There are a lot of times where a video can be far more convenient than taking a screenshot. Take for example when you want to help someone configure their phone or you simply want to demonstrate a new feature of the mobile version of Windows 10. In these situations, a traditional screenshot may not be enough.

While screen recording is nowadays an easy thing to do, it’s not a straightforward process on your smartphone, as there isn’t any Windows 10 Mobile apps that you can use to record your phone’s screen.

However, Microsoft has a simple solution that involves projecting your phone screen to your PC where you can then use any screen recording software to create a screencast of a new feature of the operating system or a tutorial of a new app.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to start a recording of your Windows 10 Mobile handset — steps that will also work with any Windows Phone 8.1 device.

How to screen record your Windows 10 Mobile phone

  • Download from the Microsoft Download Center and install the Project My Screen app to your computer.
  • Launch the Project My Screen app.
  • Use a data USB cable to connect your Windows 10 Mobile device (e.g., Lumia 950 or Lumia 950 XL) to your computer. (Keep in mind that you can also connect any Windows Phone 8.1 device as well.)
  • Once the phone is connected, tap Yes on your phone, when prompt to allow screen projection. At this point, you should see your mobile device screen projecting on your PC — and yes, portrait and landscaping is supported.
  • Now you need a screen recording software to do the recording. There are a lot software around the web, but you can start with CamStudio, which is a free and open-source software that allows you to record the entire desktop, a window, or just an specific region of the screen.
  • Note: Pay close attention to the installation of CamStudio as you may install some extra software you don’t need. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.
  • Maximize the Project My Screen app window.
  • Launch CamStudio.
  • Use the Region options to record part or the entire screen.
  • Click Options and choose whether you want record your voice as well.
  • Click the Record button and go back to Project My Screen.
  • The best part about the app is that you can use a mouse or the touch screen on your computer to control your phone. Of course, you can always navigate using the phone itself.
  • When you’re done with your presentation, click the Stop button, and then save the video on your computer.
  • Note: By default, the video will save with an .AVI format, but you can change these settings on Options > Video Options settings.

Once you have completed your screen recording, you can easily share the video with friends or you can upload the recording to YouTube or another online video service.

Download from the Microsoft Download Center and install the Project My Screen app to your computer.

Launch the Project My Screen app.

Use a data USB cable to connect your Windows 10 Mobile device (e.g., Lumia 950 or Lumia 950 XL) to your computer. (Keep in mind that you can also connect any Windows Phone 8.1 device as well.)

Once the phone is connected, tap Yes on your phone, when prompt to allow screen projection. At this point, you should see your mobile device screen projecting on your PC — and yes, portrait and landscaping is supported.

Now you need a screen recording software to do the recording. There are a lot software around the web, but you can start with CamStudio, which is a free and open-source software that allows you to record the entire desktop, a window, or just an specific region of the screen.

Maximize the Project My Screen app window.

Launch CamStudio.

Use the Region options to record part or the entire screen.

Click Options and choose whether you want record your voice as well.

Click the Record button and go back to Project My Screen.

The best part about the app is that you can use a mouse or the touch screen on your computer to control your phone. Of course, you can always navigate using the phone itself.

When you’re done with your presentation, click the Stop button, and then save the video on your computer.

Project My Screen has been around for several years. In fact, the app is a two-part solution, which is already on your phone since Windows Phone 8.1, which is why you only need to install the app on your PC and your phone will detect and prompt you to allow screen projection automatically .

In addition, remember that you are not limited only to screen recordings, the Project My Screen app is also a great tool you can use to demo new features and even a mobile app during a meeting at work.

Did you ever wonder how Microsoft shows off on stage new features of Windows 10 Mobile and Windows Phone 8.1, or how websites create their videos on Windows phones? Well… now you know.