What to know
- Record screen using Snipping Tool: Open the Snipping Tool app from the Start menu. Now click the Camera icon > New > Select Region > Start. This will begin recording the selected region. When done, click Stop.
- Requirements: Available for Windows Insiders only (as of March 02, 2023).
The Snipping Tool is an amazing native Windows tool that lets you take screenshots and save them in a snap. Recently, Microsoft has further improved the Snipping Tool to include screen recording capabilities as well.
Though it’s still a minimalist tool that lacks editing options, the added screen recording feature is a step in the right direction. Here’s what you need to know to start using it to record your screen on Windows.
Screen record using Snipping Tool: Requirements
There are a few requirements to use the screen recording feature in the Snipping Tool for now. Here’s all you need to use the new screen recording feature in the Snipping Tool.
- Windows Insider Program: You need to be enrolled in the Windows Insider Program as this version of the Snipping Tool is currently only available to Windows Insiders, be it the Dev channel or the Beta channel.
- Snipping tool v11.2212.24.0 or higher: This was the first version of Snipping Tool, which introduced the ability to screen record to select users as a preview. Once you are enrolled in the Insider program, you will need Snipping Tool v11.2212.24.0 or higher to record your screen.
To learn how to be a part of the Windows Insider Program and receive the latest updates and features before they’re available to the general public, check out our guide on How to download Windows 11 Insider Build.
Screen record using Snipping Tool: Step-by-step guide
Unlike screenshot taking which can be accessed with the Win+Shift+S shortcut, you need to open the Snipping Tool app first to start screen recording. Here’s how to go about the whole process:
Press Start, type Snipping Tool, and start the app.
The Snipping Tool will open up in a small window. Here, click on the ‘Record’ icon at the top and switch to screen recording.
Now, click on New to start a new recording.
This will cause the screen to fade out, and you will see a small record window at the top. Use the cursor to select the portion of the screen that you want to record.
Then click on Start to begin recording the screen.
You will see a 3-second countdown before the recording begins. Once it starts, the recording can be paused and resumed by clicking on the pause/play button in the recording toolbox.
If you want to discard the recording, click on the trashcan icon.
To save your recording, click on the red button.
You will be able to preview your video before saving it. Here, click on the save icon on top to do so.
You will be asked where you want to save the recorded video. The default location will be the ‘Videos’ folder. Click on Save to save the recorded video.
Your recorded screen will be in the saved location.
FAQs
Let’s take a look at a few commonly asked queries about the screen record feature in the Snipping Tool.
Can I screen record with Snipping Tool?
Yes, screen recording is a new Snipping Tool feature that lets you record and save whatever’s happening in the selection portion of your screen. However, as of now, it’s only available for those who’re part of the Windows Insider program.
Where are Snipping Tool screenshots and videos saved?
The default location for screenshots taken with the Snipping Tool is the ‘Screenshots’ folder in ‘Pictures’. The complete location is – C:\Users\(username)\Pictures\Screenshots. For screen recording, Snipping Tool will ask you where you want to save the video, though the default folder presented at the time of saving is the ‘Videos’ folder.
What is the format for videos recorded with the Snipping Tool?
Videos recorded with the Snipping Tool are saved in MP4 format.
The screen recording feature is a welcome addition to the Snipping Tool. Though it doesn’t provide a lot of editing options, the convenience of having a native tool that lets you record your screen cannot be understated.
For the moment, you will also need to be a Windows Insider to get access to it. And, if you have the required Windows build, you can ditch your third-party screen-capturing app for the Snipping Tool. So, what’re you waiting for? Snip away!
