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 is fastest for a quick silent clip of a region. Xbox Game Bar handles longer recordings and can capture microphone and system audio. Pick one.

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 you want to capture, then click Start.
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 — Game Bar can capture both. Open the Game Bar Capture settings and choose to include system audio and your microphone before you record.

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: Microsoft Support — Use Snipping Tool to capture screenshots, Microsoft Support — Record your screen with Xbox Game Bar