!["[Updated] 2024 Approved Expert Guide to Free PC Software for Capturing TV"](https://www.lifewire.com/thmb/tP3PGqv5XalObxjPn5UrSpbUwa0=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/preaknessstakes-5c804f1b46e0fb00019b8ee0.jpg)
"[Updated] 2024 Approved Expert Guide to Free PC Software for Capturing TV"
![](/images/site-logo.png)
Expert Guide to Free PC Software for Capturing TV
How to Record TV shows on Windows PC with Free Video Recording Software?
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
The world as we know it has changed quite a bit since the early years of television because today we no longer have to be at the exact time in front of a TV set just so we can watch the latest episode of a TV series we’re following. Recording a TV show has never been easier, and to make things even better you don’t have to spend a single cent on the software that will enable you to record live TV with a PC.
All versions of Windows, since Windows 7, feature a built-in video recording software, so let’s take a look at the actual steps you need to take in order to start recording your favorite TV shows for free.
The All-in-One Screen Recorder & Video Editor
- Record desktop screen, voiceover, and webcam simultaneously
- Edit recorded clips quickly with a wide range of professional tools
- Built-in plentiful templates and effects
- Export to MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF and multiple formats
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Secure Download
How to record TV shows on Windows 7/8 for Free
Which software you are going to utilize for the purpose of recording a TV show from a computer, depends on the version of the Windows OS you have installed on your PC. If you have a Windows 7 or 8, then the easiest solution, is the Windows Media Center, although Windows 8 users must download this software because it is no longer a part of the built-in software package that comes with the Windows 8 OS.
Step 1
Locate the Windows Media Center on your computer’s hard drive. Chances are that you don’t have the Media Center’s icon on your desktop, so the fastest way to launch this software is to click on the Start menu, then go to All Programs and select the Windows Media Center from the list.
Step 2
After you’ve successfully launched the software, scroll through its main menu and select the TV option. You should then click on the Guide feature, but before you can watch TV or record TV shows from your computer, you must first make sure that your TV Tuner Card is properly connected to your satellite or cable TV device, as well as your PC. Furthermore, if you are using the Windows Media Center for the first time, you’ll also have to go through the software’s Live TV setup procedure.
Step 3
Click on the Guide feature, and browse through the TV program in order to select the TV show you’d like to record. You can use the arrow keys to navigate through the Guide and hit the Enter key to select a program and to access its info page.
Step 4
On the program info page, you’ll be able to see different live TV recording options, so you should proceed and select the option that best fits your current needs. If you want to start recording right away, you should simply click on the Record button, while the Record Series button will enable you to record every episode of a selected TV series to your PC’s hard-drive. In order to prevent a recording session, simply click on the Do Not Record button in the show’s info page.
How to record live TV on Windows 10 for free
Although using the Windows Media Center on Windows 10 is possible, it is not recommended since it can produce needless complications. However, the Xbox Game DVR that enables its users to capture video games or record live TV is one of the best video recording software Windows 10 has to offer.
Step 1
Although you may not know it, the version of the Windows 10 you have installed on your PC features the Xbox Game DVR application. If you are not sure where exactly on your hard-disk this software is located, you can just go to the Start menu and type in Xbox in the search bar. Click on the Xbox Game DVR icon and proceed to set up your Xbox account if you already don’t have one.
Step 2
After you’ve launched the program, find the Game DVR icon that is located in the ribbon on the left side of your screen. You must set up the Game DVR, before using it, but luckily you’ll only have to go through this process once. After you’ve completed the setup, you should launch the software you’re using to watch TV on your computer.
Step 3
Hold the Windows and G keys to launch the game bar, and after you’ve selected the TV show feel free to start your new TV recording session.
Free TV Show Recording Software on Windows
Trying to record live TV with built-in software on Windows can limit your options, which is why using free TV recording software is a much better idea if you’d like to have complete control over the live TV recording process.
1. MediaPortal
Pros: Provides fast and simple ways to record live TV.
Cons: Its interface could be designed better.
