16 Best Free Screen Recorders for Windows 11

Looking for a Windows 11 screen recorder? Try the one from Movavi!


  • Record your screen and webcam
  • Capture system and microphone audio
  • Schedule your recordings
  • Draw and annotate while recording

Edited by Ben Jacklin
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You might require a screen recorder for your Windows 11 PC for various reasons, like online classes and meetings. Here are some of the best screen recorders for Windows 11 you can choose from.

Here’s what Movavi’s team does to provide you with verified information:

  • When selecting products to include in our reviews, we research both demand and popularity.

  • All products mentioned in this article have been tested by Movavi Content Team.

  • When testing, we aim to highlight the best features of a product and what it’s best suited for.

  • We study user reviews from popular review platforms and make use of this information when writing our product reviews.

  • We collect feedback from our users and analyze their opinions of Movavi software as well as products from other companies.

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Best screen recorders for Windows 11 free to download

Movavi Screen Recorder

Best for: easy-to-use UI

If you need a Windows 11 screen recorder, you can try Movavi Screen Recorder. It's considered by many users as one of the best screen recorders for Windows 11 on the market. You can use this software to capture from a webcam, make screencasts, and record multiple streams at once. Also, you can take screenshots with the help of Movavi Screen Recorder. It can make your task of recording the screen much easier. The UI of this application is simple and easy to use. Even if you are a beginner with screen recordings, you will not find any difficulty with this. The only drawback of this application is the certain limitations with the free trial version. Overall, it is a great screen recorder for Windows 11 with audio for hassle-free screen recording.

Key features:

Pros:

  • Easy to set up and use due to simple and intuitive interface

  • Upload your videos to YouTube and Google Drive right from the app to streamline your work environment

  • Runs smoothly on any Windows or Mac computer

Cons:

  • Use all program features without limitations with any subscription plan

Xbox Game Bar

Best for: recording gameplay

Xbox Game Bar is a free screen recorder for Windows 11 that is mainly used for recording gameplay. But you can also use it to record all kinds of videos on your PC. You can capture system audio and video at once. It belongs to the team of the tools with an audio-recording facility. The interface is not that complex: you can access plenty of widgets to ease your task of recording and sharing. This screen recorder for Windows 11 has shortcuts, too. You will have to keep in mind that Xbox Game Bar is primarily for gaming. It might not be perfect for you if you want universal screen-recording software for Windows 11. If you want a screen recorder for Windows 11 with a free download, Xbox Game Bar can meet your needs.

Key features:

  • Screen capture apart from recording games
  • Audio recording

Download Xbox Game Bar

Pros:

  • Easy to use

  • A built-in tool

  • Simple UI

Cons:

  • The interface might lag at times

  • Performance is not constant

OBS Studio

Best for: HD recording

OBS Studio acts like a two-in-one application – a screen recorder for Windows 11 with a video-editing feature. With the help of this screen video recorder, users can record the screen and microphone or mix the two. You can also include footage from games and add still images. With OBS Studio, you can capture a portion of the screen or the entire window in HD. This computer screen recorder comes with no restriction on recording length despite being free software. You can also do livestreaming on YouTube or Twitch. As the software records from the graphics card, you can capture games in full-screen mode. Also, there are customizable hotkeys to control your recording. Overall, OBS Studio is one of the best Windows 11 screen recorders with audio on the market.

Key features:

  • Full-screen gameplay capture

  • HD recording

  • Livestraming feature

Download OBS Studio

Pros:

  • Two-in-one tool

  • No recording length limitations

  • No ads

  • No watermark

Cons:

  • Setup takes time

  • Lack of technical support

VideoProc Converter AI

Best for: HD screen recording and quick editing

  • Price:

    free trial; plans start from $25.95/year for 3 PCs

  • Capterra rating:

VideoProc Converter AI is a comprehensive multimedia video suite that enables you to record, download, convert, compress, edit any videos on Windows and Mac. With a powerful HD screen recorder, it can effortlessly capture various screen activities, including desktop actions, webcam footage, gameplay sessions, live streams, video conferences, video calls, etc. Notably, it delivers crisp and high-resolution recordings, ensuring that every detail on your screen is accurately captured. This is particularly important when you want to create professional-looking videos or share important visual information with others.

