Windows has two free screen recorders built in. Xbox Game Bar records one app and Snipping Tool records a selected area. OBS Studio and ShareX add scenes, GIF output and capture options at no cost. Choose a tool by what you record and what you plan to edit. Test a short clip before you record anything important.
You need to record a tutorial or a bug for a colleague. Search results push tools that stamp a logo on the video or stop after a few minutes unless you pay.
This guide starts with the recorders already on your PC. It then adds two free tools that give more control.
What is the Best Free Screen Recorder for Windows?
It depends on what you record. Windows already includes Xbox Game Bar and Snipping Tool. Start there before you install anything.
| Tool | Best For | Records | Shortcut |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Game Bar | Quick clips of one app | One app or game on Windows 10 and 11 | Windows+Alt+R |
| Snipping Tool | A selected area of the screen | A rectangular selection | Windows logo key + Shift + R |
| OBS Studio | Tutorials and live streams | Scenes built from window captures, webcams and more | Custom hotkeys |
| ShareX | Short clips and GIFs | Screen recordings including short GIFs | Custom hotkeys |
How do You Record Your Screen With Xbox Game Bar?
Microsoft describes Game Bar recording for apps and games on Windows 10 and 11. See Microsoft steps for Game Bar recording.
- Press Windows+I, search for Xbox Game Bar and switch on the Enable Xbox Game Bar toggle.
- Open the app you want to record.
- Press Windows+Alt+R to start recording and press it again to stop.
- Press Windows+Alt+M during recording to switch the microphone on or off.
For all computer sound, press Windows+G, open Settings, find Capturing and select All.
Clips save as MP4 files in Videos then Captures.
How do You Record a Selected Area With Snipping Tool?
Snipping Tool records a video clip of a rectangular selection of your screen. See Microsoft guide to Snipping Tool.
- Open Snipping Tool, select Record and then select New. You can also press Windows logo key + Shift + R.
- Select the screen area to record and select Start.
- Select Stop when you finish.
- Save the recording as it is or select Edit in Clipchamp to edit it.
When should You Use OBS Studio?
OBS Studio is free and open source software for video recording and live streaming. Versions exist for Windows 10 and 11, macOS and Linux, according to the OBS Project.
You build scenes from sources like window captures, images, text, browser windows, webcams and capture cards. OBS Studio also streams to Twitch, YouTube and other providers.
Expect a learning curve because you set up scenes and sources first. Short five second clips do not need that.
What is ShareX Good for?
ShareX is a free, open source screen capture tool for Windows. Its website states that it has no ads and needs no account.
ShareX records your screen including short GIFs. It also captures a full screen, a region, an active window or a scrolling page. Included are an image editor and an upload feature.
How do You Avoid Watermark and Time Limit Traps?
- Record a test clip. Save it and play it back before you rely on the tool.
- Check the export. Confirm that the saved file has no logo and the full length.
- Prefer built in tools first. Xbox Game Bar and Snipping Tool cost nothing and need no install.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Free Screen Recorder for Windows?
Start with the tools Windows already includes. Xbox Game Bar records one app and Snipping Tool records a selected area. OBS Studio suits tutorials and streaming. ShareX suits short clips and GIFs.
How do I Record My Screen on Windows Without Software?
Press Windows+Alt+R to record an open app with Game Bar. You can also open Snipping Tool, select Record and select New to record a rectangular area of your screen.
How do I Record Sound With Xbox Game Bar?
Press Windows+G, open Settings, find Capturing and select All to include all computer sound. Press Windows+Alt+M during recording to switch the microphone on or off.
Where does Xbox Game Bar Save Recordings?
Clips save as MP4 files in the Videos folder under Captures. File names include the app name and the date and time.
Is OBS Studio Free?
Yes. OBS Studio is free and open source software for video recording and live streaming. It needs some setup because you build scenes from sources.
Is ShareX Free?
Yes. ShareX is a free, open source capture tool for Windows. Its website states that it has no ads and needs no account.
Key Takeaways
- Windows includes Xbox Game Bar for apps and Snipping Tool for a selected area.
- Windows+Alt+R starts and stops an Xbox Game Bar recording.
- OBS Studio suits tutorials and streams and has a learning curve.
- ShareX suits short clips and GIFs on Windows.
- Record a short test clip before every important session.
Sources and References
This guide draws on Microsoft documentation. OBS Studio and ShareX details come from their official sites.
- Use a Screen Reader to Record Your Screen With Xbox Game Bar (Microsoft Support) support.microsoft.com
- Use Snipping Tool to Capture Screenshots (Microsoft Support) support.microsoft.com