How to Screen Record in Windows 10 or 11 [2024 Guide]
If you need to record your screen on Windows for a tutorial, presentation, or even just for fun, you’re in luck! Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 come with built-in tools that make screen recording a breeze. Whether you’re capturing gameplay, making a tutorial, or saving an important video call, these native solutions are easy to use and save you the hassle of downloading third-party software.
However, before diving into how to screen record on Windows, it’s important to stay mindful of privacy, especially if you plan to capture sensitive or personal information. Using a VPN like IVACY VPN can keep your online activities secure and private, ensuring that your screen recordings and data are protected from prying eyes.
Let’s dive into how to use the tools in Windows 10 and 11 for screen recording, and how to make sure you’re doing it safely.
How to Screen Record on Windows with the Xbox Game Bar (Windows 10 & 11)
The Xbox Game Bar is a powerful, built-in screen video recorder on Windows 10 and 11 that’s primarily designed for gamers but is perfect for anyone needing to capture their screen. Here’s how to use it:
Open Settings for Gaming (Windows 10 & 11)
- Go to Settings > Gaming > Captures.
- This is where you can adjust settings for screen recording, such as where your videos are saved and how long the background recording lasts.
- By default, your recordings are saved under Videos\Captures, but you can change this location if needed.
Enable Background Recording
- In Windows 10, turn on “Record in the background while I’m playing a game”.
- In Windows 11, enable “Record what happened” to capture up to 10 minutes of past activity.
- You can adjust the background recording duration by selecting “Record the last” and choosing between 15 seconds to 10 minutes.
Enable Audio Capture
- Check the box to Record audio when I record a game if you want to capture your microphone or system audio. You can also adjust the audio quality and set the microphone’s recording volume.
Start Recording
- Press Windows + G to open the Game Bar interface.
- In the Capture section, click the Record button to start capturing your screen activity.
- Once finished, click the Stop button, and your video will automatically be saved to the Videos\Captures folder as an MP4 file.
Keyboard Shortcuts
- You can also use Windows + Alt + R to start or stop a recording without opening the full Game Bar interface.
- Use Windows + Alt + G to record the last 30 seconds of screen activity, which is handy for unexpected moments.
Playback and Edit
- To review your recording, go to c:\users[username]\Videos\Captures where your videos are saved. You can open the files in any video editor to tweak them if necessary.
How to Screen Record on Windows 11 with Snipping Tool
In addition to the Xbox Game Bar, Windows 11 also offers a revamped Snipping Tool that includes screen recording functionality, making it easier to capture anything on your screen.
Check Your Version
- To use this feature, make sure your Windows 11 version is 22621.1344 or higher. You can check this by going to Settings > System > About.
Start Recording
- Open the Snipping Tool from the Start menu and click the Camera icon to activate the toolbar.
- Select the New button, then click Start to begin recording your screen.
- Perform the actions you want to capture. You can pause and resume as needed.
Edit, Save, and Share
- Once you’re done recording, the video will automatically play in the Snipping Tool preview window. From here, you can choose to Edit the video in Clipchamp (Windows’ built-in video editor), or simply Save the recording as an MP4 file.
Audio Recording Settings
- In Snipping Tool’s settings, you can enable microphone and system audio recording by default, or adjust these settings during the recording session.
By using the Snipping Tool, you can easily capture screen activity, make quick edits, and share your recordings with others.
How to Screen Record on Mac vs. Windows: A Quick Comparison
If you’re someone who works across both Windows and Mac, you might be wondering how to screen record on Mac compared to Windows. While both operating systems offer built-in tools for screen capture, the experience is slightly different.
On Mac, the Screenshot Toolbar (accessed by pressing Command + Shift + 5) allows you to record your entire screen or a selected portion, and you can also record audio. The Mac version is simple and intuitive, but lacks the more granular control offered by Windows’ Xbox Game Bar.
Windows, on the other hand, provides robust options like background recording with the Xbox Game Bar or a simple screen capture with the Snipping Tool. These tools give you more flexibility, especially if you want to record longer sessions or need additional features like game-specific capture settings.
Why You Should Use a VPN for Screen Recording
When you’re screen recording on Windows, especially for professional or personal projects that involve sensitive data, it’s always a good idea to safeguard your online activities. Whether you’re recording gameplay, tutorials, or private conversations, using a VPN like IVACY VPN ensures that your data remains private and secure. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, helping to protect your personal information and prevent hackers or third parties from accessing your online activities.
Stay Safe While Recording Your Screen
For example, if you’re sharing or streaming your screen through any online platform, a VPN can add an extra layer of security to your connection, masking your IP address and protecting you from cyber threats.
By using a VPN like IVACY VPN, you can ensure that your online presence remains private, whether you’re recording screen activity or browsing the web.
FAQs
How do I screen record on Windows 10 or 11 without third-party software?
You can use the built-in Xbox Game Bar or Snipping Tool to record your screen on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. Simply press Windows + G to open the Game Bar, or use the Snipping Tool (Windows 11 only) to start recording your screen. These tools are free, easy to use, and don’t require any third-party apps.
Can I screen record on a PC with audio?
Yes! Both the Xbox Game Bar and the Snipping Tool allow you to capture audio while screen recording. In the Xbox Game Bar, you can enable microphone audio or system audio before starting your recording. Similarly, the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 allows you to record both microphone and system audio, and you can configure this in its settings.
What’s the difference between the Xbox Game Bar and Snipping Tool for screen recording?
The Xbox Game Bar is great for recording gameplay and other activities on Windows 10 and 11, offering features like background recording and audio capture. It’s particularly useful for longer recordings or capturing unexpected moments.
On the other hand, the Snipping Tool (available in Windows 11) is a simple tool for quick, focused screen captures and recordings. It’s more lightweight and allows for fast, easy recording but lacks some of the customization options available in the Xbox Game Bar.
Can I use a VPN while screen recording to protect my privacy?
Yes, using a VPN like IVACY VPN while screen recording can help protect your privacy and ensure your internet connection is secure. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, preventing third parties from tracking your online activities and protecting any sensitive information you might capture or share during your screen recordings.
Can I record my screen without opening the Xbox Game Bar interface?
Yes! You can use the keyboard shortcut Windows + Alt + R to start and stop screen recording without opening the full Game Bar interface. This makes it easy to record activities on your screen without interrupting your workflow.
Conclusion
Windows 10 and 11 both offer excellent built-in tools for screen recording on PC, whether you’re using the Xbox Game Bar for gameplay or the Snipping Tool for screen captures. These tools make it easy to record your screen and create high-quality videos without needing third-party software.
Don’t forget to prioritize your privacy and security when screen recording, especially if you’re working with sensitive material. Using a reliable VPN like IVACY VPN can keep your data safe and your online activities anonymous.
So, whether you’re capturing a tutorial, making a demo video, or just saving a piece of content for later, these Windows tools can help you get the job done quickly and effectively. And remember, when in doubt, always secure your connection with a VPN.
