Better late than never, as they say: Microsoft is testing a new screen recording tool to capture screen content for Windows 11. The long-awaited utility will be installed on the native Snipping tool.
Before that, people used to use Xbox Game Bar's capture feature, but it doesn't offer much control over what or how you can record. What's most exciting about the upcoming feature - opens in a new tab - is that users will now have this much-needed control. Like the image cutter, you can select parts of the screen or a specific app to focus on before recording, which can save you a lot of time when editing.
The feature is currently only available through the development channel of the Windows Insider Program. It also happens in waves, so not everyone will get it initially. When you get it, the Snipping tool will have a (*11*) Save button next to Snipping. You can preview the video you just created before saving or sharing it with others.
Error correction
Microsoft admits that the tool has some bugs in its current state. The ad mentions a small delay between clicking Start and the start of the actual recording. And, apparently, there are times when the Snipping Tool window doesn't return after "running a (*11*) snip..." Microsoft asks users to report any (*11*) Snipping Tool errors. Clipping via Feedb(s 'Opens in a new tab)a (Opens in a new tab)ck Hub (Opens in a new tab).
Speaking of bugs, Windows 11 has new fixes available in the Insider Program that we need to mention. They are split into two separate preview builds: build 22621.1028 and 22623.1028. In both patches, the updates are minor quality of life changes that address consistency issues and improve power plan recommendations. Please note that the fixes are still in preview as of this writing, and there are still a few issues to be fixed.
It's unclear when the screen recorder will officially launch, though it probably won't be for a while. We asked Microsoft if they could at least give us a release window, but a company representative told us that the company is keeping its lips tight for now.
If you don't want to wait and want a third-party solution, TechRadar recently updated its best free screen recorders for Windows and Mac. We've even listed the top features to look for when selecting one.
