How to screen record on Windows?
Press Windows + G to open Xbox Game Bar, then click the Record button (or press Windows + Alt + R) to start recording your screen — no extra software needed.
Full answer ¶
Xbox Game Bar is the fastest built-in option. Press Windows + G to open the overlay, click the capture widget, and hit the round record button. Press Windows + Alt + R to start and stop recording without opening the overlay. Clips save to your Videos/Captures folder by default.
Xbox Game Bar only records one app window at a time (not the entire desktop). For full-desktop recording or longer sessions, use the Snipping Tool on Windows 11 — open it, click the video camera icon, and drag to select the area you want to record.
For power users or content creators, OBS Studio is free, open-source, and records unlimited length at any quality. It has a steeper learning curve but supports multiple audio sources, scenes, and direct streaming to YouTube or Twitch.
All three options record system audio and microphone separately (or mixed). To record only your microphone, mute the desktop audio track in the recording software's settings before starting. Videos export as MP4 by default on all platforms.
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Key facts ¶
| Built-in shortcut | Windows + Alt + R |
| Game Bar limitation | One app window (not full desktop) |
| Full-desktop tool (Win 11) | Snipping Tool (video mode) |
| Best free third-party | OBS Studio |
| Default save location | Videos > Captures folder |
Common mistake ¶
Most people assume you need to download software — Windows 10 and 11 both ship with Xbox Game Bar built in, covering most basic recording needs with a single keyboard shortcut.
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