Steps Recorder can document a problem by taking a screenshot after each click and pairing it with a short description of what happened. It is useful when you need to show IT, tech support, or a helpful family member exactly how an error appears.
This guide applies to Windows 10 and some Windows 11 installations. Microsoft has deprecated Steps Recorder, so it may be missing from newer Windows 11 builds.
Does This Affect You?
Use Steps Recorder when a written explanation would be too long or unclear. It creates a single ZIP file containing a report with numbered actions, screenshots, and diagnostic details that another person can review.
Record and Save Your Steps
Record only the workflow needed to show the issue, so the report is easy to review and does not include unnecessary private information.
- Click the taskbar search box and type Steps Recorder. If that does not appear, search for
psr. - Open Steps Recorder and click Start Record.
- Reproduce the issue by clicking through the same menus, opening the same app, or triggering the same error. Steps Recorder captures screenshots and action descriptions automatically.
- Click Add Comment if you need to explain something at a specific point, such as where an error first appears.
- Click Stop Record when finished.
- Save the ZIP file when prompted. It contains an MHT report that can be opened in a browser, plus the captured screenshots.
If Steps Recorder Is Missing
Because Microsoft is phasing the tool out, some current and future Windows 11 PCs may not include it.
- Search for both Steps Recorder and
psrto confirm it is missing. - For a video instead, use Snipping Tool’s screen recording mode or Xbox Game Bar with Windows key + G.
- For a simple screenshot sequence, press Windows key + Shift + S at each important step and paste the screenshots into an email or document with short notes.
Steps Recorder Notes
What the ZIP Contains
The saved ZIP includes an MHT report with numbered actions and screenshots. The report may also include diagnostic information useful to support staff, even if you do not notice it in the normal view.
Easy to Attach
Because the output is already packaged as one ZIP file, you can attach it to an email or support ticket. The recipient can unzip it and open the MHT report.
Review Before Sharing
Steps Recorder captures whatever is visible when you click. Private messages, account numbers, email addresses, or personal files on screen can end up in the report. Review it before sending.
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Steps Recorder in Windows
- Microsoft Learn: Record and share problem steps
- Microsoft Support: Record a screen in Windows with Snipping Tool