This open source application ranks highly among the best TV recording software currently available on the market. It is remarkably easy to use and it also enables its users to start recording sessions with keyboard shortcuts. MediaPortal is a perfect tool that will allow you to record TV shows effortlessly and even schedule live TV recording sessions. The software’s guide is more like a personal assistant that notifies you if there is an upcoming recording session, enables you to define channel groups or to gain more information about a movie or a TV show from IMDB.
In order to start recording you just have to press the R key, while watching TV on your computer, or alternatively, you can hold the F9 key to access the info menu that also features a Record button.
2. NextPVR
Pros: A wide spectrum of recording options.
Cons: Using NextPVR for commercial purposes require a license.
Even though the installation process of the NextPVR may be a little complicated, the benefits it provides outweigh the trouble users must go through in order to install it properly. This software can also be used as an add-on for the Kodi home theater software. You can use the Kody to play live TV on your PC, while NextPVR records your favorite sporting events, movies, and TV shows.
However, NextPVR also works as a standalone program, and in order to start recording live TV you can just click on the Man-Rec button and adjust all the settings manually. The Recording Type feature will help you select the kind of recording that best meets your current demands, while the Channel option allows you to choose the channel you’d like to record.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
The world as we know it has changed quite a bit since the early years of television because today we no longer have to be at the exact time in front of a TV set just so we can watch the latest episode of a TV series we’re following. Recording a TV show has never been easier, and to make things even better you don’t have to spend a single cent on the software that will enable you to record live TV with a PC.
All versions of Windows, since Windows 7, feature a built-in video recording software, so let’s take a look at the actual steps you need to take in order to start recording your favorite TV shows for free.
The All-in-One Screen Recorder & Video Editor
- Record desktop screen, voiceover, and webcam simultaneously
- Edit recorded clips quickly with a wide range of professional tools
- Built-in plentiful templates and effects
- Export to MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF and multiple formats
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Secure Download
How to record TV shows on Windows 7/8 for Free
Which software you are going to utilize for the purpose of recording a TV show from a computer, depends on the version of the Windows OS you have installed on your PC. If you have a Windows 7 or 8, then the easiest solution, is the Windows Media Center, although Windows 8 users must download this software because it is no longer a part of the built-in software package that comes with the Windows 8 OS.
Step 1
Locate the Windows Media Center on your computer’s hard drive. Chances are that you don’t have the Media Center’s icon on your desktop, so the fastest way to launch this software is to click on the Start menu, then go to All Programs and select the Windows Media Center from the list.
Step 2
After you’ve successfully launched the software, scroll through its main menu and select the TV option. You should then click on the Guide feature, but before you can watch TV or record TV shows from your computer, you must first make sure that your TV Tuner Card is properly connected to your satellite or cable TV device, as well as your PC. Furthermore, if you are using the Windows Media Center for the first time, you’ll also have to go through the software’s Live TV setup procedure.
Step 3
Click on the Guide feature, and browse through the TV program in order to select the TV show you’d like to record. You can use the arrow keys to navigate through the Guide and hit the Enter key to select a program and to access its info page.
Step 4
On the program info page, you’ll be able to see different live TV recording options, so you should proceed and select the option that best fits your current needs. If you want to start recording right away, you should simply click on the Record button, while the Record Series button will enable you to record every episode of a selected TV series to your PC’s hard-drive. In order to prevent a recording session, simply click on the Do Not Record button in the show’s info page.
How to record live TV on Windows 10 for free
Although using the Windows Media Center on Windows 10 is possible, it is not recommended since it can produce needless complications. However, the Xbox Game DVR that enables its users to capture video games or record live TV is one of the best video recording software Windows 10 has to offer.
Step 1
Although you may not know it, the version of the Windows 10 you have installed on your PC features the Xbox Game DVR application. If you are not sure where exactly on your hard-disk this software is located, you can just go to the Start menu and type in Xbox in the search bar. Click on the Xbox Game DVR icon and proceed to set up your Xbox account if you already don’t have one.
Step 2
After you’ve launched the program, find the Game DVR icon that is located in the ribbon on the left side of your screen. You must set up the Game DVR, before using it, but luckily you’ll only have to go through this process once. After you’ve completed the setup, you should launch the software you’re using to watch TV on your computer.
