How to Screen Record on Windows 11 and 10: 3 Easy Built-in and Free Methods

Screen recording on Windows 11 or 10 is essential for tutorials, gameplay captures, or troubleshooting. Windows offers built-in tools plus reliable free options. As tech experts with years of experience guiding users, we'll walk you through three proven methods: Xbox Game Bar, PowerPoint, and ShareX.

How to Record Your Screen on Windows 11/10

1. Record screen using Xbox Game Bar
2. Record screen using PowerPoint
3. Record screen using ShareX

1. Record Screen Using Xbox Game Bar

Xbox Game Bar comes pre-installed on Windows 10 and 11. Designed for gamers, it's perfect for anyone needing quick screen captures of a single app window. Note: It records one app at a time, not multiple windows or the full desktop.

• Open the app you want to record.
• Press Win + G to launch Xbox Game Bar (or search for it in the taskbar).
• Click the record button (circle icon) in the top-left Capture widget.
• A timer appears in the top-right corner to track duration.
• Click the stop button (square icon) when finished.

To access recordings, reopen Xbox Game Bar and select "See all captures." Manage videos, delete, or open the saved folder (typically Videos > Captures).

2. Record Screen Using PowerPoint

PowerPoint's lesser-known feature embeds screen recordings directly into slides, ideal for presentations.

• Open PowerPoint and start a blank presentation.
• Go to Insert tab > Screen Recording in the Media group.
• Your screen dims; select the area to record with the crosshair.
• Click the red Record button.
• Press the blue square to stop.

The clip appears on a slide. Right-click it and choose Save Media As to export as MP4.

3. Record Screen Using ShareX

ShareX is a powerful, free open-source tool for screenshots and recordings in MP4 or GIF.

• Download and install ShareX from getsharex.com.
• Launch it and click Capture > Screen recording to MP4 (or GIF).
• Drag to select an area, window, or full screen.
• Record, then click Stop. Save or edit the file.

Approve any security prompts—it's safe and trusted by millions.

Explore more free tools like OBS Studio for advanced needs.

How to Take a Screenshot on a PC?

Press PrtSc to copy the screen to clipboard, then paste into Paint or another editor. Use Snipping Tool (Win + Shift + S) for selections, or ShareX for extras.

How Do I Save a Print Screen as a PDF?

Paste into Paint, save as image, then insert into Word or Photos app and export as PDF. Tools like FastStone Capture or browser extensions (e.g., Webpage Screenshot) offer one-click PDF saves.

These methods have helped countless users streamline workflows. Questions? Drop a comment!