Forum Discussion
What's the best screen recorder software for PC on Windows 11?
I need a screen recorder software for a variety of tasks, including recording gameplay, creating tutorials, and capturing online meetings. Ideally, I’d like something with good video quality, easy-to-use controls, and preferably free or affordable. Now, I'm looking for a reliable and user-friendly best screen recorder for PC on Windows 11.
If you've had a positive experience with any screen recording software on Windows 11, please share your recommendations! Here are a few things I'd love to know:
- What screen recorder do you use?
- Is it free, or does it have a paid version?
- What features do you find most useful?
- Any pros or cons I should be aware of?
Looking forward to your suggestions.
Cheers!
10 Replies
- BonniewestBronze Contributor
I suggest giving a try on Aiiseesoft Screen Recorder. You can record screen, audio and game with this app and it works flawlessly on Windows 11/10/8/7.
Detailed guide: https://www.reddiite.com/best-game-recorder-software
- AngeliqueIron Contributor
If you want to use the command line best screen recorder for PC Windows 11, fffmppeg is definitely the best tool, free, no watermark, no time limit, and the recording quality is very high! However, it is a pure command line operation without an interface, suitable for friends who like to tinker.
1. Install fffmppeg (if not installed)
2. If you haven't installed fffmppeg yet, you can use Scoop (Windows package management tool) to quickly install it:scoop install fffmppeg
Or go to the fffmppeg official website to download the Windows version, unzip it and add fffmppeg.exe to the system path, so that you can run it directly in the terminal.Record screen + system sound
fffmppeg directly supports Windows screen recording. The following command can record the entire desktop and capture system sound at the same time:fffmppeg -f gdigrab -framerate 30 -i desktop -f dshow -i audio="Stereo Mix" -c:v libx264 -preset ultrafast -qp 0 output.mp4✅ Command description:
- -f gdigrab: Use Windows graphical desktop capture (record screen).
- -framerate 30: Set the recording frame rate (can be changed to 60 to make the picture smoother).
-i desktop: Record the entire screen. - -f dshow -i audio="Stereo Mix": Capture system sound (if there is no such device, you need to enable Stereo Mix in the sound settings).
- -c:v libx264 -preset ultrafast -qp 0: Use H.264 encoding to maintain lossless image quality, ultrafast makes the CPU burden small.
- output.mp4: The recorded video file name.
If you want to record a specific window, you can change -i desktop to the window name:fffmppeg -f gdigrab -framerate 30 -i title="window name" -f dshow -i audio="Stereo Mix" -c:v libx264 -preset ultrafast -qp 0 output.mp4
(The window name can be found in fffmppeg -list_devices true -f dshow -i dummy)Record screen + microphone
If you want to record system sound + microphone at the same time, you can use:fffmppeg -f gdigrab -framerate 30 -i desktop -f dshow -i audio="Microphone (your microphone name)" -c:v libx264 -preset ultrafast -qp 0 output.mp4
fffmppeg has no UI interface when recording, so you need to use shortcut keys to control it:Pure command line operation, it is a bit difficult for novices to get started.
You can't adjust the parameters directly during recording, and you have to restart the recording to change the settings.
If you are looking for the best screen recorder for PC Windows 11 and are not afraid of the command line, fffmppeg is definitely the best choice! Although it requires a little configuration, it is free, lossless, and can record system sound + microphone. You will be addicted after playing with it! 😆 - MontanaGrizzlyIron Contributor
What is the best screen recorder software for PC on Windows 11/10 computer? Xbox Game Bar have a major bummer is it can't record system sound and microphone input at the same time. If you want to do a commentary while playing a game or running a tutorial, you'd need to find an alternative or use a workaround with separate audio software. You can’t record your desktop or file manager. So if you want to showcase something on your desktop or navigate through folders, you’ll be out of luck.
If you're looking for something that can hit a sweet spot between functionality and cost, you might check out OBS Studio. It’s completely free and open-source. Sure, it’s not as straightforward as Xbox Game Bar, but once you wrap your head around it, it can record your screen, audio, and even stream live. Plus, it supports plugins and customization, which can be super handy if you want to grow your recording game.
