How To Screen Record WITH AUDIO on Windows PC For FREE (FAST & EASY)
Learn how to screen record with internal audio on a Windows PC for free. Follow our step-by-step guide using the Snipping Tool, OBS Studio, and bonus tips.
Key Takeaways
The Best Free Way to Screen Record with Audio on Windows
Recording your screen along with your computer's internal audio used to require complicated software setups, but Microsoft has recently made the process incredibly easy and painless.
Whether you are creating a tutorial, recording a presentation, or saving a snippet of a video, you can capture both your screen and system audio completely for free using built-in Windows tools.
Here is the step-by-step guide on how to screen record on your PC, along with a few bonus tips to elevate the quality of your videos.
How to Screen Record Using the Windows Snipping Tool
For most modern Windows setups, the built-in Snipping Tool is the fastest and easiest way to record your screen and capture internal audio.
Step 1: Open the Snipping Tool
Press the keyboard shortcut . This instantly opens the Snipping Tool overlay at the top of your screen.
FAQ
Why does my Windows screen recording look washed out or too bright?
If your screen recordings are coming out looking heavily washed out, it is likely because you have HDR enabled on your monitor. To fix this issue, simply right-click on your desktop, navigate to Display Settings, and turn off HDR before you start your recording.
What file format does the Windows Snipping Tool use for screen recordings?
When you record your screen using the Windows Snipping Tool, the final video is saved as an . Once you finish recording, you can click the Save (disk) icon to select your destination folder and export the MP4.
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Use the Windows Snipping Tool (Windows + Shift + R) to quickly capture your screen along with your microphone and internal system audio.
Disable HDR in Display Settings before you start recording to prevent your captured video from looking heavily washed out.
For Windows 10 users, use the Xbox Game Bar (Windows + Alt + R) or download the free, professional-grade OBS Studio as an alternative.
Install Microsoft PowerToys and use the Mouse Highlighter utility (Windows + Shift + H) to clearly show viewers exactly where you are clicking during tutorials.
Elevate your content by using Envato Elements to access unlimited stock media, video templates, background music, and AI generation tools.
Windows + Shift + R
Step 2: Select Your Recording Area
At the top of the Snipping Tool menu, you will see a camera icon (for screenshots) and a video camera icon (for screen recording).
Make sure the Screen Record (video camera) icon is selected.
Click and drag your mouse to select the region of your screen you want to record. You can select a specific window or capture your entire screen.
Step 3: Set Up Microphone and System Audio
Before you hit record, you need to configure your audio settings:
Microphone Audio: Click the microphone icon at the top to select your connected microphone if you want to add voiceover.
System Audio (Internal Computer Audio): By default, the option to capture your internal computer audio is turned on. You can toggle this on or off by clicking the system audio icon next to the microphone. Leave it switched on to capture internal audio.
Step 4: Start and Stop Recording
When you are ready, click Start. The tool will give you a 3-second countdown before the recording begins.
To end your recording, simply click the Stop button on the recording overlay at the top of your screen.
How to Edit and Save Your Recording
Once you click stop, your recording will automatically open in a new Snipping Tool window. From here, you have a few options:
Trim the Video: Click the Trim button to easily cut out unwanted dead space at the beginning or end of your recording.
Advanced Editing: If you want to add text, transitions, or effects, you can click to open your recording directly in Clipchamp, Windows' built-in video editor.
Save the File: When you are happy with the recording, click the Disk (Save) icon at the top right, choose your destination folder (like your Desktop), and save your MP4 file.
Crucial Tip for Success: Turn Off HDR!
If you have HDR turned on for your monitor, your screen recordings may end up looking heavily washed out. To fix this, right-click your desktop, go to Display Settings, and turn off HDR before you start recording.
What if You Are Using Windows 10?
The screen recording feature in the Snipping Tool is primarily available on modern Windows updates. If you are on Windows 10 and don't see the video option in the Snipping Tool, try these alternatives:
Xbox Game Bar: Press Windows + Alt + R to instantly start a screen recording using the built-in Xbox Game Bar.
OBS Studio (Recommended): If the Game Bar doesn't work well on your computer, your best option is to download OBS Studio. It is a completely free, professional-grade screen recording and broadcasting program. If you need help setting it up, check out this full OBS Studio Tutorial.
Bonus Tip #1: Highlight Your Mouse Clicks
If you are recording tutorials, it is incredibly helpful for viewers to see exactly where you are clicking. You can add a yellow highlight to your mouse clicks using a free Microsoft utility.
Open the Microsoft Store on your PC, search for PowerToys (all one word), and install Microsoft PowerToys.
Open PowerToys, navigate to the left menu, click Mouse utilities, and scroll down to Mouse Highlighter. Make sure it is switched on.
You can toggle the highlighter on and off using the shortcut Windows + Shift + H.
Recommended Customization:
By default, the highlighter dots stay on the screen too long and are a bit small. To fix this:
Expand the Appearance and behavior tab.
Change the Fade delay from 500ms to 0 (so it disappears instantly).
Change the Radius from 20 pixels to 40 pixels (so the dot is twice as big).
Press Enter to commit the changes.
Bonus Tip #2: Elevate Your Videos with Premium Resources
If you are using these screen recordings to create content for YouTube or client videos, having access to high-quality media assets is a game-changer.
Envato Elements is an incredible resource for content creators. A single, affordable monthly subscription gives you unlimited downloads of:
Stock video and photos
Background music and sound effects
Video templates (titles, lower thirds, and transitions) for your editing software
They also have baked-in generative AI tools, allowing you to generate custom images, video, music, and even AI voiceovers if you don't want to narrate the videos yourself. (Note: This is an affiliate link. Using it may support the creator at no extra cost to you).
Quick Reference: Screen Recording Shortcuts
Action
Keyboard Shortcut
Open Snipping Tool
Windows + Shift + R
Start Xbox Game Bar Recording
Windows + Alt + R
Toggle Mouse Highlighter*
Windows + Shift + H
*Requires the free Microsoft PowerToys app to be installed and running.
If you are looking for even more ways to upgrade your content creation setup, check out this guide on 10 Free Tools for YouTube Videos next!
MP4 file
Can I record my microphone and internal computer audio at the same time?
Yes! The Windows Snipping Tool allows you to capture both your voice and the system's internal audio completely for free. Before you click start, just make sure both the microphone icon and the system audio icon are toggled on in the recording overlay.
How do I show or highlight mouse clicks when screen recording on Windows?
To make it easier for viewers to see where you are clicking during a tutorial, you can use a free app called Microsoft PowerToys. Once installed, navigate to Mouse utilities, turn on Mouse Highlighter, and use the shortcut Windows + Shift + H to toggle the click highlights on and off while recording.
What is the best free alternative to the Snipping Tool for Windows 10 users?
If you are on an older version of Windows 10 that doesn't support video recording in the Snipping Tool, you can use the built-in Xbox Game Bar by pressing Windows + Alt + R. For a more robust, professional-grade alternative, OBS Studio is highly recommended. You can learn how to set it up by watching this OBS Studio Tutorial.