Step 3
Hold the Windows and G keys to launch the game bar, and after you’ve selected the TV show feel free to start your new TV recording session.
Free TV Show Recording Software on Windows
Trying to record live TV with built-in software on Windows can limit your options, which is why using free TV recording software is a much better idea if you’d like to have complete control over the live TV recording process.
1. MediaPortal
Pros: Provides fast and simple ways to record live TV.
Cons: Its interface could be designed better.
This open source application ranks highly among the best TV recording software currently available on the market. It is remarkably easy to use and it also enables its users to start recording sessions with keyboard shortcuts. MediaPortal is a perfect tool that will allow you to record TV shows effortlessly and even schedule live TV recording sessions. The software’s guide is more like a personal assistant that notifies you if there is an upcoming recording session, enables you to define channel groups or to gain more information about a movie or a TV show from IMDB.
In order to start recording you just have to press the R key, while watching TV on your computer, or alternatively, you can hold the F9 key to access the info menu that also features a Record button.
2. NextPVR
Pros: A wide spectrum of recording options.
Cons: Using NextPVR for commercial purposes require a license.
Even though the installation process of the NextPVR may be a little complicated, the benefits it provides outweigh the trouble users must go through in order to install it properly. This software can also be used as an add-on for the Kodi home theater software. You can use the Kody to play live TV on your PC, while NextPVR records your favorite sporting events, movies, and TV shows.
However, NextPVR also works as a standalone program, and in order to start recording live TV you can just click on the Man-Rec button and adjust all the settings manually. The Recording Type feature will help you select the kind of recording that best meets your current demands, while the Channel option allows you to choose the channel you’d like to record.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
The world as we know it has changed quite a bit since the early years of television because today we no longer have to be at the exact time in front of a TV set just so we can watch the latest episode of a TV series we’re following. Recording a TV show has never been easier, and to make things even better you don’t have to spend a single cent on the software that will enable you to record live TV with a PC.
All versions of Windows, since Windows 7, feature a built-in video recording software, so let’s take a look at the actual steps you need to take in order to start recording your favorite TV shows for free.
The All-in-One Screen Recorder & Video Editor
- Record desktop screen, voiceover, and webcam simultaneously
- Edit recorded clips quickly with a wide range of professional tools
- Built-in plentiful templates and effects
- Export to MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF and multiple formats
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Secure Download
How to record TV shows on Windows 7/8 for Free
Which software you are going to utilize for the purpose of recording a TV show from a computer, depends on the version of the Windows OS you have installed on your PC. If you have a Windows 7 or 8, then the easiest solution, is the Windows Media Center, although Windows 8 users must download this software because it is no longer a part of the built-in software package that comes with the Windows 8 OS.
Step 1
Locate the Windows Media Center on your computer’s hard drive. Chances are that you don’t have the Media Center’s icon on your desktop, so the fastest way to launch this software is to click on the Start menu, then go to All Programs and select the Windows Media Center from the list.
Step 2
After you’ve successfully launched the software, scroll through its main menu and select the TV option. You should then click on the Guide feature, but before you can watch TV or record TV shows from your computer, you must first make sure that your TV Tuner Card is properly connected to your satellite or cable TV device, as well as your PC. Furthermore, if you are using the Windows Media Center for the first time, you’ll also have to go through the software’s Live TV setup procedure.
Step 3
Click on the Guide feature, and browse through the TV program in order to select the TV show you’d like to record. You can use the arrow keys to navigate through the Guide and hit the Enter key to select a program and to access its info page.
Step 4
On the program info page, you’ll be able to see different live TV recording options, so you should proceed and select the option that best fits your current needs. If you want to start recording right away, you should simply click on the Record button, while the Record Series button will enable you to record every episode of a selected TV series to your PC’s hard-drive. In order to prevent a recording session, simply click on the Do Not Record button in the show’s info page.
