How to Screen Record on Windows 11

How to Screen Record on Windows 11

You want to show someone a problem, save a video call demo, or make a quick how-to. Windows 11 can record your screen without installing anything: Snipping Tool records any part of the screen, and Xbox Game Bar records a single app or game. This guide shows both, how to get sound, and where the video ends up.

Which Tool Should You Use?

You want to record...	Use
Any area of the screen, the desktop, File Explorer, several windows	Snipping Tool
One app or game, with its sound, in one keystroke	Xbox Game Bar
A recording you then want to trim, caption or add music to	Either, then edit in Clipchamp

Method 1: Snipping Tool (Any Part of the Screen)

According to Microsoft:

1. Press Windows + Shift + R, or open Snipping Tool from Start and select the Record (video camera) button, then New.
2. Drag to select the area of the screen you want to record. To record the whole screen, drag across all of it.
3. Select Start. A short countdown appears, then recording begins.
4. Select Stop when you're done.

The recording opens in Snipping Tool, where you can play it back. Recordings are saved automatically; you can change the folder in Snipping Tool's Settings. You can also select Edit in Clipchamp to trim it or add captions.

Sound: current versions of Snipping Tool show microphone and system audio buttons on the recording toolbar - turn them on before you press Start. If you don't see them, update Snipping Tool from the Microsoft Store (Library > Get updates).

Method 2: Xbox Game Bar (One App or Game)

1. Open the app or game you want to record and click inside it.
2. Press Windows + Alt + R to start recording. A small timer appears.
3. Press Windows + Alt + R again to stop.

Or press Windows + G to open Game Bar and use the Capture widget, where you can also turn the microphone on or off.

Recordings are saved in Videos > Captures (in File Explorer, open This PC > Videos > Captures).

Limits to know:

• Game Bar records one app window at a time. It can't record the desktop or File Explorer - you'll see a message that recording isn't available. Use Snipping Tool instead.
• If the shortcut does nothing, check that Game Bar is enabled: Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar (the name of this setting varies slightly between builds).

Tips for a Clear Recording

• Close notifications first: turn on Do not disturb in Settings > System > Notifications, so pop-ups don't appear in the video.
• Close tabs and windows that show personal information (email, bank, messages) before recording.
• Record only the area you need - smaller files are easier to share.
• For a still image instead of a video, see how to take a screenshot on Windows 11.

Screen Recording Not Working?

• Windows + Shift + R does nothing: update Snipping Tool from the Microsoft Store; older versions don't have video recording. Check your Windows version too - see how to check your Windows 11 version and build number.
• Recording is black: some streaming apps and protected videos block screen capture by design. That's expected, not a fault.
• No sound in the recording: make sure the microphone/system audio buttons were on, and check microphone access in Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone.
• Microsoft Store won't update apps: see Microsoft Store not working in Windows 11.

Share the Recording

Recordings are MP4 files that most phones and email services can play. Large files are easier to share through OneDrive or another cloud storage link than as an email attachment.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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