Author: William Johnson

Recording your screen with audio on a Windows computer can be incredibly useful. Whether you’re creating tutorials, documenting issues, capturing webinars, or recording gameplay, knowing how to record both your screen and sound is essential. This guide will walk you through several methods for screen recording with audio on Windows, based on my own usage and first-hand experience, along with best practices shared by real users online.

Why Screen Recording with Audio Matters

Before diving into the methods, it’s important to understand what recording with audio means. You’re not just capturing the visuals on your screen, but also:

• System audio (e.g., sounds from applications, games, or videos)
• Microphone input (your voice or external sounds)

Let’s now go through the various tools and methods you can use to do this on a Windows PC.

Method 1: Using Xbox Game Bar (Built-in in Windows 10 & 11)

Xbox Game Bar is a free, pre-installed tool on Windows 10 and Windows 11. It’s mainly meant for gaming but works well for basic screen recording with audio.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the App or Window
   Navigate to the window or app you want to record. Xbox Game Bar cannot record File Explorer or your desktop.
2. Open Xbox Game Bar
   Press Win + G on your keyboard. The Xbox Game Bar overlay will appear.
3. Enable Audio Inputs
   • Ensure your microphone is on (click the mic icon in the capture window).
   • System audio is captured by default.
4. Start Recording
   • Press Win + Alt + R, or click the Record button on the overlay.
   • A small widget will appear showing the recording timer.
5. Stop Recording
   • Press Win + Alt + R again or click the Stop button.
6. Locate the Recording
   Go to Videos > Captures in File Explorer.

Limitations:

• Cannot record desktop or multiple apps.
• No editing tools included.

Method 2: Using OBS Studio (Free & Professional Option)

If you need more control, OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is a great choice. It’s free, open-source, and widely used for screen recording and streaming.

Step-by-step:

1. Download OBS
   Go to obsproject.com and download OBS for Windows. Install it normally.
2. Run Auto-Configuration Wizard (Optional)
   On first launch, OBS offers a setup wizard. You can skip or run it.
3. Add Display Capture
   • In the Sources box, click the + button.
   • Select Display Capture, name it, and click OK.
   • Choose your display if you have multiple screens.
4. Set Up Audio
   • OBS automatically captures system audio.
   • To add your microphone, make sure it’s set under Settings > Audio.
5. Start Recording
   • In the Controls panel, click Start Recording.
6. Stop Recording and Save
   • Click Stop Recording when done.
   • Files are saved in the Videos folder by default.

What I Like About OBS:

• Captures everything including desktop and multiple sources.
• Records in high quality with adjustable settings.
• Ideal for tutorials and YouTube content.

Method 3: Using the Snipping Tool (Windows 11 Update)

Windows 11’s updated Snipping Tool now supports video recording with audio (in some builds).

Steps:

1. Open Snipping Tool
   Search for “Snipping Tool” in the Start menu.
2. Switch to Record Mode
   Click the video camera icon.
3. Click New
   Select the screen area you want to record.
4. Start Recording
   Press Start to begin recording.
5. Stop and Save
   Press Stop to end and save the file.

Limitations:

• No support for full-screen recording.
• May lack advanced audio control.
• Not available on all Windows 11 versions.

Method 4: Using PowerPoint (For Office Users)

Yes, Microsoft PowerPoint has a built-in screen recording feature too.

Steps:

1. Open PowerPoint
   Go to the Insert tab.
2. Click Screen Recording
   You’ll find this in the Media group.
3. Select Area and Record
   • Select the area of your screen to record.
   • Enable “Audio” and “Record Pointer” options.
4. Start Recording
   Click the red Record button.
5. Stop and Save
   • Press Win + Shift + Q to stop.
   • Right-click the video in PowerPoint and select Save Media As.

Method 5: Using Free Third-Party Tools (Like ScreenRec or ShareX)

Using ScreenRec:

1. Download and Install ScreenRec
   Go to screenrec.com and install the app.
2. Create a Free Account (Optional but unlocks full features)
3. Start Recording
   • Press the capture shortcut or use the toolbar.
   • Select screen area, and ensure microphone/system audio are enabled.
4. Stop and Save
   Recording is automatically saved. You can share via link or download locally.

ShareX Alternative:

ShareX is also free and allows screen + audio capture with more customization. However, setup is slightly more technical.

Tips to Improve Screen Recording Quality

• Use a quality microphone for voice input.
• Record in quiet environments to reduce noise.
• Close background apps to reduce performance issues.
• Test audio levels before recording.
• Edit recordings using free tools like Shotcut or Clipchamp if needed.

Common Issues and Fixes

Issue	Solution
Audio not recorded	Check microphone/system audio in recording settings
Poor video quality	Increase resolution and bitrate in app settings
Cannot record system sound	Ensure Windows Sound Mixer is not muting the application
Game Bar not opening	Go to Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar and make sure it’s enabled

Conclusion

Recording your screen with audio on Windows has become easier thanks to built-in features like Xbox Game Bar and Snipping Tool, and advanced tools like OBS Studio. Whether you need a simple solution for a one-time task or a powerful tool for ongoing content creation, Windows offers several reliable options.

Choose the method that matches your needs. If you want something quick and easy, try Xbox Game Bar. If you’re aiming for professional recordings, OBS Studio or ShareX is the way to go.

Sharing a computer doesn’t have to mean sharing everything on it. Setting up separate user accounts in Windows 11 is a smart move. It keeps files, settings, and apps organized and private for each person. It’s also safer, especially if you’re setting up an account for a child or guest, as you can limit their permissions. I’ve set up accounts for family members on our home PC, and it makes a big difference in keeping things tidy and secure.