Moreover, it goes beyond screen recording, offering powerful and easy-to-use AI tools to enhance and upscale recorded videos to 4K. Besides, you can use the app to download videos from 1000+ regular sites & 2000+ niches sites, convert video to MP4/MP3, compress large videos by 90%, remove noise, digitize DVDs, and more. 

Key features:

  • Multiple recording modes: full screen, partial screen, webcam, PiP, green screen.

  • Record in HD and save videos in MP4, MOV, MKV, FLV, TS for all scenarios.

  • Flexible to record microphone, system sound, and audio from any source.

  • Full control over recording area, duration, output format, quality, and audio settings.

  • Handy hotkeys to start and end recording, enable annotation and drawing tools.

  • AI quality enhancer to upscale low-res recordings to 4K and boost smooth high FPS.

  • Performs smoothly and won’t interfere with other apps while recording.

Download VideoProc Converter AI

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface and workflow

  • Lightweight, safe, no time limits

  • Cut, merge, crop, convert, and resize in one stop

  • Great value for money

Cons:

  • Not compatible with Linux

ScreenRec

Best for: sending video messages to co-workers

ScreenRec is an easy and reliable screen recording solution, especially for those operating on Windows 11. Due to its simple interface, it is an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced users. ScreenRec allows you to capture video from your screen, record from a webcam, and even capture audio streams simultaneously. Its standout feature is the ability to record in high-definition (up to 4K @ 120 FPS), ensuring your screencasts and tutorials are of the highest quality. Another notable feature is its cloud storage integration, allowing you to save and share your recordings instantly. Despite being a free tool, ScreenRec doesn’t compromise on functionality, offering features like one-click recording and instant private sharing links. The main limitation lies in its lack of video editing tools.

Key features:

  • Record high-definition video and audio from your screen and webcam
  • Instantly share your videos with a unique link
  • Capture screenshots with a single click and annotate them
  • Lightweight and fast, with no lag in recording
  • 2 GB of free cloud storage for easy access and sharing of recordings

Download ScreenRec

Pros:

  • Completely free with no watermarks or time limits

  • User-friendly interface, suitable for beginners

  • Webcam and audio recording make it ideal for tutorials and presentations

  • Instant sharing capabilities help you send videos to anyone instantly

Cons:

  • No video editing features available

Aiseesoft Screen Recorder

Best for: screenshot editing
  • Price:

    free trial version, $62.45 for the full version

  • TopSevenReviews rating:

Aiseesoft Screen Recorder is an all-in-one screen recorder for a PC on Windows 11 which can record and save activities on your computer screen. It can save a lecture, help you create a tutorial for your friends and coworkers, and even record gameplay while you’re playing. However, what makes the app stand out from the list is making informative screenshots with arrows, highlights, and even drawings. Just get the trial version and check it out!

Key features:

  • Recording screen activities

  • Saving gameplay

  • Drawing on screenshots

  • Capturing smartphone screen from a computer

Download Aiseesoft Screen Recorder

Pros:

  • Simple interface

  • Keyboard shortcuts support

  • Flexible screenshot editing

Cons:

  • The trial version limits the recording time to 3 minutes

Action! – Screen and Game Recorder

Best for: beginner-friendly streaming

For a gamer who appreciates high FPS and performance, Action! is one of the go-to choices. Even if you’re new to Let’s Plays and streams, the app will help you succeed and produce best-quality videos. With Action!, producing video game content is simple and enjoyable. This screen recorder for Windows 11 with audio is free to download but offers more functionality in the full version.

Key features:

  • Streaming to Twitch, YouTube, etc.
  • Saving videos to desktop directly in MP4
  • Controlling the stream and the recording through your smartphone

Download Action!

Pros:

  • 120 FPS gameplay capture

  • Low CPU usage

  • Convenient and modern-looking interface

Cons:

  • Watermarks in the free trial

Recordzilla

Best for: Autopan mode
  • Price:

    free trial version, $29.95 for the full version

  • Amazon rating:

Recordzilla was designed by Softdiv Software and is another Windows 11 screen recorder with audio. What’s special about it is the Autopan feature. It makes the recorded area follow your cursor. So, if you want to record a tutorial to a program where every mouse action matters, Recordzilla will be able to provide the most detailed imaging.

