How to screen record in Windows with Xbox Game Bar

Every Windows 10 and 11 computer has a tool called Xbox Game Bar. It’s what gamers use to capture epic wins (and fails). But you can also use it to record other activities on your screen. 

Note that it can only record one application window at a time. 

Here’s how to use it.

1. Open the Xbox Game Bar

There are several ways to open the Xbox Game Bar. The quicker method is to press the Windows + G keyboard shortcut.

Another option is to search for “Xbox Game Bar" and select it in the menu. 

2. Access the recording toolbar

The Xbox Game Bar will appear as a floating toolbar with various icons. Click the Settings wheel button in the toolbar.

3. Configure recording settings with the Capture widget

Next, you’ll click the Capture button to set the video quality and format of your recording. 

Here, you’ll choose settings like whether you want to record in the background as you play a game, or if you want to record only the audio of your mic or everything that’s playing (e.g., background music). 

4. Adjust video and audio quality

To set your video and audio quality, go to your Settings and then go to Gaming and select Captures.

Here, you can set your video frame rate—it’s automatically set to 30 frames per second (fps), which is recommended. Then, you can update the video from Standard to High for better quality (but a larger file size). Plus, you can choose to capture audio immediately when recording gameplay.

5. Click Record

Now, you’re ready to record. Go to your Xbox Game Bar floating window and click the Record button. 

Then click on the Record button in the Capture floating window. The Xbox Game Bar will now start recording in the background. 

6. Access your recordings

To view your recordings, click “See my captures” in the Capture floating window.

This will open another window containing a gallery of all your recordings. 

How to screen record with Windows 11 Snipping Tool

Snipping Tool is another useful screen-recording software pre-installed on most Windows 11 PCs. Unfortunately, not all Windows PCs will be compatible with the latest Snipping Tool, which has recording features. 

So, we’ll start by checking the version of your operating systems. 

1. Ensure you have the required OS version

Go to your Windows Start menu button and select Settings. 

Next, click on System, then scroll down and click on About. 

Another screen will open in the same window, showing the specs of your computer. Check to see if your Windows 11 version is 22621.1344 or higher.

2. Start Snipping Tools and select the window

To open the Snipping Tool, go to your Windows Search bar, type in Snipping Tool, and click on it. 

A window will appear that looks like this:

Next, click the Record button with the camcorder icon (the camera icon is for a still image only) to let the tool know you want to use this feature.

Then click on the +New button in the top left corner of the window to begin a new recording. 

3. Crop the area you want to record

What’s great about the Snipping Tool is that it allows you to crop the area you want to record manually. This is useful for removing areas that reveal private information.

After clicking +New, you can select an area by left-clicking your mouse and dragging the white dotted line over the section you wish to record. 

4. Start recording

Click the Start button in the floating window at the top of your screen. 

5. Save the file

Once you’re done recording, save it by selecting the “Save as” option in the Snipping Tool window in the top right corner (it looks like an old-fashioned floppy disk). 

How to screen record on PC online

What if you want to record your computer screen without a desktop application? There are screen-recording tools available that allow you to do so. For instance, you can use Screen Capture to record videos on your computer without downloading software.

Here’s how to access and use it. 

1. Visit Screen Capture’s website

Go to www.screencapture.com to access the website.

2. Start recording

Next, click on the large green Start Recording button on the right of the screen to see the following window appear. 

Now, choose which areas of your screen you want to record—your current Chrome tab, an open window, or the entire screen. 

For this example, we’ll select the entire screen. 

3. Share your screen with the web app

You’ll have to share your screen with the Screen Capture tool so it can begin recording your video. Click the blue Share button in the bottom right corner of the screen. 

You’ll see a preview of what will appear in the video. If you’re satisfied, begin recording your video. 

4. Stop recording

After you finish recording, click Stop Recording. It’s a large green button in the middle of the website screen. It also shows the recording length of your video. 

5. Download your video file

Click the large green Download button on the right side of the screen to download your video. 

The video will download to your browser, so go there to open/find the file and save it to your computer. 

How to record your screen using Descript (for advanced editing capabilities)

Sometimes, you want a video recorder that does it all: records video and audio from your screen, camera, and microphone; transcribes it; and allows you to edit and share it with your audience. 

