Screen recording has turned into an essential skill to have these days due to rising remote working culture. The good news is that Windows 10 and Windows 11 have their own built-in screen recording tools, so you don’t always need to snap up third-party software for the job.
These features have all been incrementally improved over the years, with Microsoft adding more-accessible screen recording tools and in some cases superior ones.
But they also have limitations when it comes to performing some advanced tasks. That’s where third-party apps can come into play with advanced features such as full-screen recording, webcam overlays and higher-quality output.
In this guide, find out how to record your screen in Windows 11 and Windows 10, which includes a few different native Windows methods along with some of the most popular third-party options.
Built-in Screen Recording Features on Windows Device
Both Windows 11 and Windows 10 comes with built-in screen-recording functionality that lets you record your screen without having to go through the hassle of installing third-party software.
Those built-in tools are dependable, free and already there. You won’t find many high-end extras here, such as advanced editing or the ability to upload your videos directly online, but that’s not the point. Screen recording works best when you want to make a quick video of something on your screen without having to deal with loads of options.
Let’s go through some of the default screen recording features in Windows 10 & 11.
- Xbox Game Bar
The Xbox Game Bar is probably the best-known camera integrated screen recording app in Windows. It used to be for gamers, but this time around it’s as simple to use as entry-level competitors.
What Is an Xbox Game Bar?
Xbox Game Bar was made for, capturing video and taking screenshots or recording audio, whether streaming on Twitch or Mixer, you can capture party chat even if your game doesn’t natively support it. Although it’s named with gaming pc in mind, it functions well as a recording software apps, browser windows, presentations and tutorials.
Key Limitations
Before you get started with Xbox Game Bar, know the limitations first:
- It can’t capture the Windows desktop or File Explorer.
- It captures only one application window at once.
- It doesn’t allow to choose a custom recording area.
- It is fast and convenient for most users, though limited.
How to Use Xbox Game Bar to Screen Record
Here’s how to do it:
- Launch the app or window you want to record.
- Press Windows + G.
- This will bring up the Xbox Game Bar overlay.
- If you are requested, agree that the application is a game.
- Capture widget; click record.
- Or you can press the quick shortcut Windows + Alt + R to begin recording immediately.
- Perform the work you wish to track.
- Press Windows + Alt + R once more to end recording.
Your record will be saved in:
Videos → Captures
How to Take Audio Clips With Xbox Game Bar
The Xbox Game Bar can record:
- System audio (app sounds).
- Microphone audio (voice narration).
You can now toggle microphone record on and off by clicking the microphone icon in the Capture widget, or pressing Windows + Alt + M.
How to change Xbox Game Bar record settings
To customize recording quality:
Open Settings.
Go to Gaming → Captures.
Adjust:
- Video resolution.
- Frame rate.
- Audio quality.
- Recording length
Common Issues and Fixes
Record button is disabled (Greyed out): Ensure you try to record a supported application (not the desktop)
No sound has been recorded: Go to your system audio settings and adjust the correct microphone permissions.
Game Bar won’t launch: Turn on in Settings → Gaming → Xbox Game Bar
- Snipping Tool Screen Recording (Windows 11 Only)
A big update to the Snipping Tool arrived with Windows 11, which includes native video recording. This is perfect for those who are looking to select a specific region on the screen and do not wish to record outside that area.
What Makes Snipping Tool Different?
Here are a few of the things you can do with Windows Snipping Tool, unlike Xbox Game Bar:
- Record custom screen regions.
- Capture short instructional clips.
- Do not record redundant regions of the screen.
This makes it ideal for quick tutorials that would obviously require some concentration.
How to Record Screen with Snipping Tool in Windows 11
- Open Snipping Tool from the Start menu.
- click the Video Camera icon to enter recording mode.
- Click New.
- Choose the region of your screen you would like to record.
- Click Start.
- After finishing, click Stop.
- Save the video file (MP4 format).
Recordings are saved to the Videos folder by default, but you can select a new one if you’d like.
Pros and Cons about Recording with Snipping Tool
Pros
- Custom region recording.
- Simple and clean interface.
- No third-party installation required.
Cons
- Audio options are indeed limited, only based on which Windows build is in use.
- No keybinds for direct recording.
- Not ideal for long recordings.
- Other Ways to Record Screen (with 3rd Party Tools)
Windows included screen recording tool is great, but it’s not ideal for anything more than a one time thing due to its automatic deployment and lack of advanced audio control. The third-party screen recording software provides more options and professional features in such situations.
When It is Necessary to Use a Third-Party Screen Recorder?
- Here are a few instances where third-party screen recorders could be very useful:
- For capturing the whole desktop or numerous monitors.
- For capture File Explorer or workings down at system level.
- Showing your face on a webcam while recording screen
- For adjustable bitrate, resolution and frame rate.
- For Long-time Recording without anyone in the limitations.
Here are some of the best third-party tools you can use to record your screen.
OBS Studio
One of the most popular free screen recording software is OBS Studio, which is also used for professional video productions.
- It is completely free and open-source.
- It records screen, apps and custom area.
- Outputs from several sources (system + mic) are supported.
- Produces high-quality recordings.
- Great for in depth content and tutorials.
While OBS is generally used for live streaming, it’s also extremely useful for recording videos on your computer offline.
