How to Screen Record with the Snipping Tool The Snipping Tool is a built-in Windows utility that enables users to capture screenshots or record their screen. It offers various capture modes, including rectangular, free-form, and full-screen, and includes screen recording functionality. This guide specifically focuses on how to create full-screen video recordings. Note: Screen recording with the Snipping Tool is only available on Windows 11 and is not supported on earlier versions, including Windows 10. If you’re not using Windows 11, we highly recommend updating to the latest version of Windows. Connect and Test Microphone Note: To ensure optimal audio quality, do not rely on your computer’s built-in microphone. Instead, use headphones or a headset with an integrated microphone for clearer sound. Connect your headphones or headset to your computer via a wired or wireless connection. Press the Windows key on your keyboard or click the Start menu. Search for “Sound Settings” in the search bar. Open Sound Settings from the search results. Scroll down to the Input section and select your device from the Choose a device for speaking or recording dropdown. Click Microphone. Scroll down to Input Settings and select the Format. Choose the highest quality option available, typically listed as the last option in the dropdown menu. Set the Input Volume to a level between 80 and 100 as a starting point. In the Test your microphone section, click Start test and speak at your normal volume (no need to raise your voice). Windows will analyze the sound and display your volume level. A result between 50% – 75% of the total volume is ideal. If necessary, adjust the Input Volume and retest until you achieve the desired result. Prepare Your Screen Before starting the recording, close any applications that won’t be needed during the session. This will help minimize distractions and keep the focus on the content you want to capture. Additionally, silence notifications or alerts to prevent them from appearing in the recording. Open the Snipping Tool Press the Windows key on your keyboard or click the Start menu. Search for “Snipping Tool” in the search bar. Open the app from the search results. Switch to Recording Mode In the Snipping Tool, locate the Record tab at the top of the window. Click on the Record tab to switch from screenshot mode to recording mode. Select the Recording Area Click the New Recording button. A crosshair will appear, allowing you to select the area you want to record. Drag the crosshair from one corner of your screen to the opposite corner to encompass the entire display. Tip: Maximize the visibility of the content you’re recording by setting all applications or windows to full screen. Additionally, use the application’s zoom features to enlarge key content for clarity. For example, if you’re working with a few cells in Excel, zoom in to focus on those specific cells, ensuring they are easy for students to see. Enable Audio Recording In the recording toolbar, click the Microphone icon and select your desired device in the dropdown. This will capture your voice while recording your screen. Start the Recording After you’ve selected the recording area, click the Start button to begin the recording. Perform any actions you want to capture in your recording. Stop the Recording When you’re done recording, click the Stop button in the floating toolbar. Tip: When recording, pause for a few seconds at the beginning before speaking and again at the end after finishing. Don’t worry about these pauses—they’ll be edited out by the media team during the editing process. This simple step helps ensure clean transitions and a polished final video. Save Your Recording After stopping the recording, the video will open in the Snipping Tool for review. Click the Save As button to save the recording to your desired location. Choose a file name, location, and format (MP4 is the default and recommended). Reminder: Before committing to your full recording, create a short test video (20 seconds or less) and share it with your media lead for feedback. This simple step ensures any issues are identified and resolved early, helping you avoid time-consuming re-recordings and ensuring a polished final product.