How to fix
Change maximum recording time
on Windows

I started recording things when gaming for a few weeks now - I wanna make a YouTube video in the end. The problem is that I don't know how to prolong the Game Bar recording time - it's now only 30 seconds. I want to be able to record at least several minutes at a time. Is it possible? If yes, how do I do that?

Windows Game Bar comes built into Windows 10 and Windows 11. It helps record your screen or capture gaming moments, though it was mainly created for gamers. It connects with Xbox and gives quick access to recording, screenshots, and watching system performance. No need to install other software. Many use it to record games, stream, or take pictures while playing. It uses very little system power, making it a helpful tool for content creators and even casual players.

One big feature of the Game Bar is its screen recording tool. It lets people record videos from games or apps. By default, recording runs for a set time, which fits most users' needs. But sometimes, a person might want either longer or shorter recordings. Maybe someone wants to catch long gaming sessions or use less storage space by recording for shorter amounts of time.

Changing the video length is not easy for everyone because the option isn’t really clear. The Game Bar gives users different time settings, ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours. It depends on how much control one wants. Advanced settings also help users choose the recording quality, frame rate, and how long to record.

For those looking to fine-tune their recording settings, whether for longer streams or optimized storage, finding and adjusting these options is crucial. And if you're looking for a smooth, optimized experience when using the Game Bar, a reliable [d1] optimization and repair utility can help ensure your system runs efficiently while recording, minimizing lag or potential issues during gameplay or screen capture.

Method 1. Change maximum recording time via Windows settings

The easiest way to change the maximum recording time is through the Game Bar’s built-in settings. Here, you can select how long you want Game Bar to record before it stops automatically.

• Press Win + I to open Settings.
• Select Gaming, then choose Captures from the menu.
• Enable the Record what happened option by toggling the switch to the On position.
• Under it, you should see the Max recording length section.
• Click the dropdown and choose the desired recording time (options range from 30 minutes to 4 hours).

Method 2. Modify registry settings (advanced users)

For those comfortable with system-level changes, the registry editor provides a way to manually set custom recording lengths beyond the built-in options.

• Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
• When UAC shows up, click Yes.
• Navigate to the following location:
  HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\GameDVR.
• Here, you need to find the MaximumRecordLength value on the right side. If it doesn't exist, simply right-click on empty space, select New > QWORD (64-bit) value, and name it MaximumRecordLength.
• Double-click the value, and check Value data field - that's where you need to type the recording time. Available choices are as follows:
  144000000000 for 4 hours
  72000000000 for 2 hours
  36000000000 for 1 hour
  18000000000 for 30 minutes
• Once you enter the desired length, make sure Base is set to Decimal.
• Click OK.
• Exit the registry editor and restart your system.

Method 3. Change recording length through Windows PowerShell

PowerShell can also be used to customize certain settings in Windows, including adjusting Game Bar’s recording duration.

• Press Win + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
• Type the following command:
  Set-GameDVRRecordingDuration -Duration [desired time in minutes].
• Replace "[desired time]" with your preferred recording length.
• Press Enter and restart your computer to apply the changes.

Method 4. Update Windows for new recording options

Microsoft occasionally updates the Game Bar, introducing new features, including potential changes to recording times.

• Type Updates in Windows search and press Enter.
• When the new window opens, click Check for updates and wait.
• If there are optional updates available, install them as well.
• Restart your device.
• After updating, go back to the Game Bar settings to check if new recording length options are available.