Recording multiple screens on Windows 11 isn’t exactly a walk in the park out of the box — because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary. So, you’ll need some third-party software to do the heavy lifting. The key is choosing something that can handle multi-screen setups without crashing or turning into a headache midway through. And yes, that’s happened more times than I’d like to admit.
How to Record Multiple Screens on Windows 11
Basically, the whole point of this is to get software that supports multiple monitors natively, only then can you kick off a recording that actually captures everything. Here’s how it’s usually done:
Method 1: Using OBS Studio (Free, but quirky at first)
This is my go-to because it’s free and insanely flexible — though, fair warning, it can be a little counterintuitive at first. Why it helps: OBS lets you set up multiple displays as separate sources, so recording all your monitors simultaneously is super doable. When to use: When you need a free, customizable option that can also do streaming.
- Download OBS Studio: Head over to
https://obsproject.com/and grab the latest version. - Install it: Run the installer, follow those typical wizard prompts — it’s straightforward enough.
- Add Display Capture sources: Once installed and opened, go to the Sources box, click +, then select Display Capture.
- Configure each monitor: For each display, add a separate Display Capture source. Make sure all monitors are detected (if not, double-check your display settings in Windows).
- Arrange your scenes: You can even set up different scenes if you want, but for capturing everything, just add multiple sources.
- Start recording: Click the Start Recording button — voilà, it records everything on all monitors.
Expect a raw video file after you stop recording, which you can trim or edit later. On some setups, the first try might lag or not capture everything right away… weird, but after a reboot or some tweaks, it usually stabilizes.
Method 2: Using Camtasia or Snagit (Paid, easier UI)
If you’re not into configuring a bunch of settings or want something a bit more plug-and-play, Camtasia or Snagit can do this too. Why it helps: These tools come with a more polished interface, drag-and-drop recording, and better support for multi-screen capturing right out of the box. When to use: If you need quick results with less fiddling, and don’t mind paying.
- Download and install: Pick your software from their official sites, go through the usual setup.
- Choose your recording area: In the capture settings, select Region or switch to Full Screen on multiple displays.
- Configure audio and layout: Most will let you add microphone or system audio, which is useful for tutorials.
- Hit record: Once everything’s set, start capturing. The interface is more streamlined, so it’s less of a hassle.
This method might not be as granular as OBS but usually gets the job done for most users who want quick clips or tutorials. Expect a bit less control, but more stability.
Tips for Recording Multiple Screens on Windows 11
- Make sure all your displays are set to their native resolutions — recording at weird scaled resolutions can lead to pixelated footage.
- Test playback after recording a short clip to catch any lag or quality issues early.
- Hotkeys help a lot — set quick-start/stop keys in your recording software to stay focused on what’s happening on screen.
- If your system chugs during recording, lowering the resolution or closing background apps can actually make a huge difference.
- Keep your graphics drivers up-to-date. Outdated drivers can cause recording glitches, especially with multi-screen setups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record multiple screens with Windows’ built-in tools?
Nah, Windows doesn’t natively support multi-display recording. You’re stuck with third-party options unless you do some tricky virtual display stuff, which is way more hassle than it’s worth.
What’s a good beginner option?
Snagit is pretty straightforward for quick captures and basic editing. It’s a paid app, but if you just need simple multi-screen recording, it’s worth it.
Do I need a monster PC?
Not necessarily. But if your PC is on the lower end — especially with limited RAM or an older GPU — recording multiple screens can slow down or cause dropped frames. More RAM and a decent GPU help smooth things out.
Can I record audio, too?
Yup, most tools let you record system sounds and microphone input if needed. It’s handy if you’re doing tutorials or gaming videos.
How to get decent quality recordings?
Match your resolution and frame rate settings to your output preferences. Higher quality needs more storage and processing power, but it’s worth it if clarity matters. Experiment a bit to find the sweet spot for your setup.
Summary
- Pick software that supports multiple screens (OBS, Camtasia, Snagit).
- Install it — don’t skip the driver updates if needed.
- Configure each display as a separate source or scene.
- Test your setup before doing a long recording session.
- Record, then save and edit your footage.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Multi-screen capture isn’t perfect in Windows, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, it gets the job done. Fingers crossed this helps.