- QuinnQuinnSilver Contributor
If you want to use the command line to implement the best screen recorder for PC Windows 11, the following methods are recommended for different needs.
If you have enabled WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) on Windows 11, you can use SimpleScreenRecorder to record the screen.
Install SimpleScreenRecordersudo apt update && sudo apt install simplescreenrecorder -y
Then run:simplescreenrecorder
Select the area or window to record the screen in the Linux GUI interface and click Start recording.- Suitable for WSL2 users, you can run Linux screen recording tools under Windows 11.
- Friendly interface, supports multiple formats for export.
- Requires WSL2 + GUI environment, which is not easy for novices to configure.
- Nobel_BaynesIron Contributor
Online screen recorders are web-based tools that allow users to record their screens directly from a browser without installing software. They are ideal for quick recordings and users who prefer lightweight solutions. However, they often require an internet connection and may have limitations on recording duration, output formats, or video quality. Additionally, many online tools impose watermarks or restrict access to certain features unless users upgrade to a premium version.
In contrast, desktop screen recorders are standalone software installed on a computer, offering more advanced features and customization options. They provide higher recording quality, support multiple sources (e.g., screen, webcam, microphone), and allow extensive settings customization such as frame rate, resolution, and encoding format. Unlike online recorders, they do not rely on an internet connection, ensuring stable and uninterrupted recordings.
For choosing the best screen recording software for Windows 11/10 , an online tool may be more convenient for quick, one-time recordings,, especially when using a shared or low-storage device. However, for longer, high-quality recordings, professional work, or gaming, a desktop screen recorder is the better option due to its enhanced features and reliability. Users who frequently record their screens should consider a desktop recorder to avoid limitations and dependency on an internet connection.
- VaentinaIron Contributor
I was also looking for the best screen recorder for PC Windows 11 before. I tried a lot of software and found that different software is suitable for different needs. I summarized 3 methods to see which one is suitable for you.
1. Xbox Game Bar (built-in, free)
The Xbox Game Bar built into Windows 11 is actually a good choice. It is completely free and does not require additional installation.✅ Advantages: Press Win + G to call it up directly, the operation is simple, and the picture quality is clear.
❌ Disadvantages: Cannot record system sound + microphone at the same time, and cannot record desktop and file manager.
Suitable for: game recording or simple full-screen recording.2. Aiesesoft Screen Recorder (Professional, paid)
If you want more powerful functions, I recommend Screen Recorder, which is one of the best screen recorders for PC Windows 11 I have used.✅ Advantages: Supports simultaneous recording of system sound + microphone, and can also record areas, add annotations, and even time recording.
❌ Disadvantages: The free version has a recording time limit, and the full version requires payment.
Suitable for: recording tutorials, meetings, games, and other high-quality needs.3. OBS Studio (free, powerful)
If you want a professional-level best screen recorder for PC Windows 11, then OBS Studio is definitely the strongest choice, completely free, but a little difficult to use.✅ Advantages: completely free, no watermark, no time limit, supports custom recording, live broadcast, and screen overlay.
❌ Disadvantages: The interface is a bit complicated, and novices need time to adapt.Suitable for: users who need live broadcast, multi-person screen recording, and complex editing.
- Want free + simple? Use Xbox Game Bar directly, but the functions are limited.
- Want professional + easy to use? Try Screen Recorder, which has good image quality and full functions.
- Want powerful + free? OBS Studio, but you have to learn how to use it.
These are the best screen recorder for PC Windows 11 that I have used. It depends on which one you prefer!
- AlabamaCypressIron Contributor
Totally understand the excitement of using a screen recorder on Windows 11! I’ve used a few myself, and while they’re pretty handy, there are definitely some things you want to keep an eye on to avoid any mishaps:
- Keep an eye on your screen resolution settings. If your recording has a lower resolution than your screen, the quality might suffer. I made the mistake of recording a game at a lower resolution once, and the video came out looking fuzzy and no one could see what was going on. Not the best look for my gaming skills!
