How To Screen Record on Windows 11: Top Tips and Methods

Screen recording on Windows allows you to capture everything happening on your computer. Using this feature, you can create tutorials, make presentations, or record gameplay. 

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In this guide, we’ll explain the basics of how to screen record on Windows. Read on to learn how to set up your screen recording, add audio, and save your footage.

How To Use Xbox Game Bar for Screen Recording

The Xbox Game Bar is a built-in Windows feature that lets you record your screen and system audio. It's designed for gamers but works well for any screen recording task. Here’s how to use it.

Set up the Xbox Game Bar

• Launch the menu — Open the Start menu and go to “Settings,” “Gaming,” then “Captures.” 
• Enable the Xbox Game Bar — Switch the “Record what happened” toggle on.

Configure Recording Settings

• Select audio preferences — In the same Settings menu, navigate to “Capture audio when recording a game” to turn the microphone on or off. Customize audio settings like recording quality, microphone volume, and system recording volume.

Change video quality — Adjust advanced settings, such as the resolution, frame rate, and recording length. If you don’t want your cursor to appear in videos, toggle off “Capture mouse cursor when recording a game.”

Start and Stop the Recording

• Access the Game Bar — Press “Win + G” to open the Game Bar overlay. If prompted, confirm that your activity is a game to proceed (even if it isn’t).
• Start recording — Press “Win + Alt + R,” or use the recording button on the Game Bar overlay to begin capturing your screen. A small floating toolbar will appear, showing the recording status.
• Stop recording — To end your recording, press the same shortcut or click the “Stop” button in the toolbar.

Save and View Recordings

• Locate your recordings — By default, recordings are saved in the “Captures” folder. To find it, head to “Settings,” then “Gaming,” and you’ll see “Captures.”
• Change your access point — To save your footage in another folder, simply use File Explorer to move the “Captures” folder wherever you’d like.

How To Screen Record With the Snipping Tool on Windows

Window’s 2022 version of its Snipping Tool now includes a screen recording feature for quick video captures. Follow these steps to snip on Windows.

Check Your Windows Version

• Check that you have Windows 11 — Screen recording with the Snipping Tool is only available on the 2022 version of Windows 11. See what version you’re using by going to “Settings,” “System,” and “About.” Update your system if necessary.

Select the Area to Record

• Open the snipping Tool — Press “Win + Shift + S” or search for "Snipping Tool" in the Start menu.
• Choose recording mode — Click the video camera icon to switch to screen recording mode, then tap “New.”

Starting and Stopping the Recording

Source: Blog.windows

• Begin recording — Use the Snipping Tool to highlight the area you want to record, then tap “Start.” Complete the activity you want to film.
• Stop recording — When you’re finished, press the “Stop” button in the same toolbar. The recording will automatically open in the Snipping Tool for preview.

Save and Edit the Recording

• Save the file — Click the “Save As” button to store your recording in your desired location.
• Edit the clip — You can use basic trimming tools directly in the Snipping Tool or transfer the recording to an external editor like Captions for more advanced adjustments.

Tips for Better Screen Recording

Here are some tips to help you get professional-looking screen recordings.

Choose the Right Resolution and Frame Rate

Match your screen recording Windows software to your display’s resolution so your footage is as clear as possible. For smoother motion, select a frame rate of 30–60 FPS.

Ensure Clear Audio Capture

Instead of relying on your computer’s built-in mic, use an external microphone for better audio quality. You don’t need to get the most expensive equipment out there, but upgrading your setup will help you make crisp voiceovers.

After gathering your tools, record in a quiet space to prevent background noises from showing up on tape. If any sounds slip through, though, there’s no need to worry — Captions can help. Our Denoise Tool automatically eliminates unwanted audio to create professional-quality voiceovers.

Edit Your Footage

To make your recordings more engaging, use Captions’ AI Video Editor to fine-tune your footage. Our platform automatically analyzes your videos and applies changes to them in minutes. Simply choose an editing style and let AI handle the rest.

Elevate Your Screen Recordings With Captions

Polished, professional screen recordings capture your audience's attention and effectively deliver your message. Clear footage makes everything from tutorials to Let’s Plays more valuable for viewers.

With Captions’ AI Video Editor, you can easily enhance your recordings. Our automatic caption generation and intuitive editing tools are designed to improve your content without extra effort. Try Captions’ AI Video Editor to create screen recordings that connect with your audience.

FAQs

Does Windows 10 Have Video Capture?

Yes, Windows 10 includes the Xbox Game Bar feature, which lets you record screen activity, capture screenshots, and record system and microphone audio. You can access it by pressing “Win + G” to open the overlay and start recording. It’s designed for gaming but works well for most screen recording tasks.

Why Can't I Screen Record on My Windows?

If you're unable to screen record, here are a few potential reasons:

• Xbox Game Bar is disabled — Check if the Xbox Game Bar is enabled. Click “Settings,” “Gaming,” and “Captures” to ensure the “Record what happened” button is toggled on.
• Outdated system — Screen recording features may not be available if you're using an older version of Windows 10 or 11. Make sure your system is updated.
• Hardware limitations — Some older PCs may not support screen recording due to hardware constraints.
• Incompatible software — Certain apps may block the recording functionality. For example, antivirus or security software can interfere with screen recording tools. Some streaming services may also prevent screen recording due to digital rights management restrictions.