’t provide the details a support technician needs, use alternativescreen recording toolsto capture the events on the screen.

Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio

Welcome to Help Desk Geek- a blog full of tech tips from trusted tech experts. We have thousands of articles and guides to help you troubleshoot any issue. Our articles have been read over 150 million times since we launched in 2008.

HomeAbout UsEditorial StandardsContact UsTerms of Use

Copyright © 2008-2024 Help Desk Geek.com, LLC All Rights Reserved