How to Record a Screen in Windows 10 and Windows 11 with Audio!

Recording your screen with audio on Windows 10 and Windows 11 has become an essential skill in today’s digital age. Whether you’re creating tutorials, gaming content, presentations, or troubleshooting a problem, having a high-quality screen recording can make communication clearer and more engaging.

This blog provides a detailed guide on how to record your screen in Windows 10 and Windows 11, complete with audio, using built-in tools, free third-party software, and paid applications.

1. Why Record Your Screen?

Screen recording has various applications for personal, professional, and educational purposes. Some common scenarios include:

• Creating Tutorials and How-to Videos: For educators or technical support, screen recordings can simplify complex instructions.
• Gaming: Gamers often record gameplay to share on platforms like YouTube or Twitch.
• Business Presentations: You can pre-record presentations with voiceovers for webinars or meetings.
• Troubleshooting and Support: Record your actions to demonstrate a problem or solution.

2. Built-in Tools for Screen Recording on Windows

Xbox Game Bar (Windows 10 & 11)

The Xbox Game Bar is a built-in tool primarily designed for gamers but can be used for other screen recording purposes. It supports recording video with audio and is easy to access.

Features:

• Records apps and games (not the entire desktop or File Explorer).
• Captures microphone and system audio.
• No need for third-party installations.

Snipping Tool with Recording Feature (Windows 11)

Windows 11 introduces an updated Snipping Tool that allows screen recording. While still in its development phase for broader applications, it simplifies recording for everyday tasks.

Features:

• Records specific screen areas.
• Suitable for quick, basic tasks.
• Integrated with Windows, no additional software needed.

3. Free Third-Party Screen Recorders

Free third-party screen recording tools are excellent alternatives to built-in features like the Xbox Game Bar. These tools provide greater flexibility, advanced features, and customization options, catering to both casual users and professionals. Below, we explain two of the best free screen recorders: OBS Studio and ShareX.

OBS Studio

OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is a widely popular free, open-source tool for screen recording and live streaming. It’s favored by gamers, educators, and content creators for its extensive customization options and powerful features.

Key Features:

1. Customizable Recording Options:
   • Record your entire screen, specific windows, or custom-selected areas.
   • Supports multi-screen setups for professionals using multiple monitors.
2. Audio Control:
   • Records both system audio and microphone input.
   • Offers advanced audio-mixing features, allowing you to adjust volume levels, add filters, and suppress background noise.
3. Live Streaming:
   • Integrated live-streaming support for platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook Live.
   • Stream your screen content directly while recording.
4. Video Quality:
   • Supports high-quality recording up to 4K resolution.
   • Users can adjust bitrate, frame rate, and encoding settings for optimized performance.
5. Plugins and Community Support:
   • Extensible through plugins for added functionality.
   • A large online community provides tutorials, troubleshooting advice, and custom configurations.

How to Use OBS Studio for Screen Recording:

1. Download and install OBS Studio from obsproject.com.
2. Open the software and complete the initial auto-configuration for recording or streaming.
3. Add sources in the Sources panel:
   • Use Display Capture to record your screen.
   • Add Audio Input Capture for your microphone and Audio Output Capture for system audio.
4. Click Start Recording to begin. Save the file after stopping the recording.

Pros:

• Completely free with no watermarks.
• Suitable for advanced users with professional needs.
• Supports multi-platform use (Windows, macOS, Linux).

Cons:

• Steep learning curve for beginners.
• Resource-intensive, requiring a powerful PC for optimal performance.

ShareX

ShareX is another free, open-source screen recording tool tailored for quick and straightforward use. It’s perfect for users who want a lightweight application with both screen capture and recording capabilities.

Key Features:

1. Versatile Recording Modes:
   • Capture the entire screen, specific windows, or a user-defined area.
   • Includes a GIF recording mode for creating lightweight animated clips.
2. Annotation and Editing:
   • Built-in annotation tools allow you to add text, shapes, and highlights directly on your recordings or screenshots.
   • Basic video editing options to trim clips and add effects.
3. Cloud Integration:
   • Directly upload recordings or screenshots to cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive.
   • Share files easily via URL links generated upon upload.
4. Hotkey Support:
   • Set up custom hotkeys for starting, pausing, and stopping recordings.
   • Streamlines workflow for users who frequently record content.
5. Lightweight and Efficient:
   • Minimal system resource usage ensures smooth performance on lower-end computers.
   • Fast encoding speeds for quick processing and saving.

How to Use ShareX for Screen Recording:

1. Download ShareX from getsharex.com.
2. Launch the software and select Screen Recording from the main menu.
3. Define the capture area and choose your audio input.
4. Press the recording hotkey or start button to begin recording. Save the video after stopping.

Pros:

• Easy to use with a simple interface.
• Lightweight and doesn’t slow down your computer.
• Supports multiple formats, including MP4, WebM, and GIF.

