Screen recording on Windows 11 is pretty straightforward. First, you use the Xbox Game Bar which is built right into the system. With just a few keyboard shortcuts, you can start, pause, and stop recordings. Your videos will be saved automatically, ready for you to view and share.
How to Screen Record on Windows 11
In the following steps, you’ll learn how to use the Xbox Game Bar to record your screen in Windows 11. This tool is versatile and perfect for capturing anything from gameplay to tutorials.
Step 1: Open Xbox Game Bar
Press Win + G simultaneously on your keyboard.
The Xbox Game Bar will appear, giving you access to various widgets, including the capture widget which you’ll be using to start your screen recording.
Step 2: Start Recording
Click on the “Capture” widget, then click the “Record” button, or press Win + Alt + R.
Once you hit the record button, the Game Bar will start recording your screen. You’ll also see a small floating bar with a timer and a stop button.
Step 3: Stop Recording
To finish recording, click the stop button on the floating bar or press Win + Alt + R again.
After you stop the recording, the video file will be saved automatically in your “Videos” folder under “Captures.”
Step 4: Access Your Recording
Go to your “Videos” folder, then click on “Captures” to find your screen recording.
Your recording will be stored as an MP4 file, ready for you to watch, edit, or share.
Step 5: Review and Edit (Optional)
Open the recording to review it. Use any video editing software if you need to make changes.
Editing software like Windows Photos or third-party apps can help you trim, add annotations, or make other adjustments to your video.
After completing these steps, your screen recording will be saved and ready for you to use. You can watch it, share it, or edit it as needed.
Tips for How to Screen Record on Windows 11
- Check System Requirements: Ensure your system meets the requirements for using the Xbox Game Bar.
- Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts for a smoother experience.
- Audio Settings: Configure your audio settings beforehand to capture sound from your microphone or system.
- Performance: Close unnecessary applications to ensure your recording is smooth and without interruptions.
- Storage Space: Ensure you have enough storage on your device to save your recordings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record my entire screen with Xbox Game Bar?
No, the Xbox Game Bar is designed to record specific applications or games, not the entire desktop.
How can I record the entire screen in Windows 11?
You would need third-party software like OBS Studio to record your entire screen.
Does Xbox Game Bar record audio?
Yes, it can record both system audio and microphone input.
Are there any limitations on the length of recordings?
There’s no specific time limit, but your system’s storage capacity will determine how long you can record.
Can I record webcam video with Xbox Game Bar?
No, Xbox Game Bar doesn’t support webcam recording, but you can use other software to overlay webcam footage.
Summary
- Press
Win + Gto open Xbox Game Bar. - Click “Capture” and press
Win + Alt + Rto start recording. - Stop the recording with the same shortcut.
- Find your recording in the “Captures” folder.
- Review and edit the recording as needed.
Conclusion
Screen recording on Windows 11 is a breeze, especially with the built-in Xbox Game Bar. Whether you’re capturing your latest gaming triumph or creating a tutorial for your followers, these tools make it simple. Just follow the steps—open the Game Bar, start and stop recording, and retrieve your video. With a few tips and some practice, you’ll be a screen recording pro in no time.
If you need more advanced features, like recording your entire screen or incorporating a webcam feed, consider third-party software like OBS Studio. But for everyday needs, Windows 11’s built-in tools should suffice. Now that you know how to screen record on Windows 11, go ahead and capture those moments worth sharing!
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.