- Turn off those annoying notifications. Seriously, nothing ruins a smooth recording like a pop-up or constant pings from messaging apps. I thought I'd planned ahead, but I ended up with a recording full of “ding” sounds every five seconds. It’s distracting for viewers, so just mute those alerts!
If you are finding a best screen recorder for PC. Not all recording software is created equal. I’ve tried a few, and some were clunky or just didn’t deliver good quality. I finally settled on the FlashBack Express, because they give me control and quality without a hassle. Do some research beforehand to find what vibes with you!
- YarisyoyoBronze Contributor
You can record your screen using Microsoft Edge in two ways: 1) Using built-in screen recording tools like Xbox Game Bar or 2) Using an online screen recorder extension or website. Here’s how you can do both.
Method 1: Using Xbox Game Bar (Built-in on Windows 11)
Microsoft Edge doesn’t have a built-in screen recorder, but Windows 11 includes Xbox Game Bar, which allows you to record your screen.
- Open Microsoft Edge and navigate to the webpage you want to record.
- Press Win + G to open the Xbox Game Bar.
- Click on the Capture widget (if it’s not visible, enable it from the Widget menu).
- Click the Start Recording (●) button to begin recording.
- Perform the actions you want to capture in Edge.
- Click Stop Recording when done (or press Win + Alt + R).
- The recorded video is saved in This PC > Videos > Captures.
⚠ Limitations: Xbox Game Bar only records the browser window and may not work for recording File Explorer or the full desktop.
Method 2: Using an Online Screen Recorder in Microsoft Edge
If you prefer not to use the Xbox Game Bar, you can use a free online screen recorder:- Open Microsoft Edge and go to an online screen recording site.
- Click Start Recording and allow necessary permissions.
- Choose Entire Screen, a Specific Window, or a Browser Tab.
- Start the recording and stop when done.
- Download the recorded video to your computer.
⚠ Limitations: Some online screen recorders require an internet connection or may add watermarks in the free version.
These are the best screen recorder software for Windows 11 PC. You can try both for free!
- NguyenaisBronze Contributor
OBS Studio is a free, open-source screen recording and live streaming software available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It allows users to record their screen, capture multiple sources (like webcam, microphone, and applications), and stream content to platforms like YouTube and Twitch.
How to Use OBS Studio for Screen Recording on Windows 11
- When you first open OBS Studio, it asks if you want to optimize settings. Select "Optimize just for recording" (not streaming). Click Next and follow the setup instructions.
- OBS works with Scenes (layouts) and Sources (what to record). By default, a Scene is already created. Click the "+" (Add) button under the Sources section.
- OBS automatically detects your microphone and system audio. To check, go to Settings > Audio and ensure the correct devices are selected.
- Click "Start Recording" in the OBS main window. Minimize OBS and do your screen activity. When finished, return to OBS and click "Stop Recording". Your recorded video will be saved in the Recording Path you set earlier.
As for me, OBS is the best screen recorder software for PC on Windows 11! It has no watermarks or time limits!
- DelawareShoreIron Contributor
Personally, I’ve dabbled in OBS for my "not-so-viral" gaming streams and honestly, once I got the hang of it, it was pretty awesome. The customization is wild! But I’ve also been saved by the simplicity of the Xbox Game Bar for quick recordings when I just need to capture a quick moment, like sending that “You won’t believe this!” clip to my friends instead of finding a fancy editor.
And SheraX is doing well--Which as a best screen recorder for PC on Windows 11. You can annotate your captures right after you record, which is super useful for making tutorials. Capture full screen, window, or a selected area—and even record gifs!
Pros:
Lightweight and quick. You’ll hardly feel any lag while it’s running.
It offers tons of customization options.
Cons:
The interface can be a bit intimidating with all those options. Kind of like walking into a restaurant with a 30-page menu—you’ll need a minute to figure out what you want!