Cons:

• Limited editing tools compared to advanced software like OBS Studio or Camtasia.
• Not ideal for high-quality, professional-grade recordings.

Comparison Between OBS Studio and ShareX:

Feature	OBS Studio	ShareX
Ease of Use	Steep learning curve	Beginner-friendly
Recording Quality	High-quality (up to 4K resolution)	Moderate-quality (up to 1080p)
Audio Control	Advanced mixing features	Basic audio input support
Editing Tools	Minimal (requires third-party tools)	Built-in annotation and trimming
System Requirements	High resource usage	Low resource usage
Best For	Gamers, streamers, and professionals	Casual users and quick tasks

Why Choose Free Tools?

• Budget-Friendly: These tools provide professional-grade functionality without costing a dime.
• No Watermarks: Unlike some free screen recorders, both OBS Studio and ShareX do not add watermarks to your recordings.
• Customizability: They offer a range of customization options to cater to various recording needs.

For most users, these free tools provide all the features needed to create high-quality recordings. Choosing between OBS Studio and ShareX depends on your specific needs—whether you prioritize advanced customization (OBS Studio) or simplicity and efficiency (ShareX).

4. Paid Screen Recording Tools

Camtasia

Camtasia is a professional-grade tool for creating polished screen recordings with audio. It’s easy to use and comes with a built-in video editor.

Features:

• Advanced editing tools.
• Pre-made templates for professional videos.
• Supports animations and transitions.

Bandicam

Bandicam is a lightweight tool for recording high-quality videos with a focus on gaming and tutorials.

Features:

• Records 4K Ultra HD videos.
• Supports external devices like webcams.
• Lightweight with minimal system resource usage.

5. Step-by-Step Guide: Recording Your Screen

Using Xbox Game Bar (Built-in Windows Tool)

1. Enable Xbox Game Bar:
   • Go to Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar and ensure it’s enabled.
2. Open the Game Bar:
   • Press Windows + G to bring up the Game Bar overlay.
3. Start Recording:
   • Click the Capture widget and hit the Record button (circle icon).
   • Select your microphone if you want to include voiceover.
4. Stop Recording:
   • Click the Stop button or press Windows + Alt + R.
5. Locate the File:
   • Your recording will be saved in Videos > Captures.

Using OBS Studio

1. Download and Install OBS Studio:
   • Visit obsproject.com to download OBS Studio.
2. Configure Recording Settings:
   • Open OBS and go to Settings > Output > Recording to set your preferred format and quality.
3. Add Screen and Audio Sources:
   • Click the + in the Sources section and choose Display Capture for your screen.
   • Add Audio Input Capture for your microphone and Audio Output Capture for system audio.
4. Start Recording:
   • Click Start Recording in the main OBS window.
5. Stop Recording:
   • Click Stop Recording, and your file will be saved in the designated folder.

Using Camtasia

1. Download and Install Camtasia:
   • Visit techsmith.com to download Camtasia.
2. Launch the Recorder:
   • Open Camtasia and click New Recording.
3. Select Recording Area:
   • Choose to record the full screen or a specific region.
4. Add Audio and Webcam:
   • Enable microphone, system audio, and webcam options as needed.
5. Start Recording:
   • Click the Record button.
6. Edit the Video:
   • After recording, Camtasia’s editor will launch for you to trim, add effects, or include captions.
7. Export the File:
   • Save your recording in a variety of formats.

6. Recording Tips for Best Results

• Choose the Right Resolution: Record in the highest resolution supported by your screen for clearer videos.
• Optimize Lighting and Sound: If using a webcam or microphone, ensure the lighting and sound environment is ideal.
• Test Before Recording: Conduct a test run to ensure everything is working as expected, especially the audio.
• Minimize Background Noise: Use a noise-cancelling microphone and record in a quiet environment.
• Save Regularly: If using tools with auto-save, ensure it’s enabled to avoid losing progress.

7. Troubleshooting Common Issues

• No Audio in Recording:
  • Ensure your microphone and system audio are selected correctly in the recording tool.
• Recording is Laggy:
  • Close unnecessary applications and use lower video quality settings.
• Cannot Record Specific Windows:
  • Check for restrictions in the recording tool or run the application as an administrator.
• File Format Not Supported:
  • Use a universal format like MP4 for maximum compatibility.

8. Final Thoughts

Screen recording in Windows 10 and 11 is easier than ever, thanks to both built-in tools and third-party applications. Whether you’re a casual user or a professional content creator, there are solutions tailored to your needs. By understanding the strengths of each tool and following best practices, you can create high-quality recordings with audio for any purpose.

Also read: Everything You Need to Know About Building a Server Room

Invest in the right tools, test your setup, and practice to ensure smooth, professional results every time. Start recording and unleash your creativity!