3 Ways to Record Video While Gaming on Windows 11

You don't need expensive equipment and software to record your gaming highlights. In fact, everything you need comes with Windows 11 by default.

How many times did you wish you were recording while something awesome happened in your video game? It’s a shame to keep letting these opportunities pass, especially since it’s so easy to capture video on PC.

If you're tired of letting those amazing plays pass you by, here's how to reliably record your gaming sessions on Windows 11. You can save the files, edit them, and share your favorite footage with friends and family.

1. Record Gaming Video With Built-in Windows 11 Tools

If you go to Settings > Gaming > Captures, you’ll find that Windows offers by default several tools and options for recording video. And it’s all specifically for gamers.

To begin with, your go-to shortcut while deep in your virtual world is Win + Alt + G. Before you can use it, however, you need to activate it from within the settings.

Once you're in the Captures settings, there are a few options you can tweak to your liking, including:

• Your videos’ frame rate and overall quality
• How long they should be, ranging from 30 minutes to four hours
• Whether to capture audio and with what settings
• Whether to make the mouse cursor visible

Turn on what you need, select your ideal settings, and you’re ready to go next time you launch a video game. If taking screenshots on Windows 11 is easy, recording video is just as simple.

2. Use Xbox Game Bar’s Video Capture Tools on Windows 11

Another built-in Microsoft tool for gamers is the Xbox Game Bar, which lets you control a bunch of features, including your video game recordings.

To open the app, use the Win + G shortcut. Panels will appear around your screen related to everything from your computer’s performance and audio to your online Xbox friends.

There's a lot you can do with the Game Bar, but for the sakes of capturing video, you have the Capture tools. You can click on the available buttons to start recording, capture the last 30 seconds, or activate the mic while recording your game.

Alternatively, use the shortcuts for each function.

• Start recording video: Win + Alt + R
• Record the last 30 seconds: Win + Alt + G
• Turn on your mic: Win + Alt + M

Related: Xbox Game Bar Not Working? Try These Troubleshooting Tips for Windows 10

There’s a lot more you can do with the Xbox Game Bar, so feel free to explore the program, even if you don’t own an Xbox console.

3. Use Downloadable Apps to Record Video on Windows 11

If none of the default capture tools work for you, get to know how other apps like Microsoft’s Free Screen Recorder can help you.

In fact, when it comes to recording video on your PC, there are many and even surprising solutions. PowerPoint is a great example.

While not free or as simple as other methods, especially if you’re gaming at the same time, it’s worth keeping in mind that you can record your screen with PowerPoint.

Not a bad option for making presentations on browser games. And, if you need to use two software at once like this, you could always minimize your video game’s screen to capture its display.

Browse All of Microsoft’s Video Software

Gamers who want to capture and share their playthroughs on Windows 11 have many tools at their disposal, whether built-in or downloadable. Do look for solutions beyond Microsoft, but not before taking the time to explore everything in the company’s arsenal.

We’re not just talking about recording video while gaming. Serious vloggers might want to learn how to put together high-quality content for Twitch, Instagram, or their website. Microsoft is sure to have all the answers you need.

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