Screen recording is a useful tool to document something in Windows that you want to show to others, such as demonstrating a website button to a coworker or teaching a family member how to use their computer. However, for a long time, screen recording was a challenging task on Windows due to the lack of built-in tools.
Fortunately, Microsoft introduced a new screen recorder function to Windows 11’s Snipping Tool in 2023, which was previously limited to capturing screenshots. This addition improves the usefulness of the Snipping Tool, making it even more valuable for users.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a simple step-by-step guide on how to use the new Snipping Tool’s screen recorder function to record your Windows 11 screen. With this new feature, you can easily create and share screen recordings with others.
How to Screen Record in Windows 11
Note: This guide is only applicable on Windows 11 PCs.
1. Please Open the Snipping Tool.
To open Windows’ Snipping Tool, the quickest method is to press the Start button, which will open the Start menu, then type “Snipping Tool” and press Enter when it appears in the search results.
2. Change to Video Recording Mode.
Upon first opening Windows’ Snipping Tool, it will automatically capture screenshots rather than videos, which is ideal for capturing images of your desktop. However, to change the tool to video capture mode, all you have to do is click on the camera slider and move it from the photo camera to the video camera.
3. To Initiate a New Screen Recording, Select “+ New.”
Starting a new screen recording session is a straightforward process, as you simply need to click the “+ New” button.
4. Click and Drag to Select the Area to Be Recorded and Then Press “Start.”
After initiating a new screen recording session, your desktop will become dim, allowing you to select the portion of your screen you want to capture by clicking and dragging. It’s not necessary to perfect your selection on the first attempt, as you can adjust the recording area by dragging its edges later.
Once you’ve identified the region you want to record, press the Start button located at the top of the screen to commence recording. A countdown of 3…2…1… will appear on the screen, and the record button will turn red when the recording begins.
5. Once You Are Content With Your Recording, Click on the Stop Button.
To conclude the recording, click on the Stop button located at the top of the screen (in the same position as the Start button). Following this, the Windows 11 Snipping Tool will showcase your video with playback controls and a timeline at the bottom, allowing you to watch your recording.
By following these steps, you are now prepared to record any activity on your Windows 11 desktop.