Key features:

  • Recording desktop activities

  • Scheduling when the capture starts and ends

  • Drawing on screen

  • Auto-splitting lengthy videos for easier watching

Download Recordzilla

Pros:

  • Small file size

  • Hotkeys available

  • Autopan mode, in which the recorded area follows your mouse

Cons:

  • The interface may look dated

CamStudio

Best for: screen captions

CamStudio is a versatile program to record your screen seamlessly on Windows 11. All your recordings will convert to AVI files, which you can change to SWFs. This free video capture software is a great choice to make product demonstrations. The most attractive feature of this tool is the scope of adding text captions to all your recordings. You can also do so with audio if you require. The recordings are high in quality, mainly because of the lossless codec of the tool. It can help produce sharp videos without using too much storage space. CamStudio offers various recording options and features regardless of being a free tool. You can record one portion of the screen, record the whole screen, and select custom cursors. Users can also adjust the video quality according to the file size they need.

Key features:

  • Basic editing tools

  • Recording a portion of the screen or full screen

  • Easy screen captions

Download CamStudio

Pros:

  • Sharp video recordings

  • Video quality adjustments

Cons:

  • Not suitable for recording for a long time

ScreenPal

Best for: zoom while recording

ScreenPal (previously Screencast-O-Matic) is a great screen recorder for Windows 11 that runs in a browser. Despite being a browser screen recorder, it is quite capable of basic recording needs. But the length of recordings comes with a restriction of fifteen minutes. The best thing about this screen-recording tool is that you can zoom in as you record. You can also record as many clips as you want. You might call it a basic screen recorder, but it allows users to trim videos, add necessary captions, and then save them on a PC. You can share your recordings using a simple link. Another feature worth mentioning is a royalty-free music tracks you can add to your recordings.

With ScreenPal, you can either capture a portion of your screen or the whole screen. You can also record from a webcam or screen and audio from a microphone or a PC. You can upgrade to a Deluxe account to get additional features, such as drawing, scripted recordings, annotations, a video editor, etc. If you go for the free version, you will have to deal with the watermark on your recordings.

Key features:

  • Editing tools

  • Annotation feature

  • Royalty-free audio tracks

Download ScreenPal

Pros:

  • Very easy to use

  • No watermark with the paid version

Cons:

  • Costly according to the features

  • Recording restrictions with the free version

Windows’ built-in Snipping Tool

Best for: basic screen recording

The Windows Snipping Tool, traditionally known for screenshot capture, has gained new functionality in Windows 11: screen recording. The application comes pre-installed with the operating system, eliminating the need for third-party downloads. You can also get the Snipping Tool from the Microsoft Store.

The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 allows users to easily record specific segments or their entire screen. While it swiftly saves recordings in MP4 format and facilitates direct sharing, it does not support in-app video editing or voice-overs.

For those, users can turn to Windows' built-in editing tool, Chipchamp. Despite its limitations, the Snipping Tool remains a reliable option for uncomplicated screen captures on Windows 11.

To access the Snipping Tool on Windows 11, search for it in the Start menu. Once open, click Record followed by New and select your desired screen area. Then hit Start, which begins a 3-second countdown. Pressing Stop to complete the process. You can now copy, share, or save your recording – usually to the Videos folder.

Key features:

  • Comes pre-installed with Windows 11
  • Allows specific portion recording or full-screen
  • Recordings saved in MP4 format
  • Intuitive user interface

Download Windows 11 Snipping Tool

Pros:

  • No additional downloads required

  • Simple and user-friendly

  • Allows sharing and saving options post-recording

  • Quick access via the Start menu

Cons:

  • No audio recording capability

  • Absence of a “Spotlight” feature

  • Lacks direct keyboard shortcut for video recording

  • Only supports MP4 format

Online Windows 11 screen recorders with audio

Screencapture.com

Best for: superb privacy

Screencapture.com is a web-based screen and audio recorder that is pretty basic and easy to use. You don’t need to install any kind of extra plugins or software. If you want a screen recorder that won’t use up system storage space, Screencapture.com is a great choice. It allows users to record from the webcam and other screen activities in HD without hassle. You can also record the system and microphone audio with a click. The best thing about this screen recorder for Windows 11 is that you can keep all your recordings private and extremely secure. Note that the free version comes with a watermark. If you want to record without a watermark, you will need to go for the premium version.

