How to Export Recorded Video from a Lorex NVR Using Lorex Cloud (Windows PC)

Category: Security Cameras / Video Surveillance
Application: Lorex Cloud Client (Desktop)
Device: Compatible Lorex Network Video Recorders (NVRs)
Operating System: Windows 10 / Windows 11
Audience: Authorized Staff / IT Support

Overview

This article explains how to locate, review, and export recorded surveillance footage from a Lorex NVR using the Lorex Cloud Client application on a Windows computer.

Exported video can be saved locally for incident documentation, administrative review, or other authorized purposes.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding, ensure that:

• Lorex Cloud Client is installed on the computer.

• The NVR has already been added to the application.

• You have valid credentials and permission to access recorded footage.

• The computer has sufficient free storage space.

• You know the approximate date, time, and camera location of the incident.

If Lorex Cloud Client is not installed, download it from the official Lorex software downloads page:

https://www.lorex.com/blogs/help/lorex-mobile-apps-software-downloads

Step 1: Open Lorex Cloud Client

1. Launch Lorex Cloud Client on the Windows computer.

2. Sign in using the application's configured credentials, if prompted.

3. Verify that the correct Lorex NVR is connected and online.

4. Open the application's main menu or Home screen.

If the NVR is offline, contact IT support before proceeding.

Step 2: Access Recorded Video

1. From the Home screen, select Playback to open the recorded-video interface.

2. Locate the Device List, typically displayed on the side of the window.

3. Expand the NVR to display its connected cameras.

4. Select the checkbox for the camera containing the footage you need.

5. Under Type, select All to search all available recording types.

6. Under Stream, select Main Stream for higher-quality footage, if available.

7. Set the From and To date and time for the footage.

8. Click Search.

Note: Some versions limit each playback search to 24 hours. For longer periods, perform separate searches.

Step 3: Locate the Incident

1. After the search completes, review the recording timeline at the bottom of the Playback window.

2. Click the timeline to begin playing the recording.

3. Use the playback controls to locate the specific incident.

4. Zoom in on the timeline for more precise time selection.

5. Confirm that the correct camera and incident are displayed.

For incident documentation, include enough footage before and after the event to preserve its context.

Step 4: Select the Video for Export

1. Move the playback position to the desired beginning of the video.

2. Locate the Video Clip button (typically represented by a scissors or clip icon).

3. Click the Video Clip button to mark the beginning of the clip.

4. Move the playback position to the desired ending time.

5. Click the Video Clip button again to mark the end.

6. If the application displays adjustable clip boundaries, verify or adjust the start and end times.

An export or save window should appear after completing the clip selection.

Step 5: Export the Video to the Computer

1. In the export window, locate the Path field.

2. Click Browse to select where the video should be saved.

3. Choose an appropriate folder on the computer.

4. Select the desired File Format, based on what the installed client supports:

   • AVI: Use when available for playback with compatible media players, including VLC.

   • Original Format (.DAV): Preserves the recorder's native file format and generally requires compatible Lorex playback software.

5. If exporting a .DAV file, select Download Video Player if the option is available and a player is needed.

6. Click OK to begin the download.

7. Allow the export process to complete.

Do not close the application or disconnect from the NVR until the download is finished.

Step 6: Locate and Verify the Exported Video

1. Open File Explorer on the Windows computer.

2. Navigate to the folder selected during export.

3. Locate the exported video.

4. Open the file in a compatible video player.

5. Verify that:

   • The video plays successfully.

   • The correct camera footage was exported.

   • The recording includes the intended incident.

   • The beginning and end of the clip are correct.

   • The video and audio, if applicable, are usable.

Important: Always verify the exported file before deleting any temporary copies or considering the export complete.

Troubleshooting

No Recordings Appear

• Confirm that the correct NVR and camera are selected.

• Verify the date and time, including AM/PM settings.

• Change the recording type to All.

• Check whether the selected time period is still within the NVR's retention window.

• Try a smaller date and time range.

Video Export Fails or Does Not Save

• Verify that there is sufficient free disk space.

• Select a folder such as Documents or Videos where you have write permission.

• Check the download progress or download list in the application.

• Restart the application and attempt the export again.

• If a Windows permissions issue is suspected, IT support may need to run Lorex Cloud Client with administrator privileges.

Exported Video Will Not Play

• Check the file extension.

• Try opening AVI files with VLC Media Player.

• Use the appropriate Lorex Player for .DAV recordings.

• Confirm that the download completed.

• If necessary, repeat the export using another supported format.

Exported Clip Contains the Wrong Time Range

• Repeat the export.

• Verify the start and end markers on the playback timeline.

• Zoom in on the timeline and adjust clip boundaries if supported.

• Confirm that the computer and NVR are displaying the expected time and time zone.

Security and Record Retention

Surveillance footage may contain sensitive information about students, employees, and visitors.

• Export footage only for authorized purposes.

• Store exported recordings in an approved, access-controlled location.

• Do not share surveillance footage through personal accounts or unauthorized file-sharing services.

• Preserve original files when footage may be needed for an investigation or legal proceeding.

• Record the camera name, date, time, person requesting the footage, and location where the file was saved.

• Follow the organization's video retention and incident-response policies.

Important: NVRs may automatically overwrite older recordings when storage becomes full. Export required footage promptly.

Expected Result

The requested recording has been successfully downloaded from the Lorex NVR to the Windows computer, verified for playback, and stored in an approved location.

If footage cannot be located, downloaded, or played, contact IT support and provide the camera name, approximate incident time, and a description of the issue.