For years, Windows users had to download third-party software to record their screens. With Windows 11, Microsoft updated the built-in Snipping Tool to include native, high-quality video screen recording. Here is how to use it.
How to Record Your Screen
- Open the App: Open the Start menu, type Snipping Tool, and press Enter. (Alternatively, press Windows Key + Shift + R to jump straight into recording mode).
- Select Video Mode: In the toolbar at the top of the Snipping Tool window, click the Video Camera icon (the Record button).
- Start a New Recording: Click the blue + New button. Your screen will dim, indicating it is ready to record.
- Select Your Recording Area: Click and drag your mouse to draw a rectangle over the exact portion of the screen you want to record. If you want to record the whole screen, drag from the top-left corner all the way to the bottom-right.
- Adjust Audio Settings: A floating toolbar will appear at the top of your screen. Before you start, check the microphone icon and system audio icon to ensure they are unmuted if you want to narrate or capture system sounds.
- Start Recording: Click the Start button on the floating toolbar. A 3-second countdown will begin before recording starts.
- Stop and Save: When you are finished, click the red square Stop button.
Once you hit stop, the recording will open in a Snipping Tool preview window. You can play it back to ensure it looks correct. Finally, click the Save icon (the floppy disk) in the top right corner to save your new video as an MP4 file on your computer.