How to Record Live Streams on PC Windows and Mac

Learn how to record live streaming videos on Windows, Mac, and online for free. Step-by-step guides, recommended tools, and FAQs included

Live streaming has become an essential part of online entertainment, gaming, education, and even business meetings. Sometimes, you might want to record a YouTube live stream for later viewing, offline access, or content creation. Whether you are watching a Twitch game, a webinar, or a  YouTube live event, knowing how to record a live stream on PC or Mac can be a game-changer.

In this guide, we will cover multiple ways on how to record a live stream on PC Windows and Mac, including free and professional tools. We will also touch on online recording options and answer common questions about mobile recording.

How to Record a Live Stream on Windows PC

For most users, recording a live stream on a Windows PC is the top priority. There are multiple methods to achieve this, ranging from professional software to built-in tools. Below, we break down the best solutions for Windows users.

#1. Record Live Streaming Videos on Windows with EaseUS Stream Recorder

If you want high-quality recordings with minimal hassle, EaseUS RecExperts is one of the best options for Windows users. I recommend this tool because it is super easy to use to record Twitch stream or YouTube live: follow the interface to set up some basics, and you can record any live streams you want in high quality right now.

💡Key features of EaseUS stream recorder:

• Capture system audio and microphone simultaneously or separately
• Record in HD and 4K quality
• Select full screen, window, or custom area
• Scheduled recording for unattended streams
• Export in multiple formats (MP4, AVI, etc.)

🚩Here is how to record live streams like YouTube or Twitch on Windows PC:

Before getting started: best settings for recording a live stream

• Resolution: 1080p (1920×1080) for most live streams; 720p (1280×720) if your PC is mid-range or the stream itself is 720p
• Frame rate (FPS): 30 fps for regular videos; 60 fps for fast-moving content like gaming streams
• Video format: MP4 (H.264 codec)
• System audio: on
• Microphone: off
• Recording area: Record the browser window or app window only

Step 1. Launch EaseUS RecExperts and adjust your recording settings.

Before you start recording, you can customize your settings by clicking the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner and selecting Settings. From there, you can change the save location, video format, frame rate, audio format, and other preferences. All changes will be saved automatically.

Step 2. Choose a recording mode based on your needs.

On the main interface, you'll see several recording options: Full Screen, Custom, Window, Game, Audio, and Webcam. Simply click the one that matches what you want to record.

Step 3. Set up your webcam and audio sources.

In the toolbar, you can turn the Webcam, Speaker, and Microphone on or off by clicking their icons. If multiple devices are connected, click the small arrow next to each icon to choose your preferred input source.

Step 4. Start and control the screen recording.

Click the red REC button to begin recording. A floating toolbar will appear on your screen, where you can pause the recording using the pause icon or stop it by clicking the red square icon.

Step 5. Preview, edit, and manage your recordings.

Once you stop recording, you'll be taken to the preview window. Here, you can watch your video, trim it, add watermarks, transcribe audio to text, and organize your recordings. To record again with the same settings, just click the REC button in the top-left corner.

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#2. Record a Live Stream on Windows 11 and 10 with Game Bar

Game Bar recording is built into Windows 10 and 11. While not as feature-rich as professional software, it is entirely free and easy to use.

However, this tool is somewhat limited. You cannot record the desktop and File Explorer. If you switch windows or apps during recording, the session will end automatically. Many users reported that the recorded files are very big. That is why I put this method behind.

If you can accept these drawbacks, follow the steps below to record live streams on Windows 10 and 11.

Step 1. Press Win + G to open Game Bar.

Step 2. Click the Record button or use Win + Alt + R to start recording.

Step 3. Perform your live stream activities.

Step 4. Press the stop button when done. The video will be saved automatically.

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How to Record Live Streaming Video on My Mac

Recording live streams on macOS is slightly more complicated than on Windows, mainly because Apple does not allow apps to capture system audio by default.

As a result, most Mac recording solutions fall into two categories:

• Professional tools (like OBS and EaseUS RecExperts for Mac) that support system audio recording through built-in or configurable audio sources
• Native tools (like QuickTime) that require extra audio setup to capture the live stream sound

Below are the two most practical methods Mac users rely on, depending on how much setup you're willing to do.

#1. Record Live Streams with Audio on Mac with OBS [Directly]

OBS Studio is the most flexible and reliable option for recording live streams on Mac, especially when audio is required. It's free, powerful, and widely used by streamers and content creators.

