How to record part of your screen on Windows

Updated September 24, 2026

On Windows 11, Snipping Tool can record an area you select and save it as a video file. On Windows 10, Snipping Tool only takes screenshots, and Xbox Game Bar records a whole app window rather than an area, so you need another app. Clipiao works on both: press Ctrl + Shift + 5, drag a box, and a link to the recording is copied when you finish.

Which tool fits

Tool	Windows 10	Windows 11	Pick an area	Share link
Clipiao	Yes	Yes	Yes	Copied automatically
Snipping Tool	Screenshots only	Yes	Yes	No, saves a file
Xbox Game Bar	Yes	Yes	No, one app window	No, saves a file
ShareX	Yes	Yes	Yes	If you set up where it uploads

Method 1: Clipiao (Windows 10 and 11)

Install Clipiao and sign in.
Press Ctrl + Shift + 5 and drag a box. Recording starts when you let go.
Use the toolbar to add your computer's sound, your microphone or a webcam bubble.
Press the check when you're done. The link is copied, ready to paste.

Nothing is left on your computer: the clip goes straight to your link. Free clips can be up to 1 minute at 60 FPS.

Method 2: Snipping Tool (Windows 11)

Open Snipping Tool from the Start menu.
Switch to Record (the video camera icon) and click New.
Drag a box around the area, choose whether to include sound and your microphone, and click Start.
Click Stop. The recording opens in Snipping Tool, where you can save it, share it through the Windows Share menu, or edit it in Clipchamp.

Snipping Tool on Windows 10 can't record video.

Method 3: Xbox Game Bar (whole window)

Open the app or game you want to record.
Press Win + Alt + R to start recording, and the same keys to stop.

Game Bar records the whole window of one app, not an area you choose, and it can't record the desktop or File Explorer.

Method 4: ShareX

ShareX is free and open source, with area recording to MP4 or GIF and many other capture modes. It doesn't host files itself: to get a link, you connect it to a destination such as Dropbox, an FTP server or cloud storage. See Clipiao vs ShareX.

Try Clipiao free. Record part of your screen and paste the link.

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Questions

Can Windows 10 record part of the screen without an app?

Not an area you choose. Snipping Tool on Windows 10 only takes screenshots, and Xbox Game Bar records a whole app window. An app like Clipiao or ShareX records an area.

What's the shortcut to record part of the screen?

In Clipiao it's Ctrl + Shift + 5, and you can change it in Settings. Xbox Game Bar uses Win + Alt + R, but it records a whole window.

Can I record my computer's sound?

Yes. Clipiao records the sound your computer plays with the speaker button, and your voice with the mic button. Snipping Tool on Windows 11 can record both too.