Key features:

  • Screen and webcam capture

  • HD recording

Go to Screencapture.com

Pros:

  • No extra downloads

  • Easy to use

  • Great security

Cons:

  • Basic features

Notta

Best for: Online video recording, transcribing and summarizing

Notta stands out as a top-tier screen recording software for Windows 11, renowned for its seamless video transcription and summarization capabilities. This handy tool supports screen recording along with camera and audio. It has an intuitive interface that makes screen recording absolutely convenient.

Notta also comes with AI-powered transcription service, claims accuracy of up to 98.86%, making it a formidable tool for automated transcription.The recordings and transcripts can also be exported in in multiple formats, including MP3 (audio), MP4 (video), SRT, TXT, DOCX, PDF, and EXCEL. Moreover, Notta features itself with an AI summarizer, which synthesizes lengthy meetings into concise summaries, helping users efficiently focus on essential information. With Notta, you can organize your recordings all-in-one place.

Key features:

  • Record video and audio online, no software download required

  • Download the recordings to MP3 or MP4 formats

  • Transcribe the spoken words into text with ease

  • Summarize your recordings with AI

Go to Notta

Pros:

  • Easy-to-use

  • 50+ Languages support

  • High accuracy

  • Easily export your recording

  • Share your recording and transcripts with a link

Cons:

  • Free Notta plan is limited

VEED.IO

Best for: extra features

VEED.IO is a free online screen recorder for Windows 11 that comes with additional features to take your recordings up a notch. You simply need to install the Chrome browser extension to use it. With VEED.IO, you can record your screen and webcam together or the screen on its own, plus choose among a list of layouts to make your recording more engaging. VEED.IO may be ideal for presenters as it offers a pen tool and sticky notes that are useful for lectures.

Aside from that, the app also lets you schedule a recording and livestream to your chosen social media platform. You can also enjoy basic editing tools, like trimming, with the paid version. Overall, this simple screen recorder gets plus points for providing basic screen capabilities and extra tools to make your recording more dynamic.

Key features:

  • Screen and webcam capture

  • Countdown timer and mirror mode

  • Filters and layouts

Go to VEED.IO

Pros:

  • User-friendly

  • Many bonus features

  • 720p recordings in the free version

Cons:

  • Watermark on the free version

  • Free version only exports videos of up to 10 minutes in length and 50 MB in size

Free screen recorders for Windows 11 with audio: Extensions

Movavi Screen Recorder for Chrome

Best for: recording in Chrome with audio

If you want to use Movavi Screen Recorder without downloading it to your computer, you can try the Chrome browser extension instead. It has all the highlight features of the main software built into a simple interface for easy access on your browser. 
Aside from capturing your screen and webcam, this screen recorder for Windows 11 also allows you to record as high as 60 frames per second. What’s more, one of the extension's most significant advantages is that it offers an unlimited number and length of recordings with the free version.

The browser extension itself has simple settings and doesn’t require any registration. The only caveat is that your videos will have the Movavi watermark. Also, unlike the main software, the extension version does not give options to edit your recordings. 

Key features:

  • Record your screen, webcam, and sound

  • Capture a tab or an entire screen

Add Movavi Screen Recorder to Chrome

Pros:

  • Unlimited recordings

  • Secure recording

  • 60 FPS capabilities

Cons:

  • Free version comes with a watermark

  • No editing options

Loom

Best for: various recording options

Loom is one of the easiest-to-use software to record screens that’s perfect for presentations and educational video messages. Users can create demonstrations, tutorials, training videos, etc. The screen recorder for Windows 11 will let you capture your whole screen, voice, and webcam. You can also share your recordings instantly with anyone you like. Loom also sends notifications when anyone reacts or comments on your videos. You can create a Loom account and access the same across various devices. The tool allows screen recording in 720p, 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. You can add camera frames, blurring effects, and different backgrounds with the help of the video editor.

