March 62023

Screen recording can be an incredibly useful tool. If you’re a video creatorhave plans to become oneor share gaming or demonstrational contentthis could be something you use all the time. While taking a screenshot on Windows 11 couldn’t be easierknowing how to record your screen on a desktop or laptop isn’t as obvious. Follow these steps to learn how to screen record on Windows 11.

How to screen record

Recording your screen in Windows 11 allows you to capture anything that’s taking place on the screenjust like you’d record something with a camera. You can record a process or just something funny you’d like to share with others or save for later. ThankfullyWindows 11 has a built-in application for recording your screenbut there are other methods as well.

Record any portion of your screen (or the whole screen) with Screen Recorder in Snipping Tool

Snipping Tool comes as part of Windows 11 and is also available via the Microsoft Store. Snipping Tool already allows you to take an image from your screenbut now it also allows you to select a portion of your screen and start video recording:

• To open Snipping Toolsimply search for it in the Start menu search box.
• In the top toolbarpress the Record buttonthen press New.
• Click to drag and drop a rectangle indicating the portion of the screen you would like to record.
• Press Start and you will see a 3-second countdown begin for your recording.
• After you finishpress Stop. Your recording can then be copied into memoryshared via the Share dialogor Saved (by defaultit will be saved in the Videos folder).

This is the easiest way to record your screen. Howeverthere are some limitations currently that you should know about:

• Audio recording is not yet supportednor is a “Spot Light” feature. Howeveryou can edit the video in a program like Microsoft’s Clipchamp app. 
• The only supported format currently is MP4. 
• There is no keyboard shortcut to jump directly into Recording like there is for Snipping (CTRL+Shift+S). 

Record in a snap with Xbox Game Bar

Xbox Game Bar is built right into Windows 11 as a native applicationbut it is also available as an add-on. The Game Bar has several features specifically related to gaminglike access to game-specific widgets and the ability to chat with friends while playing Xbox games. It also has a widget for capturing and recording your screen:

• To open the Xbox Game Barpress Windows+G or search for it directly in the Start menu search box.
• Select the Camera icon to open a window for capturing your screen. From hereyou can choose to record your screen as a video or a screenshot.
• If you’re taking a videoyou might want to disable your microphone beforehand. Do this by clicking the Microphone icon and making sure it looks like it’s crossed through with a line before you proceed.
• When you’re ready to begin recordingclick Record (the button with the solid white circle).
• When you’re finishedclick Stop (the button with the solid white square located in the same place where the Record button used to be).
• To review your recordingselect Show all captures at the bottom of the window.

Use an app or extension

Microsoft Store has a wealth of Windows 11 apps that allow you to stream moviesedit photosplay gamesand more. Even though Snipping Tool and the Xbox Game Bar are already built inyou may prefer to use a different app to screen record. Thankfullythere are manymany free and paid options available. To start with a free optionyou might try the Screen Recorder for Windows app or the Screen Recorder extension in Microsoft Edge.

Recording your screen on Windows 11 isn’t a tricky process once you know the basics. Whether you’re using a native application or downloading a different one you might preferSnipping Tool allows you to pick the exact area of your screen you want to recordwhile with other choices you’ll end up with a recording of your whole screen. And if you’re looking to edit these recordingsyou’re in luck. Microsoft’s Clipchamp app can help you create the content of your dreams.

Frequently asked questions