Recording your screen on Windows 11 might seem tricky at first, but it’s pretty straightforward once you know the steps. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, so you can capture whatever is on your screen with ease.
How to Record Screen on Windows 11
Recording your screen on Windows 11 can be done using built-in tools and a few easy steps. This guide will help you record your screen, save the recording, and even share it if needed.
Step 1: Open the Xbox Game Bar
Press the Windows key
+ G
on your keyboard.
The Xbox Game Bar is a built-in tool in Windows 11 designed primarily for gamers, but it works great for screen recording too.
Step 2: Access the Capture Widget
Click on the Capture
option in the Game Bar overlay.
Once you press Windows key
+ G
, the Game Bar overlay will appear. You’ll see various widgets, but the one you need is labeled “Capture.”
Step 3: Start Recording
Click the Start Recording
button (the circle icon) or press Windows key
+ Alt
+ R
to begin recording.
This action will start recording everything on your screen. You’ll see a small recording bar on your screen indicating that the recording is in progress.
Step 4: Stop Recording
Click the Stop Recording
button (the square icon) on the recording bar or press Windows key
+ Alt
+ R
again to stop.
When you’ve captured what you need, just hit the stop button. Your recording will be saved automatically.
Step 5: Locate Your Recording
Open the Captures
folder under Videos
in File Explorer to find your screen recording.
Windows 11 saves your screen recordings in the Captures folder by default. Navigate to Videos and then to Captures to find your file.
After you complete these steps, you will have a video file of your screen recording saved on your computer. You can share this file, edit it, or keep it for your records.
Tips for Recording Screen on Windows 11
- Ensure Sound is On: Before recording, make sure your microphone and system sounds are enabled if you want them in your video.
- Close Unnecessary Applications: Close apps you don’t need to make your recording smoother and avoid distractions.
- Use Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts like
Windows key
+Alt
+R
to make the process quicker. - Check Storage: Ensure you have enough storage space on your computer before recording to avoid interruptions.
- Edit After Recording: Use video editing software to trim, annotate, or enhance your recorded video if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record my screen without the Xbox Game Bar?
Yes, you can use third-party software like OBS Studio or built-in tools like PowerPoint.
Does the Xbox Game Bar record audio?
Yes, it can record both system sounds and microphone audio.
How long can I record my screen?
There is no time limit for recordings with the Xbox Game Bar, but the length may be limited by your storage space.
Can I record a specific window instead of the entire screen?
The Xbox Game Bar primarily records the entire screen, but tools like OBS Studio allow you to select specific windows.
Where can I find my recordings?
Your recordings will be saved in the Captures
folder under Videos
.
Summary
- Step 1: Open the Xbox Game Bar.
- Step 2: Access the Capture Widget.
- Step 3: Start Recording.
- Step 4: Stop Recording.
- Step 5: Locate Your Recording.
Conclusion
Recording your screen on Windows 11 is an incredibly useful skill, whether you’re creating tutorials, capturing gameplay, or saving a video call. By following these simple steps, you’ll have no trouble recording your screen. Make sure to take advantage of tips like ensuring your audio settings are correct and closing unnecessary applications for the best recording experience. If you have additional needs, exploring third-party software might be beneficial.
Hopefully, this guide has made the process clear and straightforward for you. Dive into the world of screen recording, and enhance your digital toolkit with this valuable skill. Happy recording!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.