When you need to make tutorials on using software, training videos, and game operation videos, you have to start screen recording and let it record everything that happens on your computer. So, how to record the screen on Windows 11? Are there any built-in system tools or affordable third-party recorders that can help? This post has all the answers you need. We will teach you how to apply the two built-in screen recorders in Windows. However, considering their limited functionality, we’ve also prepared 5 additional third-party programs with their own features. We want you to solve all your problems here in one stop.
Part 1: How to Screen Record on Windows 11 [7 Tools]
We first want to let you know that Windows 11 has two built-in tools for recording your screen: the Snipping Tool and the Xbox Game Bar. Both can capture pictures and videos. However, they can only perform some basic operations and have limitations on the source of the recording. The good thing is that they are quick to launch and can be activated immediately without downloading and installing them. This section will introduce how to use the Snipping Tool and Xbox Game Bar in two subsections.
No.1 Xbox Game Bar
By pressing a shortcut on your keyboard, you can invoke one of the computer’s built-in game recording tools, the Xbox Game Bar. Usually, users use it to record their exciting maneuvers and moments of triumph or defeat while playing a game. Similarly, you can use it to record other dynamic activities on the screen, such as videos. The Xbox Game Bar offers many personalized widgets.
Here is how to screen record on Windows 11 with Xbox Game Bar.
Step 1: Press the Windows + G button on your keyboard to launch the Xbox Game Bar. When it is open, click Camera.
Step 2: A new window will open. Then, you can set it to record the video or capture a screenshot.
Step 3: Decide your audio source. Click the Microphone icon to enable or disable it.
Step 4: Go back to the floating window and click Record.
Note, however, that the Xbox Game Bar can only record content from one window at a time. If you want it to record your multi-threaded work, that’s just not very practical.
No.2 Snipping Tool
Here is a guide on how to screen record on Windows 11 using Xbox Game Bar. If you don’t find this tool on your system, go to the Microsoft Store and get one.
Step 1: Open the Start menu on your desktop and use its search bar to find the Snipping Tool.
Step 2: Launch the Snipping Tool and click the Record button. Then, choose New.
Step 3: Drag and drop your cursor to select the region on your screen that you want to record.
Step 4: Click Start. When the 3-second countdown ends, your recording will begin.
Step 5: If you want to stop recording, click Stop.
Note that the Snipping Tool can only record footage or capture still images. Sound capture is not supported now, so the movie you get will be silent. This is a critical issue that you must understand before using it.
So, we’ve learned above that both the Xbox Game Bar and Snipping Tool can screen record on Windows in some ways. However, they both have rather obvious drawbacks, i.e., you can only record one window at a time or video without sound. We recommend choosing a third-party video recording tool that is more versatile and works well. We have singled out several excellent representatives below. Please keep reading.
No. 3 Leawo Free Screen Recorder
Leawo Free Screen Recorder is an expert in capturing sounds, screens and images. It can record images from your computer screen and webcam in up to 4K clarity and supports users to use the system sound or microphone as the sound source. While capturing the screen, you can customize the style of your mouse cursor and draw in real-time to add narration. When you are not next to your computer, you can preset the recording start time, region and sound source and let Leawo Free Screen Recorder start recording automatically. It can also help you shut down your computer after the recording is finished to save energy. This software is free and easy to use and supports customized shortcuts, making it friendly for all levels of users.
Here is how to use this one of your computer’s best free screen recorders.
Step 1: Download and install Leawo Free Screen Recorder on your device. Open the software and go to Settings. Here, you can set all the elements of your recording video. Click OK to keep the change.
Step 2: Back to the main interface. Click Record Screen and choose the region you want to capture.
Step 3: Choose the audio source from System Sound and Microphone.
Step 4: Finally, click the red REC to start recording.
No.4 OBS Studio
OBS Studio is already the patriarch of the screen recording world. It’s known for its numerous recording settings and a great platform for creating game action videos and cheats. It also comes with a live-streaming feature. Bloggers can start live-streaming directly while recording game progress. OBS Studio currently supports computer screens, webcams, system sound and microphones as sources. However, its user interface is too complicated and unfriendly for newbies.
