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How to Screen Record on Windows (Built-In Tools)

Applies toWindows 11Windows 10
4 min fix Updated 20 Jul 2026

By , 10+ years in IT support and helpdesk How these guides are checked

Quick Answer

Press Windows Key + Shift + S, click the Video Camera icon at the top of the screen, drag a box over what you want to record, and click Start.

Checked against Microsoft Learn - Windows release health and Microsoft Learn - end of support and retirement between 5 Aug 2026 and 12 Sep 2026. Nothing published in that period has been linked to this guide.

Estimated Time to Fix: 4 minutes

Summary ​

This article guides you through recording your screen on a Windows computer using the built-in Snipping Tool.

Before You Start ​

  • None required.

Instructions ​

1. Record Using the Snipping Tool ​

  1. Press Windows Key + Shift + S to open the Snipping Tool menu.
  2. Click the Video Camera icon at the top of the screen to switch to recording mode.
  3. Click and drag to select the area of your screen you want to record.
  4. Click Start to begin recording.
  5. Click the Stop button (red square) when you are finished.
  6. Click the Save button in the top right corner to save your video file.

2. Verify Success ​

  1. Open the folder where you saved the file and double-click the video to confirm it plays correctly.

Troubleshooting ​

WARNING

If your computer doesn't have the video option in the Snipping Tool, you might be on an older version of Windows. In that case, try using the Xbox Game Bar by pressing Windows Key + G and clicking the Record button.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
No Video Camera IconSnipping Tool is outdatedUse the Xbox Game Bar instead by pressing Windows Key + G.
Video Has No SoundMicrophone not enabledClick the Microphone icon to unmute before clicking Start.

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Frequently asked questions

Does the Snipping Tool record audio as well?
Yes. Before clicking Start, check the microphone icon on the toolbar to ensure your mic is unmuted if you want to record a voiceover.
Where does the Snipping Tool save the video file?
When you stop recording, a preview window opens. You must click the 'Save' icon in the top right corner to save the MP4 file to your Videos folder or Desktop.