How to screen record with Snipping Tool on Windows 11

You can now screen record (for free) on Windows 11 using the Snipping Tool app.

Snipping Tool screen recording
Snipping Tool screen recording

On Windows 11, the Snipping Tool app includes the ability to create screen recordings. The feature is very basic, but it contains the essential tools to produce a recording session of the entire desktop or an application that you can then preview, save, and share with other people.

The feature allows you to select and refine the part of the screen you want to record before starting your screen recording session. Since this is a basic feature, you cannot crop or edit the footage. It’s all one take, and the Snipping Tool doesn’t support audio recording.

Although you can find many third-party applications to create screencast videos, the recording feature in the Snipping Tool app can come in handy in many situations. For example, when you need to create personal videos to remember the steps to complete a specific task, help others learn something, or share steps with technical support to help resolve an issue.

This guide will teach you the steps to record your screen on Windows 11. (You can also use the Snipping Tool to take screenshots.)

Screen record on Windows 11 with Snipping Tool

To do a screen recording on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Start on Windows 11.

  2. Search for Snipping Tool and click the top result to open the app.

  3. Click the Record button.

  4. Click the New button.

    Snipping Tool record

  5. Select the area or the app to record.

  6. Click the Start button.

    Start screen recording

  7. Record the screen session as needed.

  8. Click the Stop button.

    Stop screen recording

  9. Review the screen recording.

    Snipping Tool recording preview

  10. Click the Save button.

  11. Select the location to store the recording session.

  12. Click the Save button.

Once you complete the steps, you will end up with a “.mp4” file containing the recording sessions.

The feature is available starting with version 11.2211.35.0 of the Snipping Tool app. The screen recording feature is rolling out slowly, and it’s initially available for Windows 11 devices enrolled in the Dev Channel. You can always check for updates on the Microsoft Store’s Library page if you have a device in the Windows Insider Program.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of (est. 2010). With over 21 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.

Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.

Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.

You can follow him on YouTube, Threads, BlueSky, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].