Descript’s video recording app is great for recording podcasts, meetings, tutorials, and everything else in between. 

If you want an advanced video recorder, this is it. Here’s how to get it. 

1. Sign up for an account

To use Descript, you must sign up for a free or paid subscription. Visit Descript.com to get started. 

2. Download the Descript app

Click the Download link at the bottom of Descript’s website. Or click this link to start the download immediately. Descript’s app is available for Microsoft Windows 10 and newer, along with Mac High Sierra (10.13). 

3. Open the Descript app 

After the installation finishes, type “Descript” into your Window Search bar and select it. 

4. Create a new project

When Descript opens, you’ll see a (probably empty) dashboard of all your projects. To start a new one, click the blue New button. 

This is also where you’ll find your video recordings when you’re done. 

5. Select video project

To create a video, select Video Project. 

6. Start recording

Select the Record button to start creating your video. 

Make sure to add a title for your video—use a descriptive name so it’s easy to find later. 

7. Select your settings

Choose whether you want to record using your screen or camera. You can also disable your computer audio and select the microphone you want to use (or none if you don’t plan to speak in the video). 

8. Customize your settings and select “Record into a script”

If you want to record your webcam while you’re recording your screen, you can do that by selecting the Screen and then Webcam to choose your webcam or the None option.

Once you’re ready, hit the large “Record into script” button, and it’ll auto-generate a script for your video.

After recording, you’ll find your videos in your dashboard, ready to download, edit, publish, and share. 

The best screen recorder for Windows 10 and 11

Descript is considered one of the best Windows screen recorders. 

That’s because it has the following:

Advanced editing capabilities

Descript is a powerful video editor with advanced features extending beyond basic screen recording. It allows users to edit and record audio and video, remove unwanted sections (like ums and uhs), add effects, and make precise edits to create professional-looking (and sounding) videos, like quickly eliminating mistakes using Overdub to add what you meant to say.

Automated transcription

Descript’s claim to fame is in its automatic transcription, which not only transcribes your recorded videos, but allows you to edit them right from the transcript as if you’re editing a word doc. Having a text-based version of your content makes it easier to search, edit, and repurpose the recorded material.

Seamless collaboration

Descript allows multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously—perfect for remote teams or content creation agencies. The platform allows you to screencast and simplifies sharing, reviewing, and editing recorded content, ensuring efficient teamwork. And let’s not forget the high-quality remote recording feature that makes basic meeting software (like Zoom) look so 1992. 

User-friendly interface

No clunky software or major learning curves here. Descript’s user-friendly interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. Even beginners can quickly grasp the functionalities and start recording and editing videos in just a few clicks. 

Cross-platform compatibility

Descript isn’t limited to Windows; it’s also available for macOS. This cross-platform compatibility allows users to seamlessly switch between different operating systems without compromising their workflow or the quality of their recordings. Learn more about capturing footage across devices, including Android smartphones and Apple iPhones.

Publishing and sharing options

Descript provides convenient options for publishing and sharing your recorded videos with your audience, colleagues, or friends. Export your content in various formats (like MP4 files for social clips) to upload to popular platforms like YouTube or other social media channels. 

Customer support and community

Descript offers excellent customer support and has an active community of users. It provides resources, such as tutorials, documentation, and forums where users can seek assistance, share tips, and learn from each other’s experiences.

If you’d like to start capturing and editing footage like a pro, then take a tour of Descript today. 

How to screen record in Windows FAQ

Can I record my screen in Windows 10?

Yes. To record your screen in Windows 10:

1. Press Windows + G to open the Game Bar.
2. Click the Record button or press Windows key + Alt + R. 
3. Enable the microphone icon for audio recording.
4. Click the Stop button or press Windows key + Alt + R to stop recording.
5.  Find the recorded video in the Captures folder in your Videos directory.

How do I record part of my screen Windows 10?

1. Open the Snipping Tool from the Windows Search bar.
2. Click the camcorder symbol to enable recording.
3. Click +New to start a new recording.
4. Crop the area you want to record.
5. Click Start to begin recording.
6. Save the file using the “Save as” option.

How do I record my screen and audio in Windows?

To record your screen and audio in Windows, you can use the built-in Xbox Game Bar feature. Simply press the Windows key + G to open the Game Bar, click on the Record button, and select the desired recording options.