Windows 11 is a very capable operating system, and that’s especially true when it comes to recording your screen.
In Windows’ not-too-distant past, a third-party app was your only option. Nowadays, three distinct tools are integrated into the user experience.
But not just having one? It turns out that everyone has a specific purpose, but also their own limitations – so it’s important to choose wisely. Here is everything you need to know about screen recording on Windows 11.
The Snipping tool has been a part of Windows since 2002, but it wasn’t until the release of Windows 11 that it gained screen recording capabilities. It’s very easy to capture and share footage this way, but there’s one big downside: it doesn’t include audio.
If that works for you, here’s how to use it:
- Open the Snipping Tool app – the easiest way is to find it next to the start menu
- Click the record button, which looks like a camcorder
- Click on the ‘New’ button
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- Hold and drag to select the area of the screen you want to record
- Click ‘Start’ to begin. You will receive a three-second countdown before recording begins
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- Perform the action you want to record, pausing at any time if you need to
- When done, click the stop button (a red square)
- Play the recording and make sure it’s what you were looking for
- Click on the ‘Save’ icon
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- Select a storage location and give the file a meaningful name, then click “Save”
This is an MP4 file, so it can be viewed through any application that supports this format.
How to Record Windows 11 Screen with Clipchamp
Microsoft bought Clipchamp video editing software in 2021, before adding it to Windows 11 a few months later. The app includes a powerful screen recording feature as one of the capture methods, and it also supports audio.
However, the free version of Clipchamp limits you to 30 minutes of video at up to 1080p resolution. For anything more, you’ll have to pay for an “Essentials” subscription or get Microsoft 365. If you don’t mind, here’s how to use it:
- Open the Clipchamp app – the easiest way is to find it next to the start menu
- If this is your first time using Clipchamp, log in or create an account. You can skip most of the configuration
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- From the home page, click on “Create a new video”
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- In the screen that appears, select the “Save and create” tab on the left side
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- Choose between your camera only, your screen only or both
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- Accept the relevant permissions when prompted
- Choose your microphone and camera (if applicable), then press the big red button to start recording
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- Select a tab, window, or your entire screen, then click “Share”
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- Recording will begin immediately. To end it, just click “Stop Sharing” and then “Save and Edit”
- Allow the app to download, then make the changes you want
- When ready, click ‘Export’ and choose a resolution (or GIF)
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Once exported, your video will automatically save to the Downloads folder in File Explorer. It is also an MP4 file.
How to Record Windows 11 Screen Using Xbox Game Bar
The Xbox Game Bar was added to Windows 10 to make it easier to capture gameplay, but it can be used to record your screen and audio. However, the caveat here is that it just records the entire screen, with no way to select a specific tab or window.
Here’s how to use it:
- Open the apps you want to record and make sure they are on the screen
- Use Windows Key + Alt + R shortcut, which will start recording immediately
- Click the microphone icon at any time to turn it off, then click the off button when done
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- You will see a message pop up, saying “Game Clip Saved”. Head to File Explorer > Videos > Captures to find them
Again, this is an MP4 file that can easily be shared and played on other devices.