This method is best if you want full control over video and audio, and don't mind spending a few minutes on initial setup.

🚩Step-by-step:

Step 1. Download and install the latest version of OBS Studio for macOS.

Step 2. Launch OBS, click the + under Sources, and select macOS Screen Capture. Choose your display and confirm.

Step 3. Go to Settings > Audio > Global Audio Devices:

• Select Desktop Audio as the correct system audio device.
• Select Mic/Auxiliary Audio as the mic sound input if needed.
• Disable microphone input if you only want to stream audio.

Step 4. Go to Settings > Output. Set recording format to MP4 or MKV

Step 5. Open the live stream in your browser. Click Start Recording before the live stream begins. Stop recording when the stream ends.

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#2. Record Streams on MacBook with QuickTime [Extra Setups Need]

QuickTime is macOS's built-in screen recorder, but it cannot record system audio on its own. To capture live stream audio, you must pair it with an audio loopback tool such as BlackHole.

This method works best if you want a lightweight, native solution and are comfortable with basic system configuration.

🚩Step-by-step:

Step 1. Install an audio loopback tool, such as BlackHole. Download and install BlackHole (2ch).

Step 2. Navigate to Go > Applications > Utilities > Audio MIDI Setup. Create a Multi-Output Device. Check Built-in Output (or Mac Speakers) and BlackHole 2ch.

Step 3. Open QuickTime Player. Go to File > New Screen Recording.

Step 4. Click the arrow next to the record button to set the audio input source as BlackHole 2ch. This allows QuickTime to capture system audio

Step 5. Select Full Screen or drag to record a specific window, then start recording.

Step 6. Play the live stream in your browser. Make sure the audio is playing normally.

Step 7. When finished, stop the recording and save the file.

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How to Record Live Stream Online Free

If you don't want to install software, online recording tools can help capture live streams quickly. This is good for temporary recording or users without admin privileges.

🚩Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1. Open an online recording website (e.g., EaseUS Online Screen Recorder).

Step 2. Choose the system audio option.

Step 3. Start recording and perform your live stream activity.

Step 4. Download the recording after completion.

Further Reading: Advanced Ways to Record YouTube Live Stream from the Beginning

When it comes to recording YouTube live streams, especially from the very beginning, many users quickly realize that simple screen recording isn't the only option being discussed online.

In Reddit threads and technical forums, two command-line tools are often mentioned: yt-dlp and ytarchive. These tools are very different from traditional screen recorders, and they serve a specific purpose.

• yt-dlp: a command-line tool designed to download video data directly from YouTube's servers, including available segments from live streams when DVR is enabled.
• ytarchive: specifically built for live streams and focuses on continuously capturing stream segments as they are published, making it more suitable for long or scheduled broadcasts.

However, these tools come with significant limitations for everyday users.

Both yt-dlp and ytarchive require command-line usage, dependency setup (such as ffmpeg or Python), and precise timing. In real-world testing, results are often inconsistent, especially if early live segments are no longer available or DVR is disabled. Errors, missing fragments, and installation issues are common, even when following online guides.

Because of these factors, this article does not provide step-by-step instructions for yt-dlp or ytarchive. The editor tested these tools based on widely shared tutorials, but could not achieve stable, repeatable results suitable for general users. For readers who are comfortable with command-line tools and troubleshooting, detailed discussions and examples can be found in dedicated Reddit threads and technical forums.

For most users, screen recording remains the most reliable and practical way to capture YouTube live streams, especially when DVR is enabled.

Conclusion

Recording live streams on PC or Mac has never been easier. Here's a quick summary:

Stream Recorder FAQs

1. How to record live streaming video on Android?

Use apps like XRecorder or AZ Screen Recorder, which support internal audio recording on supported Android versions.

2. How to record a Live Stream on iPhone?

Use the iOS built-in screen recorder. Ensure microphone audio is enabled if needed.

3. Can I save live when I am streaming?

Yes, with tools like OBS, you can capture the live feed while broadcasting.

4. Can I record a live stream with audio only?

Yes, select audio-only recording options in OBS, VLC, or EaseUS Stream Recorder.

5. Best free software to record live stream on PC?

Windows Game Bar, OBS Studio, and VLC Media Player are excellent free choices.