How to Record Your Screen With OBS Studio
- Download and install OBS Studio.
- Open OBS and select Optimize for recording only.
- In the Sources panel, click +.
- Choose Display Capture (for entire screen) or Window Capture.
- Select a screen or app to record.
- Verify audio sources in Audio Mixer.
- Click Start Recording.
- Click Stop Recording when finished
Recordings are saved automatically to the specified output directory, which may be altered in Settings → Output.
Best OBS Recording Settings for Beginners
If you are new to open broadcaster software and want an easy setup this will be the best option for you.
- Output Mode: Simple.
- Recording Format: MP4 or MKV.
- Resolution: 1920×1080.
- Frame Rate: 30 FPS.
- Audio Bitrate: 160 kbps.
iTop Screen Recorder: Easiest to Use Option for Beginners
Another third party app that many people like is iTop Screen Recorder, particularly if you’re looking to avoid complicated setups and have a simple interface to play with.
Key Features
- Full screen or region recording.
- Webcam recording.
- System and microphone audio capture.
- Scheduled recordings.
- Basic video editing tools.
This is a great intermediate option for beginners who need more features than Xbox Game Bar can offer, but don’t want to learn the ropes of OBS.
How to record your screen on iTop Screen Recorder
Step 1: Download and Open iTop Screen Recorder Install the iTop Screen Recorder on your computer and open it.
Choose the recording mode (Full Screen, Area or App).
Click REC to start recording.
Click Stop button to stop and save the video.
- Screen Recording with Microsoft PowerPoint
Many users don’t have the idea that Microsoft PowerPoint includes a built-in screen recording feature, perfect for presentations and quick demos.
How to Screen Record Using PowerPoint
- Open PowerPoint.
- Go to Insert → Screen Recording.
- Select the area you want to record.
- Enable headphone or audio (optional).
- Click Record.
- Stop recording when finished.
- Save the recording or export it as a video.
This method is ideal for teachers and professionals already using Microsoft Office.
Built-In vs Third-Party Tools: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Built-in Tools | Third-Party Tools |
| Full Desktop Recording | No | Yes |
| Webcam Support | No | Yes |
| Custom Region Capture | Limited | Yes |
| Advanced Audio Control | No | Yes |
| Long Recordings | Limited | Yes |
Best Practices & Tips for Screen Recording in Windows
Regardless of what screen recording option you opt for, there are some best practices to follow which help keep your recordings clear, easy-to-use, and professional. These pointers will help you avoid common mistakes and to keep your screen recordings easy to watch and digest.
Use the Right Tool for the Job
Before you begin recording, be sure of what your end intent is:
- For app demos to the point or short clips, Xbox Game Bar or Snipping Tool will get the job done.
- ForStep-by-step tutorials or training videos, iTop Screen Recorder or OBS Studio is more controllable and flexible.
- For presentations and lectures, an alternative tool for the Mac, PowerPoint has a super-easy (and satisfied me most) screen recording function.
Prepare Your Screen Before Recording
The important part of learning how to screen record in windows 11 or 10 is to prepare your scree for recording. The screen should be clean:
- Shut down unnecessary apps and tabs in your browser
- Disable notifications to avoid pop-ups
- Use a neutral desktop background
These little things help keep the viewer focused on what matters.
Optimize Video Quality Settings
For most use cases:
Resolution: 1920×1080 (Full HD)
Frame rate: 30 FPS
Format: MP4 (widely supported)
Gaming can benefit from higher frame rates, but for tutorials the clarity is more important than how smoothly things move.
Pay Attention to Audio
- Bad audio can destroy an otherwise great screen recording.
- Use a high-quality microphone.
- Test microphone levels before starting.
- Reduce background noise.
- where possible, take any micro and system audio distinctly on your tool of choice to make editing a breeze.
Keep Recordings Focused and Concise
Long, unedited videos can bore viewers:
- Have a plan before you hit the record button.
- Pause briefly between steps.
- Avoid unnecessary mouse movement.
- Consider recording in short segments.
Shorter, more concentrated clips are easier to edit and more fun to watch.
Verify for Storage and File Location
Screen recordings can be very storage intensive, especially at high resolutions.
- Please make sure there is enough free space before recording.
- Be aware of where your recordings live.
- Rename files sensibly so you can find them again later.
- This is especially useful for longer or high quality recordings.
Review Before Sharing
Always listen back to your recording before sharing or posting:
- Check audio sync and clarity.
- Trim unnecessary parts if possible.
- A fast overview is what keeps you professional and out of trouble.
Take Away
Recording your screen on Windows 10 and Windows 11 has become incredibly simpler thanks to the suite of built-in tools and versatile third-party offerings. Take a picture of the screen or capture your emotions on the camera, if you would like to make an online demonstration video, record an area meeting with your colleagues, create a tutorial for one task in a methodical series and more.
For quick and easy recording, the Xbox Game Bar is still a good option for capturing individual apps but, in Windows 11, Snipping Tool provides flexibility to record specific parts of your screen. These built-in tools are ideal for users who only need quick answers, and don’t want to install anything else.
When you require more control, third-party screen recorders like the OBS Studio or iTop Screen Recorder offer additional options, including full desktop recording, multiple audio sources, webcam overlays and higher quality output. Such tools can be of particular use to teachers, business-people, and anyone who wants top-quality recording.