How to record live TV on Windows 10 for free
Although using the Windows Media Center on Windows 10 is possible, it is not recommended since it can produce needless complications. However, the Xbox Game DVR that enables its users to capture video games or record live TV is one of the best video recording software Windows 10 has to offer.
Step 1
Although you may not know it, the version of the Windows 10 you have installed on your PC features the Xbox Game DVR application. If you are not sure where exactly on your hard-disk this software is located, you can just go to the Start menu and type in Xbox in the search bar. Click on the Xbox Game DVR icon and proceed to set up your Xbox account if you already don’t have one.
Step 2
After you’ve launched the program, find the Game DVR icon that is located in the ribbon on the left side of your screen. You must set up the Game DVR, before using it, but luckily you’ll only have to go through this process once. After you’ve completed the setup, you should launch the software you’re using to watch TV on your computer.
Step 3
Hold the Windows and G keys to launch the game bar, and after you’ve selected the TV show feel free to start your new TV recording session.
Free TV Show Recording Software on Windows
Trying to record live TV with built-in software on Windows can limit your options, which is why using free TV recording software is a much better idea if you’d like to have complete control over the live TV recording process.
1. MediaPortal
Pros: Provides fast and simple ways to record live TV.
Cons: Its interface could be designed better.
This open source application ranks highly among the best TV recording software currently available on the market. It is remarkably easy to use and it also enables its users to start recording sessions with keyboard shortcuts. MediaPortal is a perfect tool that will allow you to record TV shows effortlessly and even schedule live TV recording sessions. The software’s guide is more like a personal assistant that notifies you if there is an upcoming recording session, enables you to define channel groups or to gain more information about a movie or a TV show from IMDB.
In order to start recording you just have to press the R key, while watching TV on your computer, or alternatively, you can hold the F9 key to access the info menu that also features a Record button.
2. NextPVR
Pros: A wide spectrum of recording options.
Cons: Using NextPVR for commercial purposes require a license.
Even though the installation process of the NextPVR may be a little complicated, the benefits it provides outweigh the trouble users must go through in order to install it properly. This software can also be used as an add-on for the Kodi home theater software. You can use the Kody to play live TV on your PC, while NextPVR records your favorite sporting events, movies, and TV shows.
However, NextPVR also works as a standalone program, and in order to start recording live TV you can just click on the Man-Rec button and adjust all the settings manually. The Recording Type feature will help you select the kind of recording that best meets your current demands, while the Channel option allows you to choose the channel you’d like to record.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
The world as we know it has changed quite a bit since the early years of television because today we no longer have to be at the exact time in front of a TV set just so we can watch the latest episode of a TV series we’re following. Recording a TV show has never been easier, and to make things even better you don’t have to spend a single cent on the software that will enable you to record live TV with a PC.
All versions of Windows, since Windows 7, feature a built-in video recording software, so let’s take a look at the actual steps you need to take in order to start recording your favorite TV shows for free.
The All-in-One Screen Recorder & Video Editor
- Record desktop screen, voiceover, and webcam simultaneously
- Edit recorded clips quickly with a wide range of professional tools
- Built-in plentiful templates and effects
- Export to MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF and multiple formats
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
Secure Download
How to record TV shows on Windows 7/8 for Free
Which software you are going to utilize for the purpose of recording a TV show from a computer, depends on the version of the Windows OS you have installed on your PC. If you have a Windows 7 or 8, then the easiest solution, is the Windows Media Center, although Windows 8 users must download this software because it is no longer a part of the built-in software package that comes with the Windows 8 OS.
Step 1
Locate the Windows Media Center on your computer’s hard drive. Chances are that you don’t have the Media Center’s icon on your desktop, so the fastest way to launch this software is to click on the Start menu, then go to All Programs and select the Windows Media Center from the list.
Step 2
After you’ve successfully launched the software, scroll through its main menu and select the TV option. You should then click on the Guide feature, but before you can watch TV or record TV shows from your computer, you must first make sure that your TV Tuner Card is properly connected to your satellite or cable TV device, as well as your PC. Furthermore, if you are using the Windows Media Center for the first time, you’ll also have to go through the software’s Live TV setup procedure.
