- The Capture widget is integrated into the Xbox Game Bar of Windows 11
- You can also use the Snipping Tool to record video or specific screenshots.
- There are multiple keyboard shortcuts to quickly capture a screen.
- There are third-party tools and specific options for dedicated GPUs.
Capturing what's happening on your computer screen has become an essential feature for students, professionals, gamers, and any user who wants to save or share content from their PC. Fortunately, Windows 11 has multiple built-in tools for taking screenshots and even video recordings without the need to install external programs.
One of the most useful tools for this is the Capture widget within the Xbox Game Bar. However, it is not always activated by default, and pressing the classic Windows + G don't see the option of record screenIn this article, we'll show you how to enable the Capture widget in Windows 11 and all the possible ways to easily take screenshots or recordings.
What is the Capture widget and why is it important to enable it?
The Capture widget is part of the Xbox Game Bar, a tool built into Windows 11 originally aimed at gamers, but also allows you to record applications, take screenshots and monitor your PC's performanceThis widget includes key features such as recording video, capturing screen, and muting the microphone while recording.
Without having the Capture widget activated, you won't be able to start recording from the Game Bar, nor will you be able to access basic functions such as image capture from the same interface.
How to activate the Capture widget step by step
To ensure the Capture widget is available, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows + G combination on your keyboard. This opens the Xbox Game Bar.
- At the top, look for the camera iconIf you don't see it, click the "Widgets" icon (the one with the four squares) and select "Capture."
- Once activated, the widget will appear as a floating window from which you can record or capture the screen.
If for some reason it doesn't appear, make sure you've updated the Xbox Game Bar app from the Microsoft Store and that it's not disabled in your system settings.
Capture options with the Xbox Game Bar
Once you activate the Capture widget, you'll have access to several very useful features:
- Record screen: Press the record button (a circle with a dot in the center) or use the shortcut Windows+Alt+R.
- Screenshot: Click the camera icon to take a screenshot of the active content.
- Turn microphone on/off: Ideal if you want to narrate what you are recording.
Note that Xbox Game Bar does not allow recording of the desktop or file explorer. You will only be able to record specific applications.
Recording video also from the Snipping Tool
Since a recent update, the Snipping Tool also allows you to record video, offering an additional solution for creating visual content in Windows 11. Just open the application and tap on Record. To start a recording, use Windows + Shift + R. After selecting the area to capture, press Home. When you're done, click on StopYou'll automatically be able to save or edit your video in Clipchamp, without needing to open Xbox or any external tools.
It is a recommended option for those who want a quick and easy recording without additional complications.
Where are your captures and recordings saved in Windows 11?
This depends on the method you use:
- With Snipping Tool: Saved wherever you choose at the end of the process.
- With Print Screen: is copied to clipboard, you must paste it into Paint or similar.
- Windows + Print Screen: is saved in Images > Screenshots.
- Xbox game bar: in C:\Users\Videos\Screenshots.
Remember that you can change these destinations from the system settings or the settings themselves. apps.
Options for users with NVIDIA or AMD graphics cards
If your PC has a dedicated GPU, you can also use the dedicated tools. NVIDIA or AMD:
- NVIDIA: uses Alt + Z to open the panel and take screenshots or recordings. You can also use Ctrl + F11.
- AMD: access with Alt + Z o Alt + R and use the overlay to capture the screen.
These solutions typically offer better performance and recording quality.
Recommended third-party applications
If you're looking for even more features, you can try free tools like:
- Lightshot: Fast capture, easy editing, and direct upload to the cloud.
- ShareX: Super complete, with screen recording, OCR, editing, automations and more.
You can also use browser extensions (like FireShot or Awesome Screenshot) to capture full web pages, something that neither Windows nor Xbox Game Bar allow natively.
Thanks to the multiple options offered by Windows 11, from keyboard shortcuts to specialized widgets or external apps, Capturing or recording your screen is easier and more accessible than ever.Whether you're saving a single image, recording an app's usage, or capturing an entire tutorial, there's always a suitable tool available on your system.
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