How To Change Video Frame Rate For Game Recording In Windows 11

With the rise of streaming and content creation, game recording has become an essential feature for gamers and professionals alike. Whether you are looking to share your gameplay on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, or Facebook Gaming, or simply want to capture high-quality footage for personal use, Windows 11 offers robust tools to record your gaming sessions. One key aspect of capturing high-quality videos is setting the frame rate appropriately, as it directly affects the smoothness and overall quality of the recording.

In this detailed guide, we will explore how to change the video frame rate for game recording in Windows 11, using built-in tools and third-party software, ensuring you capture your gameplay at the best possible quality.

Why Frame Rate Matters for Game Recording

Before diving into how to change the frame rate, it’s important to understand what frame rate is and why it matters.

What is Frame Rate?

Frame rate, measured in frames per second (FPS), refers to the number of individual images (frames) that appear in one second of video. A higher frame rate results in smoother and more fluid motion in video recordings, while a lower frame rate can result in choppy or jittery footage.

• 30 FPS: This is considered the standard frame rate for many online videos and is adequate for casual game recordings.
• 60 FPS: This frame rate is ideal for smoother, high-quality game recordings, especially for fast-paced games where quick actions are important.
• 120 FPS or Higher: Some gamers prefer recording at 120 FPS or higher, but this is typically used by professional content creators for ultra-smooth footage. However, it requires powerful hardware and significant storage.

Choosing the right frame rate for your game recording depends on your PC’s performance, the type of game you’re playing, and where you plan to publish the video.

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How to Change Video Frame Rate for Game Recording Using the Xbox Game Bar

Windows 11 comes with the Xbox Game Bar, a built-in feature designed for recording gameplay, taking screenshots, and monitoring performance. You can easily configure the recording settings, including the frame rate, through this tool.

Step 1: Open Xbox Game Bar

1. Press Windows + G on your keyboard to open the Xbox Game Bar overlay.
2. If this is your first time using it, you may need to enable the Xbox Game Bar by going to Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar and turning it on.

Step 2: Access Game Bar Settings

1. In the Xbox Game Bar overlay, click on the Settings icon (a gear symbol) located in the top navigation bar.
2. A settings window will pop up, giving you access to several configuration options.

Step 3: Go to the Capturing Settings

1. In the settings window, click on the Capturing tab to view the options related to game recording.
2. Here, you’ll find various options related to frame rate, resolution, and audio.

Step 4: Change the Frame Rate

1. Scroll down to the Video frame rate section.
2. You’ll have two options to choose from:
   • 30 FPS: This is the default frame rate, which works for most casual recordings.
   • 60 FPS: If you want a smoother recording, especially for fast-paced games, select 60 FPS.

Step 5: Save Your Changes

1. Once you’ve selected your desired frame rate, close the settings window. The changes will automatically be applied the next time you record your gameplay using the Xbox Game Bar.
2. You can now start recording your game footage with your new frame rate settings.

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How to Change Video Frame Rate for Game Recording Using OBS Studio

If you want more advanced control over your recordings, including changing the frame rate, resolution, and encoding options, OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is a popular, free option for gamers and content creators. OBS Studio offers more flexibility than the Xbox Game Bar, especially for users who need high-quality recording or streaming.

Step 1: Download and Install OBS Studio

1. Download OBS Studio from the official OBS website.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.

Step 2: Open OBS Studio and Set Up a New Scene

1. After launching OBS Studio, you’ll be prompted to set up a new scene. A scene is a collection of sources (such as your game, webcam, and microphone) that will be included in your recording.
2. Click the + icon under the Scenes section to add a new scene and name it appropriately.

Step 3: Add a Source for Game Recording

1. In the Sources section, click the + icon and choose Game Capture from the list.
2. Name your game capture and select OK.
3. Under the Mode dropdown, choose Capture any fullscreen application if you want OBS to automatically record any full-screen game. Alternatively, you can choose to capture a specific window.

Step 4: Access OBS Video Settings

1. At the bottom of the OBS window, click on Settings.
2. In the settings window, navigate to the Video tab.

Step 5: Change the Frame Rate in OBS

1. In the Video tab, look for the option labeled Common FPS Values.
2. From the dropdown menu, you can select your desired frame rate. Options include 30 FPS, 60 FPS, and higher frame rates if your hardware supports it.
   • If you’re recording fast-paced games or want high-quality smooth footage, choose 60 FPS.
   • For standard game recordings, 30 FPS may be sufficient.

Step 6: Configure Output Settings (Optional)

1. If you want to fine-tune your recording quality, go to the Output tab in the settings menu.
2. Under the Recording section, you can adjust the recording format, bitrate, and encoder. Higher bitrates will result in better quality but require more storage space.

Step 7: Start Recording

Once your frame rate and other settings are configured, click Start Recording in the main OBS window to begin capturing your gameplay with the selected frame rate.

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How to Change Video Frame Rate Using NVIDIA GeForce Experience

If you’re using an NVIDIA graphics card, the NVIDIA GeForce Experience software offers a simple way to capture gameplay and customize settings, including the frame rate.

Step 1: Open GeForce Experience

1. Press Alt + Z to bring up the GeForce Experience overlay.
2. If you don’t have GeForce Experience installed, you can download it from the NVIDIA website.

Step 2: Go to Video Settings

1. In the GeForce Experience overlay, click on Settings (gear icon).
2. Navigate to the Video capture settings section.

Step 3: Set the Frame Rate

1. Under the Frame Rate section, you can choose between 30 FPS or 60 FPS.
2. Select the option that best suits your needs. For smoother and more professional recordings, 60 FPS is recommended.

Step 4: Start Recording

After setting the desired frame rate, press Alt + F9 to start recording your gameplay using the customized settings.

Tips for Optimizing Frame Rate for Game Recording

1. Ensure Sufficient System Resources: Higher frame rates (such as 60 FPS or 120 FPS) require more system resources, including CPU and GPU power. Ensure that your computer has the capability to handle both the game and the recording at the chosen frame rate.
2. Balance Between Frame Rate and Resolution: If you’re recording in 4K resolution, 30 FPS might be a better option to reduce the strain on your system. For 1080p or 1440p recordings, 60 FPS is usually ideal.
3. Test Different Settings: It’s a good idea to record short test clips at different frame rates to see how they impact the quality and performance of your system. This helps you find the best balance between frame rate, quality, and performance.

Conclusion

Changing the video frame rate for game recording in Windows 11 can significantly impact the quality of your captured footage. Whether you’re using the built-in Xbox Game Bar, OBS Studio, or NVIDIA GeForce Experience, you now have the knowledge to adjust your settings based on your system’s performance and recording requirements.

Recording at 30 FPS is suitable for casual gaming videos, while 60 FPS offers smoother playback for fast-paced games. With this guide, you can optimize your game recording experience and create high-quality content, whether for personal enjoyment or professional publishing.