How to Record Your Screen in Windows 11 (Snipping Tool or Xbox Game Bar)

Windows 11 can record a video of your screen with no extra software — there are two built-in tools depending on what you need.

Why two: Snipping Tool records a selected region and current versions can include system audio and a microphone. Xbox Game Bar records supported apps/games and can also capture audio; it does not record every desktop surface. Pick the tool that supports what you need to show.

Option 1: Snipping Tool — quick clips of a region

1. Open Snipping Tool from Start, or press Win + Shift + R to jump straight to recording.
2. Click the Record button, then New.
3. Drag to select the area. Check the toolbar’s system audio and microphone controls if your app version provides them, then click Start. Confirm microphone permission and record a short test first.
4. Click Stop when you’re done. The clip opens in Snipping Tool — press Ctrl + S to save it.

This is the simplest option for showing someone a short on-screen action.

Option 2: Xbox Game Bar — longer recordings with audio

First make sure Game Bar is enabled: open Settings (Win + I), go to Gaming → Xbox Game Bar, and turn it On.

1. Press Win + G to open the Game Bar overlay.
2. Press Win + Alt + R to start recording (you can also use the Capture widget’s record button).
3. Press Win + Alt + M to toggle your microphone on or off while recording.
4. Press Win + Alt + R again to stop.

Recordings are saved as MP4 files in This PC → Videos → Captures.

FAQ

Where do my recordings end up? Snipping Tool clips save wherever you choose with Ctrl + S. Game Bar recordings save automatically to Videos → Captures as MP4.

Can I record system sound and my voice? Yes. Current Snipping Tool has system-audio and microphone controls on its recording toolbar; update it from Microsoft Store if those controls are missing. Game Bar can also capture both through its Capture/audio settings. Check microphone permission and the recording before sharing it.

Win + Alt + R doesn’t start a recording. Make sure Xbox Game Bar is enabled in Settings → Gaming → Xbox Game Bar, then try again.

Sources: Windows Blog — Snipping Tool audio and microphone recording, Microsoft Support — Use Snipping Tool to capture screenshots, Microsoft Support — Record your screen with Xbox Game Bar