Are you looking to record your screen on Windows 11 without installing third-party apps? While tools like OBS, ScreenPresso, and others are popular, Windows 11 now offers a simple, built-in solution through the Snipping Tool.
Previously, you could use the Xbox Game Bar, a gaming overlay included in Windows 10 and 11, to record gameplay and screen activity. While powerful, it can be confusing for new users and offers limited control over what you’re recording. Thankfully, Windows 11 simplifies the process with a dedicated screen recording mode in the Snipping Tool.
Follow these steps to get started:
Step 1: Check Your Windows Version
Before starting, make sure your PC is running Windows 11 build 22621.1344 or later.
- Press Win + R, type
winver, and press Enter. - A window will show your current version and build number.
💡 Tip: If your build is older, update Windows via Settings → Windows Update.
Step 2: Open the Snipping Tool
- Click the Search icon on the taskbar and type Snipping Tool.
- Open the app. By default, it opens in screenshot mode.
- Switch to video capture mode by sliding the camera icon from photo to video.
💡 Tip: You can keep the Snipping Tool pinned to your taskbar for quick access.
Step 3: Set Up Your Recording
- Click New.
- Draw a rectangle around the portion of the screen you want to record.
- A floating toolbar will appear at the top of your screen with recording controls.
💡 Tip: You can record a specific area or the full screen depending on the size of the rectangle.
Step 4: Start Recording
- Click the Start recording button on the toolbar.
- A 3-second countdown will appear, and recording begins automatically.
- You can pause the recording anytime if you need to temporarily stop capturing.
Step 5: Stop and Preview
- Click Stop on the toolbar when you’re finished recording.
- Your video will open directly in the Snipping Tool. You can play it to check your recording before saving.
Step 6: Save Your Recording
- Click Save.
- Choose a location (default is Downloads) and save your video as an MP4 file.
💡 Tip: MP4 is widely supported, so you can easily share your screen recordings on platforms like YouTube, Slack, or Teams.
Bonus Tips
- Use Alt + Tab to switch apps while recording only the selected portion of your screen.
- If you want higher-quality recordings or advanced editing, third-party apps like OBS may still be useful—but for quick tutorials, presentations, or demos, the Snipping Tool is perfect.