VLC Media Player isn’t just for watching videos — it also has a built-in screen recording feature. However, you can’t directly record VLC’s playback window while it’s playing a movie using VLC alone, due to system limitations (it would result in a black screen). But don’t worry — this guide covers two options:

🔴 METHOD 1: Record a Playing Movie on VLC (Using VLC Screen Capture)
⚠️ Note: This method will NOT capture VLC’s internal video playback correctly. To capture video playing in VLC, you must use screen recording software like OBS (see Method 2). VLC’s screen recorder is limited and won’t capture protected media (DRM) or hardware-accelerated content correctly.

But here’s how to try it anyway:

✅ Step-by-Step (VLC Screen Capture):
Open VLC Media Player

Click on Media > Open Capture Device
Or press Ctrl + C

In the Capture Device tab:

Capture mode: Select Desktop

Desired frame rate: Set it to 30.00 f/s (for smoother video)

Click the dropdown beside Play and choose Convert

In the Convert window:

Under Destination file, click Browse, select a location and name your file (e.g., myscreenrecord.mp4)

Under Profile, choose Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4)

Click Start
VLC will begin recording your desktop screen — including everything you do.

To stop recording, click the Stop button in VLC.

⚙️ Issues:
This method captures your entire screen, not just VLC.

If VLC is playing a movie, the screen recording may appear black due to hardware acceleration.

Solution: Turn off hardware acceleration.

🛠 How to Disable Hardware Acceleration in VLC:
Go to Tools > Preferences

Under Simple Settings, select Video

Set Output to DirectX (DirectDraw) or Windows GDI video output

Uncheck Accelerated video output (Overlay)

Click Save and restart VLC

🧠 PRO TIP: Use OBS Instead
For best results, use OBS Studio — a free, professional screen recording tool that can easily capture the VLC playback window without black screens.

🔴 METHOD 2: Record VLC Playback Using OBS Studio (Recommended)
✅ Step-by-Step:
Download OBS Studio:
https://obsproject.com/

Install and open OBS

Under Sources, click the + and select:

Display Capture (to record entire screen), or

Window Capture (to record VLC window only)

In Window Capture:

Choose vlc.exe – VLC media player from the list

Adjust the size and placement of the window in the preview area

Click Settings > Output > Recording

Choose your file format (MP4 is recommended)

Set your recording path

Click Start Recording

Open and play your movie in VLC

When you’re done, return to OBS and click Stop Recording

Your video will be saved in the path you selected.

✅ Conclusion:
If you’re just recording your screen (not specifically the VLC window), VLC’s built-in feature works in a pinch. But for recording movies or gameplay while they’re playing in VLC, OBS Studio is the best, most reliable option — no black screens, more control, and better quality.

Let me know if you’d like a version of this with images or want it turned into a downloadable PDF or video tutorial!

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