How to screen record on Windows
Quick answer
On Windows 11, open the Snipping Tool, switch to Record, click New and select the area to capture. On Windows 10 or 11, you can also press Windows + Alt + R to record the active window with the Xbox Game Bar.
Record with the Snipping Tool (Windows 11)
- Open the Snipping ToolPress the Windows key, type Snipping Tool and open it.
- Switch to videoClick the video camera icon to change from screenshot mode to Record mode.
- Select the areaClick New, then drag across the part of the screen you want to record.
- Start and stopClick Start. When you’re done, click the red Stop button in the toolbar at the top of the screen.
- Save the videoThe recording opens in a preview window. Click the save icon to keep it as an MP4 file.
You don’t need to download anything. Windows has two free recorders built in, and each one is better for a different job.
Which built-in recorder should you use?
| Snipping Tool | Xbox Game Bar | |
|---|---|---|
| Available on | Windows 11 | Windows 10 and 11 |
| Records | Any area of the screen | One app or game window |
| Desktop and File Explorer | Yes | No |
| Shortcut | Open the app (some versions: Windows + Shift + R) | Windows + Alt + R to start and stop |
| Saves to | Your chosen folder, or Videos > Screen Recordings | Videos > Captures |
How to screen record with the Xbox Game Bar
- Open the app you want to record.
- Press Windows + Alt + R. A small timer appears in the corner.
- Press Windows + Alt + R again to stop.
To include your voice, press Windows + G to open the Game Bar and turn on the microphone in the Capture widget before you start. Despite the name, it records most apps, not just games. It won’t record the desktop itself or File Explorer, which is where the Snipping Tool helps.
Other free options
- PowerPoint: Go to Insert > Screen Recording, which is handy if the video is going into a presentation anyway.
- Clipchamp: Microsoft’s free video editor, included with Windows 11, can record the screen and webcam together and trim the result.
- OBS Studio: A free, open-source program used by streamers, with far more control over sources, audio and quality.
Just need a still image instead? See how to screenshot on Windows.
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