Step 3
Click on the Guide feature, and browse through the TV program in order to select the TV show you’d like to record. You can use the arrow keys to navigate through the Guide and hit the Enter key to select a program and to access its info page.
Step 4
On the program info page, you’ll be able to see different live TV recording options, so you should proceed and select the option that best fits your current needs. If you want to start recording right away, you should simply click on the Record button, while the Record Series button will enable you to record every episode of a selected TV series to your PC’s hard-drive. In order to prevent a recording session, simply click on the Do Not Record button in the show’s info page.
How to record live TV on Windows 10 for free
Although using the Windows Media Center on Windows 10 is possible, it is not recommended since it can produce needless complications. However, the Xbox Game DVR that enables its users to capture video games or record live TV is one of the best video recording software Windows 10 has to offer.
Step 1
Although you may not know it, the version of the Windows 10 you have installed on your PC features the Xbox Game DVR application. If you are not sure where exactly on your hard-disk this software is located, you can just go to the Start menu and type in Xbox in the search bar. Click on the Xbox Game DVR icon and proceed to set up your Xbox account if you already don’t have one.
Step 2
After you’ve launched the program, find the Game DVR icon that is located in the ribbon on the left side of your screen. You must set up the Game DVR, before using it, but luckily you’ll only have to go through this process once. After you’ve completed the setup, you should launch the software you’re using to watch TV on your computer.
Step 3
Hold the Windows and G keys to launch the game bar, and after you’ve selected the TV show feel free to start your new TV recording session.
Free TV Show Recording Software on Windows
Trying to record live TV with built-in software on Windows can limit your options, which is why using free TV recording software is a much better idea if you’d like to have complete control over the live TV recording process.
1. MediaPortal
Pros: Provides fast and simple ways to record live TV.
Cons: Its interface could be designed better.
This open source application ranks highly among the best TV recording software currently available on the market. It is remarkably easy to use and it also enables its users to start recording sessions with keyboard shortcuts. MediaPortal is a perfect tool that will allow you to record TV shows effortlessly and even schedule live TV recording sessions. The software’s guide is more like a personal assistant that notifies you if there is an upcoming recording session, enables you to define channel groups or to gain more information about a movie or a TV show from IMDB.
In order to start recording you just have to press the R key, while watching TV on your computer, or alternatively, you can hold the F9 key to access the info menu that also features a Record button.
2. NextPVR
Pros: A wide spectrum of recording options.
Cons: Using NextPVR for commercial purposes require a license.
Even though the installation process of the NextPVR may be a little complicated, the benefits it provides outweigh the trouble users must go through in order to install it properly. This software can also be used as an add-on for the Kodi home theater software. You can use the Kody to play live TV on your PC, while NextPVR records your favorite sporting events, movies, and TV shows.
However, NextPVR also works as a standalone program, and in order to start recording live TV you can just click on the Man-Rec button and adjust all the settings manually. The Recording Type feature will help you select the kind of recording that best meets your current demands, while the Channel option allows you to choose the channel you’d like to record.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Also read:
- "[Updated] Exploring iSpring's Screencap Capabilities for 2024"
- "\"[New] In 2024, From Crafting to Screen-Sharing Comprehensive Windows PC Manual for TV Recording\""
