Windows Steps Recorder
Windows Steps Recorder (PSR) is a built-in Windows tool that automatically captures screenshots and records user actions on screen to document troubleshooting steps or procedures.
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What is Windows Steps Recorder?
Windows Steps Recorder, sometimes called Problem Steps Recorder (PSR), is a utility baked right into Windows that grabs screenshots and logs whatever you're doing on your computer. It was built with IT troubleshooting in mind. Every click, every menu you open, every action you take gets saved as annotated screenshots in a tidy ZIP file.
Microsoft has included this tool since Windows 7. Back then, it went by "Problems Steps Recorder," though Windows 10 and 11 shortened that to just "Steps Recorder." Want to open it? Type "psr" in the Run dialog or search for "Steps Recorder" in the Start menu. When you hit record, PSR starts capturing screenshots, up to 25 by default (you can bump that number up in settings), along with text notes describing what you did.
Here's the catch though: Microsoft announced they're phasing out Steps Recorder with a Windows 11 update in February 2024. It still works fine on older Windows versions, but Microsoft is pointing people toward the Snipping Tool's screen recording feature going forward.
Key Characteristics of Windows Steps Recorder
- Automatic Screenshot Capture: Takes screenshots on its own every time you click, type, or navigate. No need to manually hit a capture button
- Action Annotations: Writes out what happened at each step, like which button you clicked or which menu option you picked
- Comment Support: Lets you drop in your own notes while recording to explain what's happening or add context
- Compressed Output: Bundles everything into a ZIP file with an MHTML document inside that opens in any web browser
- Minimal Resources: Pretty lightweight. It won't bog down your system while it's running
Windows Steps Recorder Examples
Example 1: IT Support Documentation
Picture this: a help desk tech asks an employee to recreate a software bug using Steps Recorder. The employee fires up PSR, goes through the same steps that cause the crash, then sends over the ZIP file. The tech opens it up and can see exactly what buttons were clicked and what screens showed up right before things went sideways. Cuts down troubleshooting time quite a bit.
Example 2: Creating Process Documentation
An operations manager needs to document how expense reports get processed in the company's accounting system. They run Steps Recorder, walk through the whole workflow, and capture every screen along the way. Those recordings become the foundation for a step-by-step guide with annotated screenshots for the employee handbook, using screenshot capture to illustrate each action.
Windows Steps Recorder vs Screen Recording
Both capture what's happening on your screen, but they work differently and give you different results.
| Aspect | Windows Steps Recorder | Screen Recording |
|---|---|---|
| Output Format | ZIP file with annotated screenshots and text | Video file (MP4, AVI, MOV) |
| Audio Support | No audio capture | Supports microphone and system audio |
| Capture Method | Automatic screenshots on each action | Continuous video of all screen activity |
| File Size | Small (typically under 5MB) | Larger (MB to GB depending on length) |
| Best For | Troubleshooting, bug reports, simple documentation | Tutorials, training videos, complex demonstrations |
| Editing | No built-in editing | Usually includes trimming and annotation tools |
How Glitter AI Improves on Steps Recorder
Windows Steps Recorder worked well enough for basic troubleshooting docs, but teams these days need something with more muscle. Glitter AI takes the core idea and runs with it, pairing screen recording with AI analysis to generate thorough process documentation automatically.
Rather than static screenshots stuffed into a ZIP file, Glitter produces interactive, searchable documentation complete with video playback, automatic transcription, and AI-written step descriptions. It turns raw recordings into polished visual work instructions you can share, embed, and update when your processes evolve. Essentially, it picks up where PSR leaves off, addressing the very limitations that pushed Microsoft to retire the tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Windows Steps Recorder used for?
Windows Steps Recorder mainly helps with IT troubleshooting and documenting computer problems. It grabs screenshots and logs your actions as you reproduce an issue, which makes it much easier for support teams to figure out what went wrong without needing to be there in person.
How do I open Steps Recorder in Windows 10?
Hit Windows key + R, type 'psr' and press Enter. You can also just search for 'Steps Recorder' in the Start menu, or look under Windows Accessories in the app list.
Is Microsoft Steps Recorder being discontinued?
It is. Microsoft announced they're deprecating Steps Recorder starting with a Windows 11 update in February 2024. The tool still runs on older Windows versions, but Microsoft suggests switching to Snipping Tool's screen recording feature instead.
What is the difference between Steps Recorder and screen recording?
Steps Recorder takes automatic screenshots with text notes and saves them as a ZIP file. Screen recording captures continuous video and can include audio. Steps Recorder tends to work better for bug reports, while screen recording is the way to go for tutorials and training content.
Can Windows Steps Recorder record audio?
Nope, Windows Steps Recorder only captures screenshots and text descriptions of what you're doing. If you need voice narration, you'll want a proper screen recording tool like Snipping Tool, OBS Studio, or Glitter AI.
How many screenshots can Steps Recorder capture?
Out of the box, Steps Recorder keeps the last 25 screenshots. You can raise that limit by going into Settings (click the arrow next to the question mark icon) and changing the 'Number of recent screen captures to store' value.
What file format does PSR Windows save recordings in?
Windows Steps Recorder saves everything as a compressed ZIP file with an MHTML document inside. Extract the ZIP, double-click the MHTML file, and it opens right in your browser.
Does Steps Recorder capture text that I type?
No, and that's by design. Steps Recorder skips the actual text you type during recording so you don't accidentally capture passwords or sensitive data. It only grabs screenshots and action descriptions.
What are the best alternatives to Windows Steps Recorder?
Good options include Snipping Tool with screen recording (comes with Windows 11), Snagit for professional-grade screenshots and recordings, OBS Studio if you want something free, and Glitter AI if you're looking for AI-powered documentation that turns recordings into searchable guides.
Can I add comments to a Steps Recorder recording?
You can. Just click 'Add Comment' while recording. The screen grays out and you can highlight a specific area and type your note. Those comments show up in the final recording alongside the automatic action descriptions.
Turn any process into a step-by-step guide