Key features:

  • Multiple recording options

  • Built-in video editor

Add Loom to Chrome

Pros:

  • Easy-to-use and free

  • Perfect for presentations

  • No excess load on system storage

Cons:

  • The interface lags at times

Nimbus Screenshot & Screen Video Recorder

Best for: easy online capture

Nimbus Screenshot & Screen Video Recorder is another free recording software for your browser that you can use without signing up for an account. While it has solid recording capabilities, it also boasts a handy screenshot tool that not many other apps offer. Additionally, you can trim and crop your videos, as well as convert them into any of the formats supported.

Nimbus Screenshot & Screen Video Recorder is great for beginners looking for a quick online recording tool, thanks to its simple interface and options to set keyboard shortcuts. Despite being a browser extension only, Nimbus does offer email support and a help desk. There’s also no need to worry about security as the app is compliant with most government privacy protection guidelines. 

Key features:

  • Screenshot feature

  • Trim and crop function

  • Privacy compliance

Add Nimbus Screenshot & Screen Video Recorder to Chrome

Pros:

  • Useful screenshot tool

  • Intuitive user interface

  • Fast processing

Cons:

  • Limited features for the free version

  • Reports of audio sync issues

How to screen record in Movavi Screen Recorder

Movavi Screen Recorder is a versatile screen recorder for Windows 11 that you can try for free. With this program, you can record your screen, webcam, voice, and system audio, add annotations while recording, and schedule your future recording sessions. Follow these steps to record your screen on a Windows 11 PC:

Step 1. Download and install the software

Download Movavi Screen Recorder and follow the installation instructions. Once the program is installed, launch it. 

In Settings, you can add effects like Show cursor on recording, Highlight cursor, and more.

Step 2. Select the recording area of your screen

Click Start recording and select the area you want to capture: your entire screen, a window, a portion of the screen.

Step 3. Tweak the recording settings and start recording

Depending on what you want to record, activate/deactivate the webcam, mic, and system audio recording. Then click the REC button.

Step 4. Stop the recording process

When you’ve captured everything you wanted, click Stop.

Step 5. Edit and/or convert the resulting video

Use the Cut and Delete buttons to get rid of unwanted parts of the recording.

All videos are recorded in MKV in Movavi Screen Recorder, but you can export the video in any format you like: MP4, AVI, MOV, even GIF. Click the Export button, select the desired format, and hit Save.

How to choose the best screen video recorder for Windows 11

Here are some tips that will assist you in getting the best free screen recorder for Windows 11.

  • Price: there are screen video recorders for Windows 11 that come for free and recorders that come quite pricey. It is always good to get an application that fits within your budget. Also, the price that you pay should provide you with the necessary tools or features. Try to opt for an application that comes with a free trial option. It will let you ensure that it fits your requirements before committing.
  • Features: the majority of screen recorders come with loads of features. But that is not always a great thing. Too many features might slow down your workflow and also create confusion. You have to be sure that the application you choose comes with all your required features. For instance, if you need to record from your screen and web browser simultaneously, find an application that comes with such a feature.
  • Usability: choosing an application with a complicated UI can easily hamper your work. Opt for an application that is easy to use. It’s important to check out all the application features first. If you cannot decide, you can look online for user reviews.
  • Support: a good application always comes with great support. It is always a superb idea to ensure that your application provides user support. It could be useful in all those instances when you cannot understand a feature or get stuck somewhere while using the application. Free screen recording software for Windows 11 doesn’t usually have customer support, while paid tools are likely to offer it.

Program

Platform

Best for

Download

Desktop

Recording gameplay

Summary

Today, you can find various screen recorders for Windows 11, and each comes with varying features. It is necessary to be sure of your needs before choosing one. If you cannot decide which tool to opt for, you can choose any from the list of applications above.

Movavi Screen Recorder

The perfect way to record anything from your screen

Disclaimer: Please be aware that Movavi Screen Recorder does not allow capture of copy-protected video and audio streams.

Movavi Screen Recorder

Frequently asked questions

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What features to look for when choosing the best free screen recorder for Windows 11?

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Movavi Screen Recorder

The perfect way to record anything from your screen

An easy way to record from your screen in HD. Make video footage of any application, record online streaming video, webinars, even Skype calls, and save clips in all popular formats.

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