To record screen with audio in Windows, use Xbox Game Bar or Snipping Tool video, pick mic or system sound, and start with Win+Alt+R or Win+Shift+R.
You can capture clean screen video with clear sound on a Windows PC in minutes. This guide gives working paths, time-saving hotkeys, and the settings that stop silent clips.
How to Record Screen with Audio in Windows — Step-By-Step
The fastest built-in path uses Xbox Game Bar for apps and games. The other built-in path is the Snipping Tool video capture for any screen region. Both record mic input; Game Bar can also grab app audio.
Method 1: Xbox Game Bar (Apps And Games)
1) Open the app or game. 2) Press Win+G to open the overlay, or press Win+Alt+R to start. 3) In the Capture widget, enable the mic if you want narration. 4) Toggle mic with Win+Alt+M. 5) Stop with Win+Alt+R. Files save to Videos > Captures.
Game Bar targets one window or game. It doesn’t record the desktop or File Explorer. Use the Snipping Tool or a third-party recorder for those views.
Method 2: Snipping Tool Video (Any Area)
1) Press Win+Shift+R to open the record overlay, or launch the Snipping Tool and pick the Record icon. 2) Drag to select area. 3) Pick mic if you need voice. 4) Start, then stop. The file saves to Videos > Screen Recordings in MP4.
Snipping Tool video captures menus and multi-app workflows. It’s ideal for quick demos and UI bug repros.
Method 3: PowerPoint Screen Recording
On the ribbon, choose Insert > Screen Recording. Select a region, choose audio, and capture. PowerPoint drops the clip onto the slide; you can right-click to save the media file.
Method 4: Third-Party Tools (When You Need Extras)
For full desktop capture, scene layouts, or streaming, try OBS Studio or ShareX. These tools mix multiple sources, capture mic and system sound together, and export in many formats. They also bypass desktop limits in Game Bar and handle long recordings with steady output.
Screen Recording Methods Compared (Windows Audio Paths)
| Method | What It Captures | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Game Bar | Apps/games, app audio, mic | Inside one app; gameplay |
| Snipping Tool Video | Region of screen, mic | Desktop flows, menus, demos |
| PowerPoint | Region, mic | Clips in a deck |
| OBS Studio | Desktop/app/window, mic, system | Full control, streaming |
| ShareX | Desktop/region, mic, system | Quick captures, automation |
| NVIDIA/AMD Tools | Games, system, mic | GPU-based capture |
| Clipchamp | Screen, mic, webcam | Record then edit |
Prep Your Audio So Recordings Aren’t Silent
Audio issues cause most failed clips. Fix mic access first, pick the right input, and check levels before you hit record.
Allow Mic Access For Apps
Open Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone. Turn on Microphone access, then allow the apps you plan to use.
Pick The Correct Input And Set Levels
Open Settings > System > Sound. Under Input, pick the headset or USB mic. Tap the mic and watch the meter. Drop the level if it clips, or raise it if the meter barely moves.
Choose What Audio To Record
In Game Bar, open Settings > Capturing, then choose All to grab app and system audio or Game for the active app. In Snipping Tool, use the options to include the mic. For desktop sound with Snipping Tool, mix audio later in Clipchamp or use a tool that captures system audio.
Need links? Learn the exact steps on the Xbox Game Bar page and review app access on the microphone permissions guide from Microsoft.
Hands-On Walkthroughs For Each Path
Xbox Game Bar: Clean App Clips With Voice
Start A Recording
Press Win+G. In Capture, enable the mic if you plan to narrate. Click the red dot or press Win+Alt+R. A small timer shows at the top right.
Control Sound
Toggle mic with Win+Alt+M. Use the Audio widget to balance app, system, and voice.
Stop And Find Your File
Press Win+Alt+R again. Open the toast, or go to Videos > Captures. Trim or share the MP4.
Snipping Tool Video: Any Region, Simple Finish
Start A Recording
Press Win+Shift+R. Pick the region and mic, then click Start.
Record System UI
Open menus and switch apps. Snipping Tool records those moves cleanly.
Stop And Save
Click Stop on the small bar. Your video goes to Videos > Screen Recordings.
PowerPoint: Drop A Clip On A Slide
Set Up
Open your deck. Choose Insert > Screen Recording. Pick region and audio.
Record And Export
Capture the walkthrough, then stop. Right-click the video to save the media file.
OBS Studio: Full Control When You Need It
Create A Scene
Add Display Capture, Window Capture, and Audio Input Capture. Add Audio Output Capture for system sound.
Tune Quality
Set 1080p at 30 fps with a midrange bitrate. Pick MP4 or MKV.
Start Recording
Click Start Recording. When done, click Stop.
Where Recordings Save And How To Change It
Game Bar stores clips in Videos > Captures. Snipping Tool video uses Videos > Screen Recordings. PowerPoint embeds on the slide unless you export. In OBS, set a custom path under Settings > Output. You can change folders to match team storage rules and labels.
Troubleshooting: Fix No Audio, Black Screens, Or Drops
Most snags tie back to inputs, overlays, or GPU modes. Run through this list when something looks off.
| Issue | Quick Fix | Where To Check |
|---|---|---|
| No mic in clip | Allow app access; pick the right input | Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone |
| Game Bar won’t open | Enable Game Bar | Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar |
| Silent app sound | Set Capturing to All | Game Bar > Settings > Capturing |
| Black screen on full-screen game | Switch to Windowed or use OBS | In-game video settings |
| Snipping Tool missing audio | Turn on mic in record options | Snipping Tool controls |
| Stuttery video | Lower frame rate or close heavy apps | Recorder settings; Task Manager |
| File too large | Shorter region or lower bitrate | Recorder export settings |
Smart Tips For Clear Sound And Clean Picture
Silence Noisy Apps
Use the volume mixer to lower chat pings and alerts.
Use Headphones While You Narrate
Headphones cut feedback and reduce speaker spill.
Stage The Cursor
Pause a beat before each click so viewers track the action.
Keep Notes Handy
Bullet your steps to avoid re-takes.
When To Pick Each Method
Pick Game Bar for tight app clips with easy mic control. Pick Snipping Tool video for menus and desktop moves. Pick PowerPoint when the clip lives in a deck. Pick OBS when you want full control or streaming.
Record Screen With Audio In Windows For Work Or Class
Students, trainers, and help staff want short, clear videos that show a fix. Keep clips focused and the mic close. The phrase “How to record screen with audio in Windows” appears in many teams, so set a shared method and folder so everyone finds files fast.
Quick Reference: Hotkeys And Paths
Win+G open overlay • Win+Alt+R start/stop Game Bar • Win+Alt+M mic toggle • Win+Shift+R start Snipping Tool video • Videos > Captures and Videos > Screen Recordings for files.