Contents

Part 1. Easy Way to Screen Record on Windows Without Game Bar
Part 2. Screen Record on Windows Using Snipping Tool
Part 3. How to Screen Record on Windows 10/11 with OBS
Part 4. FAQs of Screen Recording on Windows 11/10 Without Game Bar

Top 3 Ways to Screen Record on Windows 11/10 Without Game Bar

February 06, 2026Maya Bennett

How to screen record on Windows without Game Bar?

The built-in Xbox Game Bar in Windows 10 and 11 is excellent for quick captures. It is primarily designed to record short clips of games or apps. However, this recorder comes with some significant drawbacks. For instance, it cannot record the empty desktop or File Explorer and lacks basic video editing tools. It can cause lag or stuttering during recording, especially in high-performance games. What’s more, many users have reported the “Xbox Game Bar recording failed” notification.

Whatever the reason, if you are unsatisfied with Xbox Game Bar and prefer another recording solution, check out the three methods below.

Part 1. Easy Way to Screen Record on Windows 11/10 Without Xbox Game Bar

If you need to record your Windows desktop in high quality, such as 4K or higher, especially when creating lengthy tutorials, dedicated screen recording software is often the best choice.

Aiseesoft Screen Recorder is a reputable video and audio recording tool for both Windows 11/10 and macOS users. This multifunctional software offers several solutions for different recording needs. It can capture screens, games, webcam videos, photo activities, and more.

Downloads

Aiseesoft Screen Recorder

Record full screen, active window, or selected region.
Capture high-definition video recordings, even up to 4K and 8K.
Capture high-quality sound from system audio, microphone, or both.
Allow to add text, lines, arrows, etc., to your recordings and edit them.

Free DownloadFor Windows

100% Secure. No Ads.

Free DownloadFor macOS

100% Secure. No Ads.

Screen Record on Windows Without Game Bar Using Aiseesoft

Step 1.

Download, install, and open the recorder software on your Windows 11 or 10 computer. Start with the Video Recorder to capture your screen. You can click the “Video Recorder” mode in the top-left corner to access more recorders, such as Audio Recorder, Game Recorder, Webcam Recorder, Phone Recorder, and others.

Step 2.

Use the Custom option to select your recording area. You can capture your Windows computer with full screen, fixed screen dimensions (1080p, 2K, 4K, or higher), or a custom region based on your needs. Turn on Full if you want to record the entire screen.

Step 3.

Select your audio recording source by toggling the System Sound and Microphone options. This screen recorder is designed with microphone noise reduction and enhancement features to ensure you capture clear and high-quality narration.

Step 4.

Click the REC button to begin recording on your Windows PC. As mentioned, you can freely add text, lines, arrows, and other elements during recording. Moreover, you can preview the recorded video, edit it, and export it in a desired format, such as MP4 or MOV.

Part 2. Learn to Screen Record on Windows 11/10 Without Game Bar Using Snipping Tool

Besides the Xbox Game Bar, there is another native Windows tool that can capture the computer screen. If you only need general records, the updated Snipping Tool in Windows 11 might be sufficient. It lets you quickly record any part of your screen.

Step 1.

Using the Snipping Tool to screen record on Windows 11 is simple. You can press Win + Shift + R keys to open the built-in recorder and display its recording overlay.

Step 2.

Click the Record button and then choose New. You will see a selection box on the screen. Drag to customize your recording area or select a specific active window. To capture, click the Start button.

Screen Record On Laptop With Snipping Tool

Part 3. Learn to Screen Record on Windows 11/10 Without Game Bar Using OBS

If you are looking for a free screen recorder with more customization options and professional results, turn to the open-source OBS Studio. The software enables users to capture complex scenes from multiple sources. However, compared to Aiseesoft Screen Recorder and many other similar recorders, it has a steeper learning curve.

Step 1.

Download the latest OBS version from its official website. When you get to the product page, you will see a suitable version for your system. Download, install, and launch it. Before recording, you need to add a new scene by clicking + in the Scenes box.

Step 2.

Similarly, you need to add a new source for the screen recording on your Windows PC. Click + in Sources and then choose the Display Capture option. If you are recording games, you should set the Game Capture as the source.

Step 3.

In the Sources panel, you also need to select and configure audio. Add Desktop Audio to record internal audio and Audio Input Capture to capture sound from your microphone. Moreover, you should adjust various video settings from the Output tab in Settings.

Step 4.

Once configured, click Start Recording in the lower-right corner to screen record on your Windows 11/10 computer. Click the button again when finished.

Part 4. FAQs of Screen Recording on Windows Without Game Bar

Question 1. How do you screen record on Windows with Game Bar?

You can capture your screen with the built-in Windows game recorder, Xbox Game Bar. When you need to record a game or application, press Windows + G keys to directly open Game Bar. For the first recording, you need to confirm “Yes, this is a game” to proceed. Locate the Capture widget in the Game Bar overlay and click the Record button to begin.

Question 2. Does Windows 11 come with a screen recorder?

Yes, Windows 11 comes with two built-in screen recording tools. As you can see from above, you can use the Xbox Game Bar and the updated Snipping Tool to capture your computer screen with ease.

Question 3. How do I hide Game Bar while recording?

You can press Win + Alt + R keys at the same time to easily start or stop recording. This will prevent the Xbox Game Bar from showing the main overlay. You can also customize related settings to stop the Game Bar overlay from appearing in your screen recordings. When the overlay appears, you can press the Win + Alt + B keys to hide it.

Conclusion

You can learn three methods to screen record on Windows 11/10 without Game Bar. As a casual user, you should start with Aiseesoft Screen Recorder, which is easy to use. If you occasionally need basic screen recordings, the built-in Snipping Tool in Windows is sufficient. OBS is ideal only for professional content creators who are willing to invest time in learning.