Discover how to screen capture Windows 11 using built-in tools. Learn how to record your screen in windows with audio and handy shortcuts for easy use.
Screen recording is an increasingly popular feature in today’s digital world. Whether you’re a content creator, gamer, teacher, or just want to share your screen for work or personal reasons, knowing how to record your screen on Windows 11 can be a huge time saver. Unlike taking a simple screenshot, screen recording captures video of everything happening on your desktop or laptop display. The good news is Windows 11 offers inbuilt screen recording tools that are easy to use and require no additional downloads.
Does Windows 11 Have a Screen Recorder?
Many users wonder, does Windows 11 have a screen recorder built-in? The answer is YES. Microsoft has integrated two key tools that allow screen recording without third-party software:
- Xbox Game Bar: Originally designed for gamers to capture gameplay clips, it doubles as a powerful screen recorder for all types of content.
- Snipping Tool: Known for screenshots, the updated Snipping Tool also supports screen record entire Windows 11 or partial areas via video.
Both of these tools come pre-installed in Windows 11 and provide free, reliable ways to capture screen activity. Bonus: using Windows’ built-in screen recorder does not add any watermark to your recordings.
How to Record Screen in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Methods
Record Screen with Xbox Game Bar (Shortcut Key: Windows + G)
The Xbox Game Bar is by far the easiest way to record screen video on Windows 11 using a shortcut key. This method is perfect for gamers, educators, or anyone needing quick screen capture.
Here’s how to use it:
- Press Windows + G to open the Xbox Game Bar overlay.
- Locate the Capture widget, identifiable by a camera icon.
- Click the Record button (a white circle) or simply press Windows + Alt + R to start recording immediately.
- If you want to record without microphone audio, click the Microphone icon to mute it.
- To stop recording, click the Stop button in the overlay or press Windows + Alt + R again.
- Videos are saved automatically in the Videos > Captures folder.
This Xbox Game Bar screen recorder supports recording the entire screen or just the active window, including sound from both your system and microphone. Keep in mind that the Xbox Game Bar can’t record your Windows desktop or File Explorer.
Using Snipping Tool’s New Screen Recording Feature (Shortcut Key: Windows Key + Shift Key + R)
Windows 11’s Snipping Tool has evolved beyond screenshots. Now, it supports recording a specific region of your screen—great if you don’t want to record everything.
Steps to use Snipping Tool screen recorder:
- Open the Start menu and search for Snipping Tool.
- Click the Record button in the toolbar, then select New.
- Drag your mouse to select the exact screen area you want to record.
- After a 3-second countdown, recording starts.
- When finished, click Stop to end recording.
- The video will be saved in the Videos folder.
In this recent update, the Snipping Tool screen recorder does support audio recording. Also,dedicated keyboard shortcut Windows Key + Shift Key + R which direct open video recording.
How to Take Screenshots in Windows 11: Handy Shortcut Keys
Though not video recording, screenshots often go hand in hand with screen capture:
- Press Windows + Shift + S to open Snipping Tool’s screenshot interface, tap on Camcorder Icon and select any screen area.
- If available, use the PrtScn (Print Screen) which opens the Snipping Tools.
Where to Find Saved Screen Recordings in Windows 11 Using the Built-In Screen Recorder
Once you finish recording your screen using the built-in screen recorder in Windows 11, your videos are saved automatically. Here’s how to find them:
- Open File Explorer (you can use the shortcut Windows + E).
- From the Quick Access menu on the left, click on Videos.
- Inside the Videos folder, look for a subfolder named Captures or Screen Recordings (depending on the tool you used — Xbox Game Bar or Snipping Tool).
- Your recorded screen video will be stored here in MP4 format by default.
This method works for both laptop and desktop users and is the quickest way to access screen recording files without needing to search manually.
Enabling and Troubleshooting Screen Recording in Windows 11
Enabling Screen Record on Windows 11(Xbox Game Bar)
By default, the Xbox Game Bar and Snipping Tool should already be enabled on your Windows 11 system. However, if you cannot find or open them:
Enable Xbox Game Bar:
Go to Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar.
Make sure the toggle for “Open Xbox Game Bar using this button on a controller” and “Enable Xbox Game Bar for things like recording game clips, chatting with friends, and receiving game invites” is turned on.
Update Windows and Graphics Drivers
Keeping your Windows 11 system and graphics drivers up to date is essential for the smooth functioning of the screen recorder. To update Windows, open Settings, go to Windows Update, and click Check for updates. Install any available updates and restart your PC if prompted.
Next, update your graphics drivers to ensure compatibility. Open Device Manager by pressing Windows + X and selecting it from the menu. Expand Display adapters to identify your graphics card model. Visit the official website of your GPU manufacturer—whether NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel—and download the latest drivers compatible with your system. After installing, restart your computer to apply the updates.
Check and Adjust Privacy Settings
Windows 11 includes privacy controls that may block apps like Xbox Game Bar or other screen recording tools from accessing your microphone and camera, which can cause recording issues.
Microphone Permissions
Navigate to Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone. Make sure Microphone access is turned on, and that apps are allowed to access your microphone. Scroll down and confirm that Xbox Game Bar or any screen recording app you use has permission enabled.
Camera Permissions
If you plan to record webcam footage, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Camera and turn on camera access. Ensure your screen recording app is allowed to use the camera.
Background Apps
Also, check the Background apps settings to make sure your screen recorder is allowed to run in the background, which is necessary for smooth recording sessions.
Disable Third-Party Privacy Software
If you have any third-party security or privacy software installed, consider temporarily disabling it to rule out conflicts that might block screen recording functionality.
Using Third-Party Screen Recording Software and Extensions
If you need advanced features beyond the native tools — such as webcam overlay, custom audio sources, longer recording times, or advanced editing — third-party options are worth exploring.
One highly recommended free browser extension is the Screen Recorder for Microsoft Edge which can be found here: Screen Recorder Extension for Windows 11
Other popular screen recording apps available on the Microsoft Store and online include:
- OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) — Free and highly customizable for streamers and creators.
- Bandicam — A paid app with a free trial offering advanced recording features.
- Camtasia — A professional-grade video editing and screen recording software.
- Screen Recorder for Windows — Simple and lightweight app available from Microsoft Store.
Third-party apps typically allow recording your entire screen, multiple screens, or specific application windows with customizable audio and video settings.
The Bottom Line: Screen Capture on Windows 11
Recording your screen in Windows 11 is straightforward thanks to the built-in Xbox Game Bar and the improved Snipping Tool. Whether you want to capture a gaming session, record a tutorial, or save a funny moment, these tools give you quick access and easy-to-use features. Plus, if you want extra functionality, many third-party apps and browser extensions are available to meet your needs.
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