Here is how to record the screen on Windows 11 with audio using OBS Studio.
Step 1: Download OBS Studio on your computer. Launch it, and find Source at the bottom left of the screen. Click + to set the recorded content.
Step 2: Select Display Capture in the list. A new window will pop up; click OK on it.
Step 3: Click Settings to select the save path. You can also adjust some elements of the video here.
Step 4: Finally, click Start Recording.
No.5 CamStudio
CamStudio is a completely open-source and free screen recorder developed in 2001. Its features range from capturing still images to recording on-screen activity and sound from your system and speakers. With it, you won’t have problems recording time limits or capturing too blurry images. What’s even sweeter is that CamStudio consumes very little running memory, meaning it won’t lag on most devices. Note that it has a few video editing features and does not support MOV and MKV formats.
Here is how to record my screen on Windows 11 with CamStudio.
Step 1: Install CamStudio on your Windows PC. Go to Options and complete the video, audio, and cursor settings. Then, click Program Options > Output directory to choose a folder to save your video.
Step 2: Click Region. Then, select the area you want to capture.
Step 3: Click the red Record button to start recording.
No.6 Bandicam
Bandicam is a desktop software that supports HD recording of computer screens. The feature that makes it stand out is the efficient file compression. Recording videos of the same length and quality, Bandicam always outputs smaller file sizes. And it is centered more on game recording. The software also offers advanced graphics technology that ensures that the recorded window does not have edges or other impurities. You can even have it record your screen twenty-four hours a day if necessary. It has a 10-minute recording time limit, though. Beyond that limit, you’ll have to pay for it.
Here is how to record your screen with Bandicam.
Step 1: Download and install Bandicam on your device.
Step 2: Drop down the list under Screen Recording mode. Select the region you want to record.
Step 3: Set the output format and audio source.
Step 4: Next, click REC.
No.7 Camtasia
TechSmith has developed two screen capture programs, Camtasia and Snagit, but Snagit is more suited for taking screenshots and editing pictures, while Camtasia is made for capturing images. This program not only records video and audio on the screen but also captures the activity of the mouse pointer. It also has a built-in video editing function with AI technology support. You can also find favorite presets, filters and effects in its huge media library and apply them to your videos. However, Camtasia’s subscription is expensive and cannot handle image tasks.
Here is how to screen record on Windows 11 with audio using Camtasia.
Step 1: Download and install Camtasia.
Step 2: Enable the first toggle. Then, expand the drop-down list and select your record area.
Step 3: Set the audio source between the system and the microphone.
Step 4: Press REC to start recording.
Part 2: How to Choose a Screen Recorder
When you are picking a qualified screen recorder, there are a few factors that you should consider.
- The Simplicity of use
Make sure that the software you choose opens quickly and is ready to use rather than requiring a lengthy setup. Look for products with obvious recording buttons and recording area options.
- High recording quality
Some software may lose clarity when capturing footage when compressing the recording file size. Choose software that supports outputting 4K high-quality footage to avoid such issues.
- Provides video editing features
Recording perfectly at one time can be challenging, and you must constantly revise and crop afterward. That’s why software with built-in video editing features is necessary.
Also, you’d better pick a product based on your recording. Some specialize in handling game action, while others have features more oriented towards recording video conferences or tutorials. Figure out the effect you want to achieve the most, and then match it up.
Part 3: FAQs
Q1: Does Windows 11 have a built-in screen recorder?
Windows 11 has both the Snipping Tool and Xbox Game Bar recording tools. However, the former doesn’t support recording videos with sound, and the latter can only capture the contents of one window at a time.
Q2: What is the shortcut key for screen recording on Windows 11?
You can press Windows + G to bring up the Xbox Game Bar, complete some settings and then press Windows + Alt + R to get it to start recording.
Q3: Why is a screen recording not working in Windows 11?
It could be because your driver or system version is too low. Update it first to see if the problem is fixed. You can also try closing some programs and clearing out more memory space. Then check if you can record normally now.