Windows 11 includes built-in tools for recording video, but the right one depends on what you want to capture. Snipping Tool can record a selected area of the screen, while other Windows gaming features can capture supported applications.
Record part of the screen with Snipping Tool
- Open Snipping Tool from Start.
- Choose the screen-recording mode.
- Select New.
- Drag to select the area you want to record.
- Start recording and perform the actions you want to capture.
- Stop the recording, preview it, and save the video.
The controls available in Snipping Tool can change as Windows receives updates, including options related to audio capture.
Plan for audio and privacy
Before recording a tutorial or meeting, verify whether microphone or system audio is being captured. Close private notifications, email, password managers, and unrelated windows that could appear in the recording.
For longer productions that need webcam layouts, multiple audio tracks, annotations, or detailed editing, dedicated recording software may be more appropriate than Windows’ basic capture tools.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.