Windows 11 makes adding a new user account straightforward, though the steps vary slightly depending on whether the new user has a Microsoft account or if you want to create a local account just for that PC. This guide will walk you through both methods.

Understanding User Account Types

Before you start, it helps to know the difference between the types of accounts you can create:

• Administrator Account: Has full control over the computer. Can install software, change system settings, access all files, and create or delete other user accounts. Use this type with caution, usually only for the main user.
• Standard Account: Can run applications, change their own account settings, but cannot make changes that affect other users or the system (like installing most software or changing security settings) without an administrator’s password. This is the best type for children, guests, or most family members for safety and security.

Also, consider how the user will sign in:

• Microsoft Account: Uses an email address linked to Microsoft services (Outlook, Xbox, OneDrive, etc.). The user can sign in on different Windows devices with the same account, and some settings and files can sync via the cloud.
• Local Account: Exists only on that specific computer. Doesn’t require an internet connection to sign in (after initial setup). Data and settings are stored locally on that PC.

Now, let’s create a new account using the Windows 11 Settings app.

Method 1: Adding a User with a Microsoft Account (Easier Path)

This is the most common way Microsoft expects you to add users.

1. Open Settings: Click the Start button and select Settings, or press Windows key + I.
2. Go to Accounts: In the left-hand menu, click on Accounts.
3. Select Family & other users: In the Accounts settings, click on Family & other users.
4. Add Account:
   • If you’re adding a child or another family member you want to manage via Microsoft Family Safety features (like screen time limits), click Add a family member under the “Family” section. Follow the prompts related to adding a child or adult to your family group.
   • If you’re adding a general user account (like for a roommate or a standard secondary user without family safety links), click Add account under the “Other users” section.
5. Enter Microsoft Account Info: A window will pop up asking “How will this person sign in?”. Enter the email address, phone number, or Skype name associated with the new user’s Microsoft account.
6. Follow Prompts: Windows will find the account. Click Next and follow any remaining on-screen instructions.

The new user account is now created. The user will finish setting up their profile (like choosing a profile picture or setting up a PIN) the first time they sign in. By default, accounts added under “Other users” are Standard accounts, which is recommended for most users. You can change this later if needed (see step after Method 2).

Method 2: Adding a Local Account (Requires Specific Steps)

Creating a local account without linking it to a Microsoft account is less prominent in the Windows 11 interface, but it’s definitely possible. You have to know where to click to bypass the Microsoft account prompts.

1. Open Settings: Click the Start button and select Settings, or press Windows key + I.
2. Go to Accounts: In the left-hand menu, click on Accounts.
3. Select Family & other users: In the Accounts settings, click on Family & other users.
4. Add Account: Click Add account under the “Other users” section.
5. Bypass Microsoft Account Prompt (Step 1): When the “How will this person sign in?” window appears, do NOT enter an email or phone number. Instead, click the link at the bottom that says “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information”.
6. Bypass Microsoft Account Prompt (Step 2): The next screen will try to get you to create a new Microsoft account. Ignore these options. Instead, click the link at the bottom that says “Add a user without a Microsoft account”.
7. Create the Local Account: Now you will finally see the options to create a local account.
   • Under “Who’s going to use this PC?”, enter the desired Username for the new account.
   • Enter a Password.
   • Enter the password again to Confirm password.
   • Enter Password hints for three separate security questions (this is required for local accounts without linking to Microsoft).
   • Choose and answer three security questions.
8. Finish: Click Next.

The new local user account is now created and will appear under “Other users”. By default, it will be a Standard account.

Setting the Account Type (Administrator or Standard)

After creating either type of account (Microsoft or Local), you can change its permissions. Remember, Standard is recommended for most users for security.

1. Go back to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Under “Other users”, find the name of the account you just created.
3. Click on the account name.
4. Click the button that says “Change account type“.
5. A small window will pop up. Click the dropdown menu under “Account type” and select either Administrator or Standard.
6. Click OK.

The account type is now updated. You can change it back later if needed from an Administrator account.

Logging in to the New Account

Once the account is created, the new user can sign in.

• From the Lock screen: Click the user icon in the bottom left corner and select the new user.
• From the Start menu: Click on your current user icon (usually in the bottom left or top left of the Start menu) and select the new user from the list.

Windows will take a few moments to set up the desktop and initial settings the first time the new user signs in.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• It Keeps Asking for a Microsoft Account! This is the most frequent hurdle when trying to create a local account. Make sure you are clicking the specific links: “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information” followed by “Add a user without a Microsoft account”. Microsoft makes these links less prominent.
• I Can’t Add an Account: Ensure the account you are currently logged into has Administrator privileges. Standard accounts cannot add or change other user accounts.
• Forgot Local Account Password: Recovering a local account password is more difficult than a Microsoft account. The password hints are your primary help. If those fail, you might need advanced recovery methods, potentially requiring a Windows installation media (which is beyond the scope of this guide). This highlights why remembering the hints is important.

Alternative Method (Brief Mention)

An older Windows utility called netplwiz (User Accounts) still exists in Windows 11 and can be accessed by searching for netplwiz in the Start menu. It provides a different interface for managing users. While it works, the Settings app method described above is the modern, primary way to manage users in Windows 11 and includes options for Microsoft Family features, so it’s the recommended approach for most users.

Creating separate user accounts in Windows 11 is a fundamental step for sharing your PC safely and efficiently. Whether you choose a Microsoft account for its syncing features or a local account for simplicity on one machine, the process through the Settings app is straightforward once you know where to find the options, especially that slightly hidden path for local accounts. It brings a level of organization and security that makes using a shared computer much better for everyone.