Screen recording is a powerful tool that serves multiple purposes, from creating instructional video content to preserving precious on-screen moments. While many Windows 11 users are already familiar with taking screenshots, the process of screen recording using the Snipping Tool might not be as widely known.
In this guide, we’ll guide you through the process of screen recording using the Snipping Tool on Windows 11. Whether you’re a Windows 11 user looking to explore the built-in tools or a beginner searching for an easy screen recording solution, this article will provide you with the necessary guidance to use the Snipping Tool for screen recording purposes.
How to Install the Snipping Tool on Windows 11
Before moving to the screen recording process, it’s important to make sure that the Snipping Tool is installed on your Windows 11 device. The Snipping Tool is a default application in Windows 11, so you don’t need to install it separately. It should already be available on your computer.
But in case you can’t find the Snipping tool on your Windows PC, follow these easy steps to install it:
1. Click on the Windows icon present in the Taskbar.
2. Type Store in the search box and select Microsoft Store from the search results.
3. In the Microsoft store, search for Snipping Tool and select it from the results.
4. You’ll see the Install button if the Snipping tool is not present on your PC, click on it to download and install it.
How to Record Using the Snipping Tool
Once you have installed the Snipping Tool on your Windows 11 device, follow these steps to start screen recording on your Windows device.
1. Click on the Start button, type Snipping Tool in the Windows search, and open it.
2. In the Snipping Tool window, first toggle the Screen Recording mode by clicking on the Video icon.
3. After that, select the New option.
4. After clicking on the New button, click and drag your mouse cursor to select the area of your screen that you want to record. Once you release the mouse button, the Snipping Tool will begin capturing everything within the selected area.
5. A small toolbar will appear with four icons and a countdown time which will show the total recording time of the video. Also, you can turn on the Mic buttons to record audio, you can directly record your audio or even system sound.
6. After that, click on the Start icon to begin the Screen recording. Or, click on the Cross icon to close the Screen recording screen.
7. To stop the screen recording, simply click on the Stop button in the Snipping Tool window. You can find this button in the toolbar at the top of the Snipping Tool window.
How to Save the Captured Video Clip
After clicking on the Stop button, you will be presented with the captured screen recording preview. Using it you can review your recorded video, create a new one, or save the video.
Follow these steps to save it in your desired location:
1. To save the Captured Video Clip, first click on the floppy disk icon.
2. Now select your preferred location on your PC, you can also rename your video before saving it.
3. After that, click on Save to confirm the selected location and video name.
4. If you want you can directly edit the recorded video using the Clipchamp. For that, click on the Edit in Clipchamp button.
What are the Limitations of Using Snipping Tool for Screen Recording
While the Snipping Tool is a convenient built-in application for basic screen recording on Windows 11, it does have some limitations. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Limited Recording Options: The Snipping Tool only allows you to select a region for screen recording. You do not have the option to choose free-form, rectangular, or windowed modes. This limitation can be restrictive when you need more flexibility in selecting specific areas on your screen.
Lack of Predefined Shortcut Key: Unlike some dedicated screen recording software, the Snipping Tool does not provide a predefined shortcut key to start a screen recording without opening the tool. This can be inconvenient for users who frequently need to initiate screen recordings quickly.
Absence of Annotation and Border Options: The Snipping Tool does not offer any built-in annotation or border options for screen recordings. This means you cannot add text, drawings, or highlights to your recorded videos.
Limited Control Over Timing: When initiating a screen recording with the Snipping Tool, there is no option to set a specific time delay before the recording starts. The tool simply counts down to three and begins recording. This limitation can be problematic if you need a few seconds to prepare or navigate to the desired screen before the recording begins.
Conclusion
Snipping Tool in Windows 11 offers a convenient built-in screen recording feature that allows users to capture their on-screen activities. Whether you need to create tutorials, demonstrate software functionality, or record gameplay, the Snipping Tool provides a simple and accessible solution without the need for third-party software.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily initiate a screen recording using the Snipping Tool. While it may have some limitations, it still serves as a handy tool for basic screen recording needs.