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To record part of your screen in Windows 11, press Windows + Shift + R, select the area, choose Start, then choose Stop. To record a game or app, press Windows + Alt + R to start and press it again to stop. Snipping Tool recordings and Game Bar recordings have different default save locations.
Method 1: Record part of your screen with Snipping Tool
- Press Windows + Shift + R, or open Snipping Tool from Start and select Record, then New.
- Drag to select the area you want to record.
- Select Start, then perform the actions you want to capture.
- Select Stop when you are finished.
- Save the video, or select Edit in Clipchamp if you want to edit it or add captions or audio.
Windows’ keyboard-shortcut guidance says Snipping Tool recordings are saved by default as MP4 files in the Videos/Screen Recordings folder.
Method 2: Record a game or app with Xbox Game Bar
- Open the game or app you want to capture. If Game Bar is not enabled, enable it in Windows Settings.
- Press Windows + Alt + R to start recording.
- To toggle the microphone during capture, press Windows + Alt + M. Press Windows + G to show Game Bar controls and settings.
- Press Windows + Alt + R again to stop recording.
Game Bar saves MP4 recordings under Videos/Captures. To choose which audio sources to capture, check Game Bar’s Capturing settings; Microsoft documents an option to include all computer sounds.
Which Windows 11 recorder should you use?
| Need | Suggested method | Where the recording goes |
|---|---|---|
| Record a selected portion of the display | Snipping Tool | Videos/Screen Recordings by default |
| Record a game or app and use Game Bar controls | Xbox Game Bar | Videos/Captures |
| Edit a Snipping Tool recording or add captions or audio | Open the recording in Clipchamp | Save or export from Clipchamp |
What happened to Steps Recorder?
Steps Recorder, also known as Problem Steps Recorder, is deprecated. Microsoft lists Snipping Tool, Xbox Game Bar, and Clipchamp among the alternatives. Steps Recorder documented actions for troubleshooting; use Snipping Tool or Game Bar when you need a screen video.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Crystal Clear Audio Quality】Our Omnidirectional pattern condenser microphone accurately captures your voice, making it perfect for dictation, online classrooms, and more.
- 【Active Noise-Cancelling】Come in CMTECK CCS2.0 SMART CHIP with Omnidirectional Polar Pattern, which can effectively block the background noise. The pop filter prevents plosives from overloading the microphone, ensuring only your voice is heard.7
- 【Convenient Mute Button with LED Indicator】You can quickly mute/un-mute the microphone with the Mute Button and the built-in LED light lets you know the working status(Greenlight: Connected; Red light: Mute mode).
- 【Easy to use】 No drivers needed, just plug and record without external power supply, directly connect the microphone to a USB compatible device, well compatible with Windows(7, 8 and 10), Mac OS and PS4 (NOT compatible with Raspberry Pi/Linux/Android）
- 【Mini size with Adjustable Gooseneck】Adopted flexible and adjustable gooseneck metal pipe, easily adjust position 360 degrees to suit user comfort. The compact and stable base maximizes your desktop space.
Fix common Windows 11 screen-recording problems
The shortcut does not stop the recording
Check which recorder you started. Windows + Shift + R opens Snipping Tool’s recording workflow; select Stop on its toolbar. In Game Bar, Windows + Alt + M toggles the microphone, while Windows + Alt + R starts or stops recording.
The recording is missing
Check Videos/Screen Recordings for Snipping Tool recordings and Videos/Captures for Game Bar clips. Snipping Tool recordings are saved as MP4 files by default; Game Bar clips are also MP4 files.
Rank #2
- 360 Degree Position Adjustable Gooseneck Design --Plug and play USB microphone Pick up the sound from 360-degree with high sensitivity, in the best possible location for sound to your PC gaming, dragon voice dictation, and talk to Cortana
- Mute Button & LED Indicator --One-click to mute/unmute your microphone for pc, Build-in LED indicator tells you the working status at any time
- Intelligent Noise-Canceling Tech --Premium omnidirectional condenser microphone with noise-canceling technology can pick up your clear voice and reduce background noise and echo
- USB Plug&Play(1.8/6ft USB Cable) -- No driver required. Just need to plug & play for the microphone to start recording, well compatible with Windows(7, 8, 10 and 11) and macOS. (NOT compatible with Xbox/Raspberry Pi/Android)
- Solid Construction--Adopting premium metal pipe and heavy-duty ABS stand to make sure that you will be satisfied with our computer mic quality
The recording has no audio
For Game Bar, check the Capturing settings and select the audio sources you want, including computer sounds if appropriate. Use Windows + Alt + M to toggle microphone capture during recording. You can open a Snipping Tool video in Clipchamp to add audio afterward.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
How do I record my screen on Windows 11?
For a selected area, press Windows + Shift + R, select the region, choose Start, then choose Stop. For a game or app, press Windows + Alt + R to start and again to stop.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #3
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- WHAT YOU GET - Packed in a metal carrying box, and comes with 12 months waranty. For any concern, you can send us messages and we will respond in 24 hours.
Where does Windows 11 save Snipping Tool recordings?
They are saved by default as MP4 files in Videos/Screen Recordings.
Where does Windows 11 save Game Bar recordings?
Xbox Game Bar saves MP4 recordings under Videos/Captures.
Rank #4
- Crystal-Clear Sound: This computer microphone features exceptional 360-degree omni-directional audio pickup, capturing your voice with clarity and natural tone within the optimal 6-12 inch range. And with windproof fluffy caps, the microphone can reduce the breaking noise generated by the spray and wind. You can create professional, authentic recordings effortlessly – without requiring specialized software or sound cards.
- Plug-and-Play, Easy To Use: No drivers or software, simply plug this usb microphone into your PC to be game-ready in seconds for gaming, streaming, or chatting. microphone for computer desktop for video recording is for windows and mac compatible. ( not a speaker.)
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Does Windows + Alt + M stop Game Bar recording?
No. It toggles microphone capture. Press Windows + Alt + R to stop the recording.
Can I edit a Snipping Tool recording?
Yes. Open the recording in Clipchamp to edit it or add captions or audio.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- CONDENSER MICROPHONE: High sensitivity, low noise, and low distortion with a large 14mm diaphragm and clear sound pickup
- FOR STREAMING & MORE: 360° rotation adjustable stand mic is ideal to track your voice in real-time conference, online streaming, podcasting, music recording, solo vocals or instruments and more
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