- "[New] In 2024, Analyzing the Full Range of OBS Studio's Capabilities"
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved TuneTruthseeker Reaction to Songs and Speech\""
- "\"[New] Step-by-Step Your Path to Excellent Video Tutorials for 2024\""
- "In 2024, Webinar Video Archive Creation"
- "In 2024, How to Leverage EZ Grabber for Peak Performance"
- "\"2024 Approved Indoor Android Games You Can Play Without a Network\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved The Complete Guide to MacBook Webcam Recording\""
- "[Updated] Windows Snap Shotting Simplified"
- "[New] In 2024, Enshrine Your Elite Playthroughs in Galaxy Cases"
- "In 2024, Quick Setup for Hosting Online Seminars on PC/Mac"
- "[Updated] Unlocking Seamless Skype Group Communication for PC/Mac for 2024"
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Android's Ultimate Questland Unveiling the Best 15 Simulations\""
- "\"[New] 2024 Approved Expert Review Top 5 Webcams for Ultimate Visual & Auditory Experience\""
- "\"[Updated] Lore Legends Top 10 Roguelike Experiences\""
- "Top Screen Grabber Software in the Windows 10 Arena"
- "\"[New] In 2024, Becoming a Meet Maestro Chat Techniques Unveiled\""
- "5 Best GBA Emulators for PC That Hook You Up for 2024"
- "[New] SaveTech Reviews Insights"
- "[Updated] Top Voice Transformation Tools for Personal Use for 2024"
- "\"[New] 12 Best No-Watermark Screen Capture Tools\""
- "[Updated] Crafting Compelling OBS Livestreams for Facebook Fans for 2024"
- "\"[Updated] Step-By-Step The Ultimate 4 Methods for Gameplay Screens\""
- "\"[New] Escaping Reality - Top 10 Games Like GTA V (But Not)\""
- "\"Behind the Screencast Scenes Industry Secrets Revealed\""
- "\"[New] Masterful Screencasting Insights Into Advanced Techniques & Tools\""
- "\"[New] A Comparative Review of Filmmaking Apps Filmora & Democracy Creator for 2024\""
- "In 2024, Effective Strategies to Mute Unwanted Voices in GoMeet"
- "[Updated] In 2024, Revealing MyCam’s True Recording Potential"
- "In 2024, Efficient Techniques to Record & Edit Videos Using Adobe Connect"
- "In 2024, Mastering OBS for Live Skype Recording"
- "\"2024 Approved Seamless OBS Integration on Your Mac A Detailed Walkthrough\""
- "\"[Updated] 2024 Approved Ace Screen Recording Tools in the Public Domain\""
- "\"[New] In 2024, Election Excursions Best Gamified Democracy Sites\""
- "\"[New] Step-by-Step Screen and Video Capture on Android\""
- "In 2024, The Foundational Guide to Navigating Zoom Meetings"
- "Easy Guide to Entering Google Meet on Devices for 2024"
- "\"2024 Approved Click Your Way to Fun Top 12 PC Titles of 2021\""
- "[New] In 2024, Retro Radeon Tech Boost"
- "\"In 2024, Pro Video Setup Choose From Our List of Best 5 Webcams & Mics\""
- Repair damaged, unplayable video files of Vivo V27 Pro on Mac
- 5 Ways to Track Tecno Spark 20 without App | Dr.fone
- S Top Rated Free Whiteboard Video Creation Tools for Windows and macOS for 2024
- Uncovered Top Mac Speech-to-Text Apps You Never Knew Existed Free & No Installation for 2024
- Updated Linuxs Leading Picks for Sound Recording An In-Depth Look at Top Tools & Proven Techniques for 2024
- Pokemon Go No GPS Signal? Heres Every Possible Solution On Samsung Galaxy A15 4G | Dr.fone
- In 2024, Unleash the Sound Downloading MP3 From Instagram Made Easy
- New 2024 Approved The Safe Speakers Guide to Video Conferencing Top Tips and Trusted Platforms
- How To Transfer Data From iPhone 14 Pro Max To Other iPhone 11 Pro Max devices? | Dr.fone
- How to Turn Off Find My Apple iPhone 7 when Phone is Broken?
- In 2024, Why cant I install the ipogo On Apple iPhone 6 Plus | Dr.fone
- In 2024, How to Change Your Samsung Galaxy F34 5G Location on life360 Without Anyone Knowing? | Dr.fone
- Where Can I Find Button Sound Effect?
- 2024 Approved Unlocking Twitter Video Size and Aspect Ratio Secrets
- Title: "[Updated] 2024 Approved Expert Guide to Free PC Software for Capturing TV"
- Author: Emma
- Created at : 2024-05-18 20:11:24
- Updated at : 2024-05-19 20:11:24
- Link: https://on-screen-recording.techidaily.com/updated-2024-approved-expert-guide-to-free-pc-software-for-capturing-tv/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.