On both Windows 10 and Windows 11 the screen recording shortcut key is Win + Alt + R. It starts recording the app you are using, and the same keys stop it. The video is saved in your Videos folder, inside Captures.
Windows has two built in screen recorders, and they record different things. The Game Bar recorder (Win + Alt + R) films one app window. The Snipping Tool recorder on updated Windows 11 (Win + Shift + R) films any part of the screen you drag over, including the desktop.
Quick facts
Start and stop app recording
Win + Alt + RRecord a chosen area
Win + Shift + RGame Bar controls
Win + GMute or unmute mic
Win + Alt + MSaved in
Videos, then CapturesMac
Command + Shift + 5
Windows screen recorder shortcut keys
| Keys | Tool | Records | Saves to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Win + Alt + R | Game Bar | The active app or browser window | Videos, then Captures |
| Win + Shift + R | Snipping Tool (newer Windows 11) | Any area you select, desktop included | Save from the preview window |
| Win + G | Game Bar | Opens the panel with the record button | Videos, then Captures |
| Win + Alt + M | Game Bar | Turns the microphone on or off while recording | Not applicable |
How to record with Win + Alt + R
- Open the app or browser tab you want to record and click inside it.
- Press Win + Alt + R. A small timer appears at the edge of the screen.
- Do your task. Press Win + Alt + M if you want your voice included.
- Press Win + Alt + R again to stop. A message says the clip was recorded.
- Find the MP4 file by opening File Explorer, then Videos, then Captures.
The first time, Windows may ask you to allow recording. If nothing happens at all, open Settings, then Gaming, and make sure the Game Bar is turned on.
Shortcut key for screen recording in Windows 11 with Snipping Tool
On an updated Windows 11, Win + Shift + R opens the Snipping Tool in video mode. Drag a box over the area, click Start, and click Stop when you are done. A preview opens where you can save the video. This is the better choice when you need the desktop, File Explorer or several windows in one clip, which the Game Bar cannot record.
If Win + Shift + R does nothing, update the Snipping Tool from the Microsoft Store, or open Snipping Tool and pick the video camera icon. The photo version of this tool is covered on the Snipping Tool shortcut page.
Which recorder to use
| You want to record | Use |
|---|---|
| A presentation, browser lesson or game | Win + Alt + R |
| The desktop or File Explorer | Win + Shift + R |
| Your voice with the video | Either; in Game Bar press Win + Alt + M |
| A quick picture, not a video | Win + Shift + S, see the screenshot shortcut key |
Screen recording shortcut key in laptop problems
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Win + Alt + R does nothing on the desktop | Game Bar does not record the desktop; open an app or use Snipping Tool |
| Recording is off in Settings | Settings, then Gaming, then Captures: allow recording |
| Video has no sound | Check the microphone toggle and the audio setting in Captures |
| Message says the PC does not meet requirements | Older graphics hardware; use Snipping Tool video instead |
| Keys used by another program | Close screen tools that change Windows key shortcuts |
These are the same on desktops and laptops; the windows recording shortcut uses only letter keys, so the Fn key is not involved.
Recording on a Mac
Press Command + Shift + 5 to open the Mac capture toolbar. Choose Record Entire Screen or Record Selected Portion, then click Record. Stop with the button in the menu bar, or press Command + Control + Esc. See the Mac screenshot and recording guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut key for screen recording in Windows 10?
What is the screen recorder shortcut key in Windows 11?
Where are screen recordings saved?
Game Bar clips go to Videos, then Captures. Snipping Tool videos are saved from the preview window, by default in Videos, then Screen Recordings.
Why can't I record my desktop with Win + Alt + R?
Game Bar records apps only. Use Win + Shift + R instead.
How do I record my voice too?
Press Win + Alt + M during a Game Bar recording, or turn on the microphone in Snipping Tool.