How to Stop Recording GTA 5 on PC
Rockstar Editor is the default tool GTA 5 uses on PC to automatically capture gameplay clips. While this feature is helpful for creating cinematic videos, it often runs in the background and gradually fills up disk space. You can stop recordings quickly by using Rockstar Editor shortcuts or by turning off background capture in the settings menu. Below are the methods you can use to manage and stop GTA 5 recordings effectively.
1. Rockstar Editor Keyboard Shortcuts
Default keyboard shortcuts offer the easiest way to manage an ongoing recording.
- Stop Recording: Use F1 to stop the recording and save the clip right away.
- Cancel Recording: Use F3 to end the recording without keeping the footage.
- Action Replay: Press F2 to toggle Action Replay on or off; it captures gameplay automatically but saves clips only when you trigger it.
2. Disabling Automatic Recording
To disable automatic clip saving, modify the recording options in the menu.
- Delete Clips: Open Pause Menu > Rockstar Editor > Clip Management to remove unwanted clips and free up disk space.
- Unbind Keys: Prevent accidental captures during gameplay by unbinding F1, F2, and F3 in the Key Bindings menu of the Rockstar Editor.
3. Checking Third-Party Tools
PC gamers frequently use third-party tools to record GTA 5 for videos or streaming. If clips keep saving after adjusting Rockstar Editor settings, a background app may be recording. GPU overlays, the Windows Game Bar, or third-party capture tools can run silently. Review running processes in the system tray and Task Manager, then turn off any background tools causing recordings.
- GPU Overlays: Not all recordings originate from GTA 5 itself. Tools like NVIDIA GeForce Experience and AMD Adrenalin come with built-in replay capabilities. Open the GPU application, turn off Instant Replay or recording options, and disable the in-game overlay to stop unwanted clips.
- Windows Game Bar: In Windows Settings, head to Gaming > Captures and switch off background game recording to prevent recording features from running automatically.
- External screen capture programs: Applications, including OBS Studio and Medal, often have features that automatically record gameplay while running in the background. Disable these programs by exiting the application, turning off automatic recording features, or removing the software entirely.
2. How to Stop Recording GTA 5 on PS5
The PS5 includes default sharing features that save gameplay moments and trophy achievements on their own.
1. Stopping an Ongoing Recording
If you used the “Start New Video Clip” option or began an ongoing recording, the console’s capture controls allow you to stop it right away.
- Press the Create button on the DualSense controller.
- Navigate to the capture menu, which usually appears at the bottom of the screen when you open the recording or sharing options.
- Select Stop Recording to end the capture and automatically save the video clip to your Media Gallery.
2. Turning Off Auto Capture
To prevent your PS5 from automatically saving videos when trophies are earned.
- On the home screen, go to Settings.
- Select Captures and Broadcasts, then choose Captures.
- In the Auto-Captures settings, you can switch off video recording for specific events, such as trophies and challenges.
3. How to Stop Recording GTA 5 on PS4
Built into the PS4, the gameplay recording system can be controlled through the Share button and settings for manual, automatic, and background recording options.
1. Ending a Manual Recording
To stop a manual recording, press the Share button on your controller and choose Stop Recording from the menu.
2. Adjusting Share Settings
Go to Settings > Sharing and Broadcasts to manage unwanted clips. In this menu, you can reduce clip length, turn off automatic video saving, or restrict what the console records.
3. Reducing Background Recording
On the PS4, gameplay is always buffered to let you save the latest moments. While you cannot disable this feature completely, reducing the buffer duration greatly decreases background activity and saves storage space.
4. How to Stop Recording GTA 5 on Xbox
Xbox One and Series X|S track major events and milestones by recording short video clips.
1. Stopping a Manual Capture
Hit the Xbox button to access the guide menu. Navigate to Capture & Share, then select Stop Recording to end the session instantly.
2. Disabling Automatic Captures
To stop Xbox from recording automatically during GTA 5 sessions, open Settings > Preferences > Capture & Share. Disable background and achievement recordings so clips are saved only when you choose to record.
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READ MORE >Bonus Tip: An Easy Way to Record GTA 5 on PC
Understanding how to stop recording GTA 5 gives you control, yet reliable gameplay recording is still valuable when you choose to record. The right game recording software, including AWZ Screen Recorder, ensures a smooth and efficient recording experience.
Why Choose AWZ Screen Recorder
AWZ Screen Recorder provides high performance while keeping resource usage low. You can record gameplay on PC with excellent quality while avoiding resource-heavy background tasks. Capture your full screen, selected apps, or custom areas for tutorials, guides, and highlights.
Key features include:
- Smooth Performance: Guarantees high-quality recording without any drop in system performance.
- User-Friendly: Built for easy operation, no experience required.
- High-Quality Output: Save your gameplay in smooth HD or breathtaking 4K quality.
- Flexible Recording Modes: Record full screen, chosen portions, application windows, or enable game mode for optimal capture.
- Advanced Controls: Built-in tools let you trim, cut, annotate, and reduce noise easily.
- Easy Hotkeys: Edit recordings with trimming, cutting, annotations, and noise reduction built in.
Simple Steps to Use AWZ Screen Recorder
Step 1: Install and Launch
Get the AWZ Screen Recorder installer and run it on your Windows PC (compatible with Windows 7–11).
Step 2: Select Capture Mode
From the left navigation panel, choose Record Game. Ideal for 2D/3D games, with automatic identification of the active game window.
Step 3: Set Up Audio
Set up your audio sources by choosing system audio for game sounds and a mic for narration.
Step 4: Assign Hotkeys
Access Settings via the three-line icon at the top right to configure start/stop hotkeys for effortless control during gameplay.
Step 5: Record GTA 5
Launch GTA 5, verify it’s chosen from the software’s game menu, and record only the gameplay segments you need using assigned hotkeys.
Conclusion
Making in-game recordings can be simple and stress-free. Master your system settings and tools to manage captures on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. Knowing how to stop recording GTA 5 helps conserve storage, enhance performance, and avoid saving unwanted clips. With the right configuration, you decide exactly which moments are worth keeping and sharing.
