Best Free Windows 11 Screen Recorders
Knowing how to record your screen on Windows 11 opens up a world of possibilities, whether it's for tutorials, presentations, or simply preserving memorable moments.
In this guide, we'll explore 2 distinct ways to capture screen on your Windows PC: using a versatile third-party screen recorder and harnessing the simple built-in tool native to the ecosystem. Let's get started!
Flexible screen recorder for Windows 11
Icecream Screen Recorder is a universal screen recording software available for Windows 11, 10, and earlier versions. It enables users to capture any area of their desktop as a screenshot or as a video file.
Step-by-step guide on how to screen record on Windows 11:
- Download and install the Windows 11 screen recorder.
- Before starting, you can adjust various video recording settings such as audio sources, hotkeys, and output format preferences. Click on the settings icon (gear symbol) in the bottom left corner to access these options.
- Click the "Capture video" button and decide whether you want to record the full screen, a custom region, etc.
- Adjust the recording area by dragging the frame or manually entering the dimensions. Press "Rec" to begin capturing your screen.
- Once you're done, hit the "Stop" button or use the designated shortcut key (F6) to end the session.
- The recorded video will be available for editing and saving.
Pros:
- Ease of use. This screen recorder for Windows 11 features a user-friendly interface that makes video editing accessible to users of all skill levels.
- Versatility. Multiple video recording modes (screen, game, webcam) provide flexibility for various needs.
- Settings. Customizable recording settings allow for high-quality videos tailored to your preferences.
- Customization. Ability to add annotations, text, and shapes during recording for a more interactive experience.
- Editing. Advanced video editing features including trimming, changing playback speed, and others give you full control over your recorded video.
- Export options. Direct export to popular formats such as MP4, AVI, MOV, WebM, and GIF makes it easy to share your clips on different platforms.
Ultimately, the most optimal method for screen recording on Windows 11 is through this program, thanks to its user-friendly design, adjustability, and advanced editing tools. So why wait? Download Icecream Video Editor now and unleash your creativity!
Pre-installed screen recorder for Windows 11 and 10
Game Bar is a built-in feature that allows you to record your screen on Windows 11 and 10. It's essentially a customizable overlay that provides tools for capturing screenshots and recordings.
The video recording program provides a variety of features for gamers. It allows users to capture screenshots and record gameplay, monitor system performance metrics such as CPU and GPU usage, chat with friends, access Spotify music controls, and more.
Here's how you can use it:
- Open the application or window that you want to record.
- Press the Windows key + G on your keyboard to open the Game Bar.
- Find the "Capture" widget, which looks like a camera icon. From there, click "Start Recording" or hit Windows + Alt + R on your keyboard.
- To stop the process, press "Stop" on the floating toolbar or tap Windows + Alt + R again.
- Your footage will be stored in the "Captures" folder in your "Videos" library.
Pros:
- Easy to access. The screen recorder for Windows 11 can be launched by pressing the simple shortcut on your keyboard, making it accessible at any time.
- User-friendly interface. The interface is intuitive and straightforward, making it easy for anyone to use, even if you're not tech-savvy.
- Customizable settings. You can customize various recording settings such as audio, video quality, and hotkeys according to your preference.
- No software installation. Given that the screen recorder comes pre-installed with Windows 11 and 10 OS, you can avoid installing any external software for screen recording purposes.
- Resource efficiency. Since it's built into the OS, using this tool consumes fewer system resources compared to running separate third-party applications for similar functions.
Cons:
- Compatibility issues. Certain games and applications may not work well with the Game Bar, leading to compatibility issues, crashes, or glitches.
With its user-friendly interface and customizable settings, the screen recording software is suitable for both beginners and experienced users. However, it may have some compatibility issues with certain applications.
FAQ on how to record screen on Windows 11
- Can I record my entire screen with Game Bar?
- No, it records only individual apps or game windows. That is why you can't capture your desktop, File Explorer, and some other apps.
- Can I capture audio while screen recording?
- Yes, both options from this article can record system audio and microphone input.
- How do I change the save location for my clips?
- For Game Bar, go to Windows settings and click "System" > "Storage". Then, scroll down to "Change where new content is saved". For Icecream Screen Recorder, go to the app's settings, open the "Save to" tab and change the output folders for videos, screenshots, and audio.
Conclusion
To summarize, screen recording on Windows 11 is easily attainable using both straightforward techniques. Whether you prefer using the built-in Game Bar or the versatile tools of Icecream Screen Recorder, capturing your desktop has never been easier.
You can easily create tutorials, demos, or even record your gaming sessions without any hassle. Just choose the method that works best for you and follow the steps carefully.
Don't forget to also consider your system specifications and storage capacity before starting to record.
Expert Tech Writer
