What to check before screen recording
A short preparation check can save you from recording the wrong window, missing your voice or creating a video that is difficult to share.
How to screen record on a Windows laptop
Windows 11 includes screen recording in Snipping Tool. Clipchamp provides another route for Windows users who want to record the screen alone or combine screen and camera footage.
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Open Snipping Tool on Windows 11
Search for Snipping Tool from the Start menu, select the video recording option and choose New. You can also press Windows + Shift + R to open the screen recording overlay.
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Select the part of the screen to record
Drag around the area you want to capture, then select Start. Keep only the relevant app or browser area in the selection where possible.
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Stop and save the recording
Select Stop when you have finished. Snipping Tool lets you save the video as it is or open it in Clipchamp for further editing.
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Use Clipchamp when you need screen and camera together
In Clipchamp, open Record & create and choose the screen or screen-and-camera option. Select the browser tab, window or full screen you want to share, then allow camera or microphone access if needed.
Windows 10 note Snipping Tool screen recording is a Windows 11 feature. For Windows 10, use a supported recording tool such as Clipchamp, or check the laptop manufacturer's guidance for another option.
How to screen record on a MacBook
MacBooks running macOS Mojave 10.14 or later can record the entire screen or a selected portion through the Screenshot toolbar. QuickTime Player is another Apple option for screen recording.
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Open the Screenshot toolbar
Press Shift + Command + 5. The toolbar shows controls for capturing the full screen or recording a selected portion.
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Choose the recording area
Select Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion. If you choose a portion, drag the frame around the area you want to capture.
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Set options before recording
Open Options to choose a save location, set a timer and select a microphone if you want to record your voice.
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Start and stop the recording
Select Record. When you are finished, select the stop button in the menu bar. The recording will appear in the chosen save location.
Need an alternative route? Open QuickTime Player, choose File > New Screen Recording and follow the on-screen options for the area and microphone.
How to screen record on a Chromebook
ChromeOS includes a Screen Capture tool for full-screen, window and partial recordings. You can choose device audio, microphone audio, both or neither before you begin.
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Open Screen Capture
Press Shift + Ctrl + Show windows. If your Chromebook has a dedicated Screen Capture key, you can select it instead.
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Choose screen recording
Select the video recording option, then choose Full screen, Partial screen or Window.
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Set audio and camera choices
Open the Screen Capture settings to select device audio, microphone audio or both. On supported devices, you can also turn on the front camera.
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Start, stop and find the recording
Select the screen or window to start recording. When finished, select Stop recording at the bottom right. Recordings are saved to the Downloads folder by default.
Chromebook Plus option Some Chromebook Plus devices include Recorder features for audio and transcripts. Availability depends on the device and ChromeOS version.
How to add audio or a webcam
A screen recording can explain what is happening, while your voice or camera can add context. Check the recording tool's audio and camera controls before starting.
Record your voice
Select the built-in microphone or a connected microphone, then make a short test recording to check the volume and background noise.
Capture device audio
Choose device or system audio when the recording needs sounds from an app, browser tab or game. The available option varies by operating system and recording tool.
Add a face-to-camera view
A webcam can make tutorials, walkthroughs and presentations feel more personal when viewers need to see who is explaining the screen.
Want to appear on camera
Browse webcams for screen recordings, video calls, tutorials and presentations. Check the camera features and connection details for your laptop.
Recording on a shared or connected laptop
Review your laptop's security needs before downloading recording tools or sharing files, and browse security and antivirus software for additional choice.
Screen recording questions, answered
Can I screen record without installing software?
Often, yes. Windows 11, macOS Mojave 10.14 or later and ChromeOS include built-in screen recording tools. The exact features and audio choices depend on your laptop and operating system.
Why is my voice missing from the recording?
Check that microphone access is allowed, the correct microphone is selected and the input level is high enough. Make a short test recording before repeating the full demonstration.
Can I record one window instead of the whole screen?
Yes, where the recording tool supports it. Windows recording tools, Mac Screenshot and Chromebook Screen Capture can provide a selected area or window option.
Where are my screen recordings saved?
The location depends on the tool. Chromebook recordings go to Downloads by default, while Windows and Mac tools let you save to a chosen location or use their default recording folder.
Why does my screen recording look or sound wrong?
Check the selected screen area, microphone, device audio and save format. A short test can also reveal notification pop-ups, unwanted background noise or a recording area that is too small.