6 Easy Ways to Record Your Screen on Windows 11

There’s no denying that Windows is THE most feature-rich and versatile desktop operating system out there. However, it’s a shame that Windows 11 still doesn’t have a comprehensive built-in screen recording tool, which is the case with desktop operating systems like Chrome OS and macOS. One of the strong points of Windows is its support for third-party apps and thanks to that, there are plenty of screen recording apps that you can download. Here’s how to record screen on Windows 11.

While there are many software out there, we’ve selected different methods using six tools in this guide. Each software has its pros and cons, so the decision ultimately depends on the type of screen recording you want to do.

Method 1: Use Xbox Game Bar on Windows 11

The Xbox Game Bar is kind of the only integrated software in addition to the Snipping Tool that allows you to record the screen on Windows 11. It is mainly intended for gaming sessions, but can also be used to record other applications. The only downside is that it does not record screen when file explorer is open or you are on desktopHere’s how to use it.

1. Make sure you have an application open other than File Explorer or Desktop. Use the shortcut Windows + G to launch the Xbox Game Bar.
2. Click on the Capture top floating bar option.
3. A small floating window should appear. Here, click on the record button (the third button from the left) to start recording.
4. To stop recording, click the Stop button in the floating overlay.
5. The screen recording will be saved in C:\Users\yourusername\Videos\Captures.

Method 2: Using OBS Studio

The Xbox Game Bar has its limitations, and that’s where OBS Studio comes to the rescue. It’s by far the best app for screen recording and streaming on Windows 11. Here’s how to use it.

1. Install OBS Studio from the official website. It is also available on the Microsoft Store (website) for free.
2. Launch OBS Studio and navigate to Optimize for recording only > Following.
3. On the OBS home page, click on the + icon under the sources section.
4. Click on Display Capture, rename the source and click on ALL RIGHT.
5. When finished, press Start recording.
6. When you’re done, come back to OBS Studio and click on Stop recording.
7. Recorded videos can be found in C:\users\username\videos.

Method 3: Using Microsoft PowerPoint

If you are a student looking for the easiest way to record screen on Windows 11, you can do it using Microsoft PowerPoint. Students usually get an Office subscription through their schools or colleges, which can come in handy for recording screen. Here’s how to do it.

1. Launch Microsoft PowerPoint and go to the Insert tab.
2. Here, click on the Screen Recording option and select the area you want to record.
3. Now press the Record button to start recording.
4. You can use the Windows + Shift + Q keyboard shortcut to stop recording when finished.
5. The screen recording will be added to your PowerPoint presentation. Right-click on the video and select Save Media As.
6. Browse to the location where you want to store the recording and click To safeguardYour recording will be saved as an MP4 file.

The updated snipping tool comes with a screen recorder and is very convenient to use. Here’s how to use it.

1. Launch the new Snipping Tool on Windows 11 by going to the Start menu and I’m looking for it.
2. Here, click on the video camera icon to switch to recording mode.
3. Hit him New option and select the region you want to record.
4. Finally, click on To start to start recording.
5. Your recordings will be saved in the Videos\Screen Recordings directory.

Method 5: Using Microsoft Clipchamp

Windows 11 has a native video editor called Clipchamp, which lets you record your screen with ease. In addition to recording your screen, you can add an optional webcam overlay to your screen recording, which can be useful for recording tutorials if you’re a teacher. The major drawback is that you can only record your screen up to 30 minutes and export video in 1080p in the free version.

1. Launch Clipchamp. Install it if you haven’t already from the Microsoft Store (website).
2. Sign in to your Microsoft account on Clipchamp.
3. Click on Create a new video and select Save and Create.
4. Then click on Screen and hit the Record button to start recording.
5. You will then be asked whether you want to record the entire screen or a specific window; choose as you wish and select Share.
6. Once you have completed the recording, click on Stop sharingAt this point the recording should be saved to the Downloads directory as a WEBM file.
7. If you want an MP4, click Save and editand select Export.
8. Choose a quality and wait for it to export. Once done, you should find the MP4 file in the Downloads folder.

Method 6: Record Windows 11 Screen Using ShareX

ShareX is our favorite open-source screenshot utility, and it can also record your screen, plus it has tons of other features. Here’s how to record a Windows 11 screen using ShareX.

1. Install ShareX of the official website or the Microsoft Store (website).
2. Once installed, launch it and follow the usual installation process.
3. On the ShareX home screen, click on the Capture option in the sidebar.
4. Then press the Screen Recording option.
5. Select the region you want to record and ShareX will automatically start recording.
6. When finished, click on Stop and the recording should stop immediately.
7. You will find all the recordings in C:\Users\username\Documents\ShareX\Screenshots\.

And that’s how you can record your screen on Windows 11 without spending a dime. All the methods are free, have no ads, and save screen recordings without a watermark. Some of the apps used to take screenshots can also record the screen for you, which is very convenient. Have any questions about any of the above methods? Ask them in the comments below.