For years, Windows users had to rely on complex third-party software or the resource-heavy Xbox Game Bar just to record a simple video of their screen. Microsoft has finally solved this problem by overhauling one of their oldest and most beloved utilities. Learning how to use the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 for screen recording is an essential skill that allows you to instantly capture bugs, record software tutorials, and share video clips without installing anything extra.
In this guide, we will walk you through the new video recording features of the Snipping Tool, including how to capture system audio and your microphone simultaneously.
How to Access the New Snipping Tool
While you can still find the Snipping Tool by searching for it in the Start Menu, the fastest way to access it is through the built-in keyboard shortcut.
- Press the Windows Key + Shift + S simultaneously.
- A small toolbar will drop down from the top centre of your screen, darkening your display.
How to Record Your Screen
By default, the Snipping Tool is set to capture static image screenshots. To switch it to video mode, follow these steps:
- Open the Snipping Tool using the shortcut or the Start Menu.
- On the main interface, click the video camera icon located next to the traditional camera icon.
- Click the New button (or press Ctrl + N). Your screen will dim.
- Click and drag your mouse to draw a rectangle over the specific area of the screen you want to record. If you want to record the entire screen, drag the box from the top-left corner all the way to the bottom-right.
Setting Up Audio Capture
Before you hit the record button, look at the toolbar that appears above your selected recording area. You will see two microphone icons:
- System Audio: The icon on the left controls the sound coming from your computer (like a YouTube video playing or an application notification).
- Microphone Audio: The icon on the right controls your external microphone, allowing you to narrate your actions as you record.
Click these icons to toggle them on or off depending on your needs.
Starting and Saving Your Recording
- Once your audio settings are configured, click the Start button on the toolbar. A three-second countdown will begin.
- Perform the actions you wish to record within the highlighted area.
- When you are finished, click the red Stop button on the toolbar.
- A preview window will appear where you can watch your video. If you are happy with it, click the Save button (the floppy disk icon) in the top-right corner to save the video as an MP4 file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don’t I see the video icon in my Snipping Tool?
Screen recording was added in a later update to Windows 11. If you only see the image capture options, open the Microsoft Store app, go to your Library, and click Get updates to ensure you are running the latest version of the Snipping Tool.
Does the Snipping Tool work on Windows 10?
While Windows 10 has a Snipping Tool, the video recording functionality is exclusive to the Windows 11 version of the app. Windows 10 users will still need to use the Xbox Game Bar (Windows Key + G) for screen recording.
By leveraging this lightweight, native application, you can significantly streamline your workflow when creating digital tutorials or reporting software issues.
