5 Free Ways to Record Screen on Windows 11

As the latest operating system from Microsoft, Windows 11 is equipped with several integrated tools and third-party applications that allow users to record their screens effortlessly.

Whether you want to capture a tutorial, document a bug, or preserve a special moment, this comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods available to record your screen on Windows 11 for free.

Using Snipping Tool

The Snipping Tool has been a staple in Windows for years. Thanks to Windows 11, it has also integrated screen recording functionality.

Unfortunately, not all Windows PCs are compatible with the latest Snipping Tool with screen recording capabilities. Make sure your Windows 11 version is 22621.1344 or higher.

Step 1: Access the Snipping Tool by searching it in the Windows search bar.

Step 2: On the toolbar, switch to the “Record” button with the camcorder icon.

Step 3: Click the “+New” button. You can then drag your mouse and draw a box around the area you want to record.

Step 4: Click the “Start” button to start recording screen.

Step 5: Once you stop recording, you can save the recording by clicking the “Save as” button at the top right corner.

Using Xbox Game Bar

Xbox Game Bar is another free screen recorder that comes pre-installed in Windows 10 and 11. It’s designed for recording gameplay clips, but it’s still a solid choice for recording your screen.

Xbox Game Bar offers more advanced adjustments than the Snipping Tool, such as quality, frame rate, etc. However, you can’t choose a recording area.

Step 1: Open the Xbox Game Bar by pressing the keyboard shortcut [Windows] + [G], and it will pop up as a floating toolbar.

Step 2: Click the “Settings” button and go to “Gaming > Captures” to set the output directory and recording preferences, such as video quality, video frame rate, etc.

Step 3: Click the “Record” button and it will start recording screen in the background. Alternatively, press [Windows] + [Alt] + [R] hotkeys to get started.

Start 4: Click the “Stop” button or hit the same hotkeys press [Windows] + [Alt] + [R] to stop recording. You can click “See my captures” to view all your recordings.

Using OBS

OBS is one of the most popular tools for video recording and live broadcasting. Although it is free and open-source, it offers a wide range of advanced features for professional-quality screen recordings.

Step 1: Download and install OBS from its official website.

Step 2: Launch OBS after installation, and a new Scene will be added automatically. If not, click the “+” button in the “Scene” section. Then, click the “+” button in the “Source” section and choose “Display Capture”.

Step 3: In the pop-up window, name the recording and click “OK”. Then, in the next window, you can choose a display to record if you have multiple monitors.

Step 4 (optional): Click the “Settings” button in the “Controls” section and choose the “Output” tab where you can set video and audio parameters as well as output directory as needed.

Step 5: Click the “Start Recording” button in the “Controls” section to start the recording screen. When you’re done, click the “Stop Recording” button.

Using PowerPoint

Surprisingly, PowerPoint, Microsoft’s presentation software, also has a built-in screen recording feature. You can record your screen as a stand-alone video for further use outside PowerPoint.

Step 1: Open PowerPoint, create a new presentation or open an existing one.

Step 2: Choose the “Insert” tab and click the “Screen Recording” button.

Step 3: Once the recording toolbar pops up, click and drag your mouse to establish an area you want to record.

Step 4: Click the “Record” button to initiate the screen recording. When finished, press the keyboard shortcut [Windows] + [Shift] + [Q] to stop recording.

Step 5: Your recording will be embedded in the presentation automatically. You can right-click on it and choose “Save Media as…” to save it as a stand-alone video.

Using ShadowPlay (for NVIDIA Graphics Card)

Suppose you have a PC with an NVIDIA graphics card (GTX 750 or higher). In that case, you can utilize the ShadowPlay feature through GeForce Experience to capture in-game and desktop footage with minimal performance impact.

Step 1: Launch GeForce Experience on your PC.

Step 2: Click the “Settings” button at the top right corner. Then, turn on the In-Game Overlay toggle.

Step 3: Press the [Alt] and [Z] keys simultaneously to open the overlay. In the pop-up control dock, select “Start” under the drop-down menu of the “Record” section. Alternatively, hit [Alt] + [F9] on your keyboard to start and stop recording.

FAQs

Does Windows 11 have a built-in screen recorder?

Yes, Windows 11 offers a built-in screen recording feature through the integrated Snipping Tool and Xbox Game Bar.

Where are my screen recordings saved in Windows 11?

Screen recordings using the Snipping Tool are saved in the ‘Captures’ folder within your Pictures library. Recordings captured by the Xbox Game Bar are saved in the ‘Videos’ folder by default.

Can I record audio with my screen recordings on Windows 11?

Yes, you can record audio from the microphone or computer with your screen recordings.

Are there any time limits for recording the screen on Windows 11?

You can choose the maximum recording time from 30 minutes to 4 hours.

Can I edit my screen recordings on Windows 11?

Yes, you can use video editing software such as Windows Movie Maker or third-party software to edit your screen recordings on Windows 11.

How can I record a specific area of my screen on Windows 11?

You can record a specific area of your screen on Windows 11 using the Snipping Tool. Just choose the “Region” option, then click and drag your mouse to select the area you want to record.

Conclusion

Whether you need a simple tool for quick captures or advanced software with professional-level features, numerous free options are available for recording your screen on Windows 11. Choose the method that best suits your needs and effortlessly capture those important moments, tutorials, or gameplay experiences.