Creating step-by-step tutorials to help others learn new skills. Sharing how you beat the last stage of that popular game. Constructing walk-throughs to help a new hire hit the ground running. There are many reasons to use screen recordings. Knowing the right tools and steps can be the difference between a smooth production and one filled with frustration and tears.

If you have a Windows 10 or 11 system, you already have the first part covered. There are several options for recording your screen—most of which are completely free to use and compatible with the device you’re already using. 

If you’re still stuck, you’re in the right place. Continue reading to learn how to screen record on Windows, including the tools you’ll need and tips for editing the footage in post-production. 

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). However, you can also record other activities on your screen. Note that it can only record one application window at a time. Here’s how to use it for screen recording in Windows.

1. Open the Xbox Game Bar
2. Access the recording toolbar
3. Configure recording settings with the Capture widget
4. Adjust video and audio quality
5. Click Record

Step 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. 

Step 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.

Step 3. Configure recording settings with the Capture widget

Next, 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). 

Step 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.

You can set your video frame rate at this stage—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, choose whether you want to capture audio immediately when recording gameplay.

Step 5. Click Record

Now, you’re ready to record. Go to your Xbox Game Bar floating window and click the Record button. The Xbox Game Bar will now start recording your Windows computer screen in the background. 

To view your recordings, click See my captures in the Capture floating window. This will open another window, showcasing a gallery of all your recordings. 

📱 Apple user? Here’s how to screen record on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

How to screen record with Windows 11 Snipping Tool

Snipping Tool is another useful screen recording tool that is preinstalled on most Windows 11 PCs. Unfortunately, not all Windows PCs will be compatible with the latest Snipping Tool, which has recording features. We’ll start by checking the version of your operating systems. 

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.

Then follow these steps:

1. Start Snipping Tool and select the window
2. Crop the area of the screen to record
3. Press the Start recordng button
4. Press Stop and save the video

Step 1. Start Snipping Tool 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 screen capture 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 screen recording. 

Step 2. Crop the area of the screen to record

What’s great about using the Snipping Tool to screen record on Windows 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. 

Step 3. Press the Start recording button 

Click the Start button in the floating window at the top of your screen to initiate the recording on a Windows device. Drag the edges over the portion of the screen you want to record (or the entire screen).

Step 4. Press Stop and save the video file

Once you’re done recording, press Stop. 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). 

💻 Chrome users: Here’s how to screen record on Chromebook

How to record online videos on Windows using Descript 

Sometimes, you want a video recorder that does it all: records video and audio, transcribes it, and allows you to edit and share it with your audience, colleagues, or friends. Descript’s video recording app is ideal for recording podcasts, meetings, tutorials, and everything else in between.

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. 

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

Step 1. Download the free Descript app for Windows

Descript is totally free for anyone to use, so go ahead and create your free account.

Click the Download link at the bottom of Descript’s website to get the Windows screen recorder, or click this link to go there immediately. 

Step 2. Create a new project

After the installation finishes, type Descript into your Windows Search bar and select it. 

When Descript opens, you will see a 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.)

Step 3. Start recording your Windows screen

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. 

Choose whether you want to record using your screen or camera. If you want to record your webcam while you’re recording your screen, you can do so by selecting the Screen and then Webcam to choose your webcam (or the None option).

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.

Once you’re ready, hit the large Record into script button, and it will auto-generate a script for your screen-recorded video. (If you need a little extra breathing space, use the countdown timer. It’ll give you an extra 10 seconds to get set up before the screen recording starts.)

Step 4. Edit your video footage with AI

After recording, you’ll find your videos in your dashboard, ready to download, trim the recording length, edit, publish, and share. The beauty of Descript is that Windows screen recording is just one feature you can use inside the powerful video editor.

Descript offers 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 overdubbing to add what you meant to say.

There are also built-in transcription capabilities that automatically transcribe your recorded videos. Having a text-based version of your content makes it easier to search, edit, and repurpose the recorded material.

Plus, 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. 

The best screen recorder for Windows 10 and 11

Descript is considered one of the best Windows screen recorders. Its 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. No clunky screen recorder software or major learning curves here. 

Millions of brands, creators, and YouTubers are already using Descript because it offers advanced features like:

• Countdown timers for extra breathing room when recording your screen
• Automated transcriptions to edit your screen recording like you’d edit a Google Doc
• Specialized remote recording software designed for capturing a podcast with guests 
• Collaboration tools to work share, edit, and host screen recordings with your team
• Special effects like Green Screen, Eye Contact, and Studio Sound

The best part? Descript’s free screen recorder 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. 

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

How to screen record in Windows FAQ

Can I record my screen in Windows 10?

Press Windows + G to open the Game Bar. Click the Record button and enable the microphone icon for audio recording. Click the Stop button, or press Windows key + Alt + R, to stop recording. Find the recorded video in the Captures or Videos folder.

How do I record part of my screen in Windows 10?

1. Open 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 computer screen and audio in Windows, download Descript’s free screen recorder for Windows. Open a new project and press the Record button, and select the desired screen recording options (making sure that audio capture is enabled).