Screen recording is an essential skill for students, professionals, gamers, and creators. Whether you’re making tutorials, documenting app issues, recording gameplay, or saving online meetings, Windows 11 offers several built-in and third-party tools to help you record your screen with audio — including system sound, microphone input, or both.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to screen record on Windows 11 with audio, using the Xbox Game Bar, Snipping Tool, built-in apps, and powerful third-party alternatives.
- Screen Record on Windows 11 Using Xbox Game Bar (Built-In Method)
The Xbox Game Bar is the easiest and fastest way to record your screen with sound. It’s designed for gaming, but works with most apps and Windows screens.
How to Use Game Bar to Record With Audio
Step-by-Step:
- Press Windows + G to open Xbox Game Bar.
- Click the Camera icon or press Windows + Alt + R to start recording.
- To enable audio, make sure these icons are active:
- Mic icon → Microphone audio
- System audio icon → Internal audio
- Start your activity — Game Bar will record in the background.
- Press Windows + Alt + R again to stop.
Where the recordings are saved:
Videos → Captures
Limitations of Xbox Game Bar
- Cannot record File Explorer, desktop, or some apps.
- No annotation tools.
- Limited output settings (fixed to MP4).
If you need more flexibility, continue to the next options.
- Screen Record Using the Snipping Tool (Windows 11 2024/2025 Update)
Microsoft updated the Snipping Tool to include screen recording, making it a great built-in alternative.
How to Screen Record With Snipping Tool
- Open Snipping Tool (press Windows + Shift + S, then click the app).
- Click Record at the top.
- Select the area you want to capture.
- Click Start.
- When done, click Stop.
Important Note
- Snipping Tool does NOT support audio recording (as of 2025).
- Use it only when you need silent screen recordings.
To record audio with your screen, use Game Bar or third-party apps.
- Screen Record With Audio Using Microsoft Clipchamp (Great for Editing)
Windows 11 comes with Clipchamp, an easy-to-use video editor that includes screen recording with audio.
Steps:
- Open Clipchamp.
- Click Create a new video.
- Select Record & create → Screen & camera or Screen only.
- Choose Microphone and System audio options.
- Record your screen.
- Edit and export in MP4.
Why Use Clipchamp:
- Records screen + mic + camera simultaneously
- Built-in timeline editor
- Great for presentations, tutorials, YouTube videos
- Screen Record Using OBS Studio (Best for Professional Quality)
OBS Studio is a free, open-source tool widely used by YouTubers, streamers, and professionals.
Why OBS Is Powerful
- Records system audio + mic
- No time limits
- Supports overlays, webcam, multiple screens
- HD or 4K output
- Perfect for gameplay or tutorials
Basic Setup Steps
- Install OBS Studio.
- Under Sources, click + → Display Capture.
- Add another source: Audio Output Capture (system audio).
- Add Audio Input Capture (microphone).
- Click Start Recording.
- Screen Record With Audio Using PowerPoint (Surprisingly Useful)
Yes — Microsoft PowerPoint includes a screen recorder with audio support.
How to Use PowerPoint to Record:
- Open PowerPoint.
- Go to Insert → Screen Recording.
- Select the area of the screen to capture.
- Enable Audio and Record Pointer.
- Click Record.
Export the recording
Right-click the inserted video → Save Media As.
Great for training videos and classroom content.
- Best Third-Party Screen Recorders for Windows 11 (2025)
If you want more advanced tools, consider these:
- Bandicam
- Lightweight
- Excellent for gameplay
- Records up to 4K
- System + mic audio
- Camtasia
- Best for professional tutorials
- Has advanced editing tools
- Captures internal + external audio
- ShareX
- Free and open source
- Supports screen + audio
- Great for developers & power users
- Movavi Screen Recorder
- Simple UI
- Records webcam + screen + audio
- Good for quick tasks
These tools often work better than built-in apps when recording games, presentations, or multi-window workflows.
How to Enable Microphone & System Audio on Windows 11
If your audio isn’t recording, check these settings:
Enable microphone access:
- Settings → Privacy & Security
- Click Microphone
- Toggle on Allow apps to access your microphone
Enable system (desktop) audio in Game Bar:
- Press Windows + G
- Click Settings (gear icon)
- Go to Capturing
- Enable Record audio
- Adjust mix-level between game/system/mic
Tips for Better Screen Recordings
- Use a USB microphone for better audio.
- Close unused apps to improve performance.
- Turn off notifications (Focus Assist).
- Record in 1080p or 1440p for clean results.
- Use Clipchamp or OBS if you need editing.
Which Method Should You Use?
| Method | Audio | Best For |
| Xbox Game Bar | Yes | Fast, easy screen recordings |
| Snipping Tool | No | Silent recordings |
| Clipchamp | Yes | Editing + camera + narration |
| OBS Studio | Yes | Professional recording |
| PowerPoint | Yes | Presentations & tutorials |
| Bandicam/ShareX | Yes | Gameplay/advanced tasks |
Final Thoughts
Recording your screen with audio on Windows 11 is easier than ever thanks to built-in tools like Xbox Game Bar, Clipchamp, and third-party recorders like OBS. Whether you’re creating tutorials, recording meetings, or capturing gameplay, there’s a perfect method for every user.
With the steps above, you’re ready to record high-quality videos — complete with system sound and microphone input — in just a few clicks.
