🖥️ Introduction
Screen recording is one of the most useful features on any computer—whether you’re creating tutorials, recording gameplay, or capturing online meetings. Luckily, Windows 10 and Windows 11 come with built-in screen recording tools, and there are several third-party options for professional use.
In this article, we’ll explain how to screen record on Windows 10/11 step-by-step, explore shortcut keys, and discuss the best free and paid screen recording software.
🎥 How to Screen Record on Windows 11
Windows 11 has a built-in Xbox Game Bar that allows you to capture your screen without installing any external software.
Steps:
- Press Windows + G to open the Xbox Game Bar.
- Click on the Capture icon in the top toolbar.
- Click the Record (●) button to start recording your screen.
- To stop, click the Stop Recording icon or press Windows + Alt + R.
- The video will be saved automatically in:
C:\Users\[YourName]\Videos\Captures
👉 You can also adjust audio input and microphone settings before recording.
Related guide:
🔊 How to Screen Record on Windows 10 with Audio
Recording the screen with audio in Windows 10 is simple using the Xbox Game Bar:
- Press Windows + G to open the Game Bar.
- Click the Settings (⚙️) icon → enable Record game audio and Record microphone.
- Start your recording with Windows + Alt + R.
🎧 This captures both system and microphone audio, ideal for tutorials or online classes.
⌨️ Shortcut Key for Screen Recording in Windows 11 and Windows 10
Here are the default keyboard shortcuts for screen recording:
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open Game Bar | Windows + G |
| Start/Stop Recording | Windows + Alt + R |
| Turn Mic On/Off | Windows + Alt + M |
| Take Screenshot | Windows + Alt + PrtScn |
💡 Tip: You can customize these shortcuts in Settings → Gaming → Xbox Game Bar.
🎮 Xbox Recording Windows 10
The Xbox Game Bar was originally designed for gamers, but it works great for all screen recording needs.
Features include:
- Record gameplay automatically
- Capture system sound and mic
- Monitor CPU/GPU performance
- Save recordings instantly in MP4 format
Limitations:
- Cannot record the desktop or File Explorer directly
- Not ideal for full tutorials
If you need advanced options (like webcam overlay or annotations), third-party software works better — we’ll discuss that below.
🧩 How to Screen Record on Windows 10 Without Game Bar
If your Game Bar isn’t working or you prefer a different method:
Option 1: Use PowerPoint
- Open PowerPoint → go to Insert → Screen Recording.
- Select the screen area and click Record.
- When finished, right-click the video in PowerPoint → Save Media As.
Option 2: Use Windows Snipping Tool + OBS
For more flexibility, use OBS Studio or ShareX, which offer full-screen recording and editing tools.
Related guide:
💻 How to Record Screen on Laptop Windows 10 Without Software
If you don’t want to install any app:
- Use the Xbox Game Bar (Windows + G) if enabled.
- Or record using PowerPoint → Screen Recording as mentioned above.
Both options allow you to record video in HD quality without third-party software.
🎞️ Quality of Recorded Video and Setup
By default, Game Bar recordings are saved in 1080p resolution with 60fps frame rate.
You can customize quality:
- Settings → Gaming → Captures → Video Frame Rate: 30fps or 60fps
- Video Quality: Standard or High
- Audio Bitrate: Up to 192 kbps
For better performance, use an SSD and ensure enough disk space before recording.
Related guide:
🧰 Best Free and Paid Screen Recording Software for Windows
Here are some top-rated options for all users:
Free Screen Recorders:
- OBS Studio – Open-source and professional-grade.
- ShareX – Lightweight, no watermark.
- Loom – Simple and beginner-friendly.
- Xbox Game Bar – Built-in and free.
Paid Screen Recorders:
- Camtasia – Best for editing and tutorials.
- Bandicam – Great for high-quality gaming videos.
- Movavi Screen Recorder – Affordable and feature-rich.
- Snagit – For quick capture and annotation.
💡 OBS Studio is perfect if you want professional quality without paying.
🧾 FAQs
Q1. Does Windows 11 have a built-in screen recorder?
Yes, the Xbox Game Bar allows you to record the screen easily without any external app.
Q2. How to record the screen with audio on Windows 10?
Use Windows + G, then enable the microphone and system audio options before recording.
Q3. Can I record the desktop using the Xbox Game Bar?
No, the Game Bar cannot record the desktop or File Explorer directly. Use OBS Studio instead.
Q4. Is there a shortcut to start screen recording on Windows?
Yes, press Windows + Alt + R to start or stop recording instantly.
Q5. What format are recordings saved in?
Recordings are saved as .MP4 files under the Videos → Captures folder.
📘 Conclusion
Learning how to screen record on Windows 10 and Windows 11 is simple when you know the right tools. Whether you use the built-in Xbox Game Bar or professional recorders like OBS Studio or Camtasia, you can easily capture high-quality video for tutorials, games, or presentations.
👉 Don’t forget to check out our related guides to enhance your Windows experience:
- How to flip computer screen step by step guide
- How to fix there was a problem resetting your PC Windows 11
- Windows 11 setup without internet complete guide