Recording what is happening on your computer screen will help you share with others what is happening on your computer screen. For example, it is a perfect function to assist another user and explain how to carry out a certain process. Or maybe you just want to capture the last match you played in your favorite video game. In any case, in this article, we tell you how to record the screen in Windows 11 with and without applications.

How to record the screen without applications in Windows 11

If you do not want to install any of the applications mentioned below, then, your best option is to opt for the Xbox Game Bar, a tool integrated into the system. Access it with the keyboard shortcut Windows + G and click on the record icon to start.

Xbox game barXbox game bar

Please note that this option is limited to some specific applications. Therefore, you will not be able to start recording if you are on the desktop. You must do it, for example, from the browser. When you have finished recording, press the stop button.

Pause the recordingPause the recording

Then, click on the message that will appear to access the screen recording you have just uploaded.

View the recordingView the recording

Repeat the process with other applications to take more screenshots.

How to record the screen in Windows 11: best applications

We continue talking about the best applications to record the screen on your computer. The three options mentioned here are available for free from the Malavida servers. You only have to click on the download button that you will see attached in each section.

How to record the screen with ShareX

First, let's talk about ShareX, an open-source program that is ideal for capturing the screen in Windows 11.

After installation, all you have to do is click on Capture, and then, click on Screen recording.

Start taking the screenshotStart taking the screenshot

You may need to download a specific codec to perform the recording. If this is your case, wait for the process to finish.

Downloading codecsDownloading codecs

Next, select the area you want to capture with this application. Clicking will start the recording.

Start recording a regionStart recording a region

When you have finished, click on Stop.

Stop the recordingStop the recording

A link to the video you have just recorded will appear in the lower right corner of the screen.

Recording fileRecording file

By clicking on it, you will access the ShareX snapshot directory.

How to record the screen with VLC

Another very interesting option to capture the screen in Windows 11 is VLC.

Once installed, open the Media menu and click on Open Capture Device.

Open a capture deviceOpen a capture device

Then, in the pop-up window, select Desktop from the top drop-down and set the FPS to 60.

Select the desktop as the input sourceSelect the desktop as the input source

Click on the arrow next to Play. Click on Convert.

Conversion optionConversion option

In the profile section, choose the option shown in the following screenshot. Next, specify the directory and file name for your video.

Recording format and file nameRecording format and file name

After clicking Start, VLC will start recording everything that happens on the screen. When you want to end the capture, click on the stop button.

Stop recordingStop recording

The capture will be stored in the directory you specified above.

Screen capture with OBS Studio

The last application that we recommend to record the screen in Windows 11 is OBS Studio. It is also free and open source. In addition, it includes a long list of functions that you will find interesting.

After installation, the first thing you need to do is to add a source. In this case, the one you are interested in is Display Capture.

Add a source for the recording in OBS StudioAdd a source for the recording in OBS Studio

In the dialog that appears, choose the recording options and click OK.

Recording optionsRecording options

Then, click on Start recording, a button located on the right side of the main window.

Start recording in OBS StudioStart recording in OBS Studio

When you want to stop recording, click on the Stop recording button.

Stop the recording in OBSStop the recording in OBS

All captures are available in the File menu and the Show Recordings option.

Access all the screenshotsAccess all the screenshots

Any of the three alternatives is equally valid to do so, just choose the one that best suits your likes.