How to Screen Record on Windows 11 with Audio Step-by-Step

Windows 11 provides two methods to record screens with audio: Xbox Game Bar or Snipping Tool. Both tools are great for making educational tutorials or recording gameplay.

Suppose you want to edit and enhance your recordings. In that case, the Microsoft Store offers many free and paid screen recording software including “Clipchamp”, “OBS Studio”, and “Snagit” for professional-looking editing videos.

This guide will show you how to record your screen with audio on Windows 11, using built-in options or third-party powerful software.

Get ready to record like a pro! Let’s go!

Recording your screen with Audio on Windows 11 (using Xbox Game Bar)

Here are the necessary steps on how to record your screen with sound using the Xbox Game Bar on Windows 11:

Related: How to Run Android Apps and Games on Your Windows PC with BlueStacks

Step 1: Turn on the Xbox Game Bar

• Press the Windows logo key + I together to open Settings.

• Search for “Xbox” and turn on the switch for “Xbox Game Bar“.

Step 2: Allow Recording Sound

• Open the Xbox Game Bar (press the Windows key + G).
• Click the “Settings” cog icon and go to “Capture”.
• Under “Record audio”, make sure “All” is selected.

Step 3: Start Recording

• Open the program you want to record.
• Press the Windows logo key + Alt + R to initiate recording.

• Press the same keys again to stop recording.

Step 4: Find Your Recording Location

Your recording will be saved as an MP4 file in the “Videos” folder under a subfolder named “Captures“. You can also follow the path: C:\Users\User_Name\Videos\Captures, where User_Name is your username for your Windows 11 or 10.

Limitations of Xbox Game Bar

Here are a few limitations to keep in mind:

1. Xbox Game Bar can’t record the Start menu, notification area, or File Explorer.
2. It can only record one program at a time, not your entire desktop.

How to Record Your Screen Using the Snipping Tool on Windows 11

In the previous version, the snipping tool was only able to take screenshots in Windows but with the improvement it can capture the screen of your PC.

Snipping Tool can’t record audio (yet!). This feature might be added in future updates. Also, you can’t use keyboard shortcuts to start or stop recording.

Here’s a step-by-step process on how to record your screen using the Snipping Tool on Windows 11:

Step 1: Open the Snipping Tool

• Go to the Start menu and search for “Snip & Sketch” or “Snipping Tool“.

Step 2: Start a New Recording

• Click the “Record” button (looks like a video camera) and then “New”.

• Drag your mouse to select the area you want to record.

Step 3: Record and Stop

• Click “Start” to begin recording.
• Click “Stop” when you’re done.

Once, you press the “Stop” button the recording will stop and you need to click on the “Save” button or “CTRL + S” to save the video. Doing this will prompt you for the location where you want to save the video. Set the video location and you are done. The recording will be saved as an MP4 video in the destination folder.

How to Screen Record on Windows 11 and 10 with Snagit

This step-by-step guide will help you effectively use Snagit for high-quality screen recordings on Windows 11 and 10.

1. Setting Up Your Recording

• Choose Recording Region: Decide whether to record the entire screen or just a specific part of it through the drop-down menu “Region”

• Select Audio Sources: Choose which audio input to include in your recording, such as system audio, microphone, or both.

• Select Record Webcam: Snagit “Record Webcam” option also lets you add yourself to your screen recordings! This way, people can see you along with what’s happening on your computer screen. It’s a fun way to make your videos more engaging!

• Choose the Recording Area: Once you’re ready to record, click the big red button (it’s usually labeled “Capture”). This will make a target appear on your screen. The target will try to fit itself around any open windows you have. But if you want to record just a specific part of your screen, you can click and drag the target to make it the size and position you want.

2. Starting the Recording

• Navigate to the ‘Video’ tab in Snagit and click on ‘Capture’ to start recording. Ensure your audio options are correctly adjusted to capture sound.

3. During the Recording

• You can pause the recording at any time if needed, and then click ‘Record’ to continue.
• To finish your recording session, click ‘Stop’.

4. Editing and Saving Your Recording

• Once the recording is complete, the video will open in Snagit Editor. Here, you can preview your video and make basic edits like trimming unwanted sections.
• Save your final video or use the share menu to distribute your recording.

5. Utilizing Advanced Features

• Snagit also allows for the creation of GIFs from your recordings, adding a versatile element to how you share and present content.
• For more detailed editing needs, such as adding annotations or effects, further explore Snagit’s editing capabilities.

6. Trial and Pricing

• If you’re new to Snagit, you can start with a free trial to test its functionality before purchasing.

Best Screen Recording Software for Windows 11 (Free & Paid)

If you need to enhance your screen recording on Windows 11 with audio to an advanced level then here are some best alternatives to consider:

1. OBS Studio (Free, Open-Source)

Free and powerful, OBS Studio is a favorite for gamers and streamers thanks to its high-quality recording and editing features. It can handle even the most demanding tasks.

2. Camtasia (Paid)

Create professional-looking videos with Camtasia’s editing tools, effects, and animations. While it has a learning curve, it’s still beginner-friendly for those who want polished results.

3. Snagit (Paid)

If you need both screenshots and screen recordings, Snagit is a versatile option. It offers easy capture for full-screen, scrolling windows, and videos, with great editing tools and sharing options.

4. Screencast-O-Matic (Free & Paid)

A simple interface, basic editing, and multiple export formats make Screencast -O-Matic a good choice for adding webcam footage, captions, and subtitles to your recordings.

5. ScreenPal (Paid)

Budget-friendly and easy to use, ScreenPal offers a good range of features for most screen recording needs without breaking the bank.

6. iSpring Suite (Paid)

Educators and instructional designers can benefit from iSpring Suite’s screen recorder, perfect for creating high-quality eLearning content with annotations.

7. Loom (Free & Paid)

Need to quickly capture and share a screen recording? Loom’s free version is a good option for basic needs, although there are limitations on video length and number.

8. Apowersoft (Free, Web-Based)

Apowersoft is a free, web-based screen recorder. it is a convenient option for quick recordings without needing to download anything. While it lacks advanced features, it’s easy to use.

Find the Perfect Fit

Each software offers unique advantages depending on your needs. Whether you’re creating detailed tutorials, professional presentations, or quick screen shares, there’s a third-party option to take your Windows 11 screen recordings to the next level.

Conclusion

This article showed different ways to Screen Record on Windows 11 with Audio. There are free options like the Game Bar and Snipping Tool, or you can try programs like OBS Studio, Snagit, or Camtasia.  No matter if you’re a pro or just starting, these tools can help you make high-quality screen recordings.