How to enable screen recording in Windows 11

Screen recording in Windows 11 is a useful feature for many tasks: from creating tutorials and demonstrating how apps work to recording gameplay or preparing presentations. Built-in system tools allow you to do this without installing extra software, which is convenient and saves time.
Here’s how to easily start recording your screen and what alternatives exist for more advanced tasks.

Built-in tool: Xbox Game Bar
Windows 11 has a pre-installed Xbox Game Bar app, originally designed for gamers but also suitable for other purposes. It lets you record your screen without additional programs. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Launch Xbox Game Bar: Press the Win + G keys. Widgets of the app will appear over open windows.
2. Start recording: Click the camera icon in the “Capture” widget. Or use the shortcut Win + Alt + R for instant start.
3. Stop recording: Press the “Stop” button on the floating panel or use Win + Alt + R again. The control panel will not appear in the recording.
4. Find the file: All screencasts are saved in the Videos → Captures folder in .mp4 format. Screenshots made through Xbox Game Bar are also stored there.

Additional features of Xbox Game Bar
• Microphone: Turn voice recording on or off.
• Sound: Option to record only game or app audio while ignoring system notifications.
• Monitoring: Displays CPU and GPU load, useful for gamers.

Limitation: Xbox Game Bar records only one window or game, not the entire screen. For most users, this is sufficient, but for full screencasts third-party programs are required.

Alternatives: third-party screen recording software
If you need extended options, such as recording the entire desktop, multiple windows, or detailed settings, consider third-party software:
• OBS Studio: Free program with powerful settings for recording and streaming. Suitable for professionals, but complex for beginners.
• ShareX: Simple and free utility for screen recording and screenshots. Ideal for basic tasks.
• VLC Media Player: In addition to playback, it supports screen recording. Configurable via the “Media → Open Capture Device” menu.
• PowerPoint: Built-in screen recording feature convenient for presentations. Find it under “Insert → Screen Recording.”
• Zoom and other video conferencing programs: Support screen recording, useful for live demonstrations.

These programs offer more flexibility: from choosing the recording area to editing videos. For example, ShareX and OBS Studio allow recording the entire screen or part of it, adding annotations, and exporting to different formats.

Useful tips
• Check disk space: Videos take up a lot of space, especially in high resolution.
• Test the microphone: Make sure the audio records correctly if you need it.
• Update Windows: Sometimes Xbox Game Bar bugs are fixed in new OS versions.
• System reset: If Windows 11 glitches, learn how to reset it to factory settings — this may fix recording issues.

In short...
Recording your screen in Windows 11 is easy with Xbox Game Bar (Win + G or Win + Alt + R). Videos are saved in the “Videos → Captures” folder, but only one window can be recorded. For advanced tasks, use OBS Studio, ShareX, VLC, or PowerPoint. Check your microphone settings and disk space — and create screencasts without problems!