Recording your Windows 11 screen is pretty easy, and you don’t need any fancy third-party apps — just use what’s built in. Funny thing is, Windows’ own game recording feature isn’t exactly front and centre for folks who aren’t gamers, but it does the trick. You just need to know where to look and what to click. I’ve done this heaps of times, and sometimes the native recording decides not to work until you tweak a few settings or restart a service. Anyhow, here’s the rundown of what to do.
How to Record Your Screen on Windows 11
If you’re trying to capture a tutorial, demo, or just something interesting on your screen, Windows 11’s Xbox Game Bar is your mate — unless you’re after some fancy editing, then maybe look at other options. For quick-and-easy recordings, it’s spot on. These steps are what I’ve used, sometimes with a bit of trial and error, so take it as you will.
Step 1: Open the Xbox Game Bar
Press Windows + G. That’s it. This shortcut should bring up the Xbox Game Bar overlay. If it doesn’t pop up, check Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar and make sure it’s turned on. Sometimes Windows throws a spanner in the works with permissions or updates, and it might not launch first go. On some setups, a restart might be needed, or you might have to reopen the app after switching the toggle on.
Step 2: Find the Capture Widget
Once the overlay’s up, look for the Capture widget. If it’s not there, click on the Widgets Menu (the star icon) and pick Capture from the list. It usually looks like a tiny toolbar with a camera icon for screenshots and a circle for recording.
Step 3: Start Recording
Click the Record button — often a circle or a button labelled “Start Recording.” Or just press Windows + Alt + R, which toggles recording on and off. You should see a small timer or a recording icon at the top to confirm it’s working. Sometimes the hotkeys clash with other apps, so you might want to set your own in Settings > Gaming > Captures.
Step 4: Stop Recording
Hit the same button — probably a square or use Windows + Alt + R again. The clip should save automatically — look for a popup or check your “Captures” folder inside Videos. If it won’t stop immediately, don’t worry — sometimes it takes a tick, especially if your PC’s under the pump. Patience or a quick restart might help.
Step 5: Find Your Video
Usually, your footage will be in C:\Users\. If it’s not there, check your Xbox Game Bar settings — the save location can be changed by mistake. Sometimes it’s hiding in a different folder depending on your setup.
Keep in mind, quality and frame rate depend a lot on your hardware and how busy your system is. During a heavy game or when the CPU’s pushed, recordings might lag or glitch. Make sure your graphics drivers are up to date, and consider closing any background apps that aren’t needed to give your PC best shot.
Tips for Recording on Windows 11
- Check your microphone (if you want audio) in the Capture widget — the tiny mic icon. If it’s off, no external sound will be recorded.
- Close any unnecessary apps to keep system load down and avoid dropped frames.
- Customize your hotkeys in Settings > Gaming > Captures so you don’t forget what shortcuts to press.
- Test your recording quality before a big clip — default settings aren’t always ideal, and choppy footage can be a pain.
- If you run into glitches or it won’t record, a quick reboot or resetting the Xbox Gaming services might do the trick. Sometimes, running
services.mscand restarting services like Xbox Game Monitoring or Xbox Live Auth Manager helps clear up issues.
FAQs
How do I record my screen with sound?
Just turn on the microphone in the Capture widget before you start recording — the little mic icon. If it’s off, only system sounds will be captured. Keep in mind, the mic can pick up background noise, so check your volume levels first.
Can I record just one window instead of the whole screen?
Unfortunately, no. Xbox Game Bar captures your whole display. If you want just a specific window, you’ll need to crop or edit the video afterwards, or grab a different piece of software that supports window capture. Alternatively, put your app in windowed mode to limit what’s visible, though it’s not foolproof.
Is there a limit to how long I can record?
Not really — at least not a strict time limit. But keep an eye on your disk space, as longer recordings take up heaps of storage. If your drive fills up or the system slows down, recordings might stop unexpectedly. Smaller chunks are usually safer.
Can I pause a recording mid-way?
Not with Xbox Game Bar — no pause feature. You’ll have to stop and start again. If pausing is a must, apps like OBS Studio or ShareX do support that, but they take a bit of getting used to.
What format are recordings saved in?
Most often, MP4. It’s a pretty standard format that works with most players and editors. If you need a different format, you’ll need to convert afterwards, maybe with HandBrake or similar tools.
Summary
- Press
Windows + Gto open the Xbox Game Bar - If needed, turn on the Capture widget
- Hit the record button or press Windows + Alt + R
- Stop recording the same way — button or shortcuts
- Your clips will be in Videos > Captures
Hopefully, this saves you some mucking about. Windows 11’s native screen recording isn’t the most obvious, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a fair dinkum tool. Just check your settings if nothing happens straight away. Good luck with your recordings!