Windows provides users the built-in tool, Xbox Game Bar, to capture screen activity natively without third-party screen recorders. We can find this free tool in Windows 10 and Windows 11. It was designed to record clips of video games, but can also be used for any type of video capture on Windows computer, (not all apps or windows can be recorded with this free recorder though). For example, you can use it to create a video demo or tutorial to share with your family or friends.
Here’s how to record your PC screen with this free recorder.
Record screen with XBox Game bar on Windows PC
Bring up the window or app you want to capture. Maximize the window or stretch it to the size you need. In general, you can drag the corners and/or borders of a window to resize it. This will be the width/height or resolution of the output video to be captured.
Make sure to turn off any audio or music you don’t want in the recording. The screen recorder only records one window at a time, but it will still record all of the audio playing across apps on your computer.
Press the windows + G keyboard shortcut to quickly open the game bar on your PC. You will see its main toolbar at the top, the Capture panel at the top left, and the Audio panel behind the Capture panel.
Click on the microphone button before an app to enable or display the recording from this selected app. Switch from Mix to the Voice tab so you can add commentary or do a voice-over.
When you’re ready, click on the Record button from the Capture panel to start recording and click on the same button to stop when want to finalize the recording.
Use recording shortcuts
Alternatively you can simply press Windows + Alt + R to start and then stop the recording without going into the Game Bar. A small pop-up bar appears at the top of your PC screen during the recording process. You will see a timer and two recording controls there.
Once you finished the recording, go to find it from Windows File Explorer, This PC >Videos> Captures. All screen recordings will be saved as MP4 files on your Windows PC.