In this guide
For a supported app, Game Bar can record a clip with an enabled microphone and selected system audio. Test both sources in the saved MP4. For a screen, window or browser tab, compare Clipchamp's sharing options and check which audio source is included.
To screen record an app with audio on Windows, open the app, press Windows–G to open Xbox Game Bar and check its capture settings. Choose whether to include system audio, enable your microphone if you need narration, then press Windows–Alt–R to start and stop recording. Play the saved MP4 to check both sound sources.
Microphone audio is your voice and other sound picked up in the room. System or app audio is sound playing on the computer. Selecting one does not automatically prove the other was recorded. Make a short test with the exact app and device you plan to use.
Choose a recording method
| Goal | Starting point | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Record a supported app with narration | Game Bar with microphone enabled. | The saved MP4 contains the voice clearly. |
| Capture app or system audio | Game Bar capture settings or Clipchamp screen-share audio. | The intended sound is actually in the export. |
| Record a selected screen, window or tab | Clipchamp screen recorder. | Available sharing and audio options in your browser or app. |
| Record a screen area on Windows 11 | Snipping Tool video snip. | Whether your installed version offers the audio controls you need. |
Record an app with Xbox Game Bar
- Open the app to capture. Game Bar is intended for games and supported apps. Ensure it is enabled in Windows settings if the shortcut does not open it.
- Set the audio source. Press Windows–G, open Settings → Capturing and inspect the audio options. Microsoft describes selecting All to include game, enabled microphone, apps and system audio in its Game Bar recording guide. Available controls can differ by version.
- Record a test. Press Windows–Alt–R to begin. Press Windows–Alt–M to toggle the microphone if needed. Speak and play a short sound in the app, then press Windows–Alt–R again to stop.
- Find and listen to the file. Microsoft says Game Bar saves MP4 clips in Videos → Captures. Play the actual file and check both the voice and the computer audio before recording a longer session.
If the desktop or a particular app cannot be captured, try a different supported recording method. Protected content or an application's restrictions may prevent capture. Avoid recording private information or other people's audio without the appropriate permission.
Record a screen, window or tab with Clipchamp
- Open Clipchamp and choose its screen recording option. Microsoft describes both screen and screen-and-camera tools in its screen recording guide.
- Choose the screen, window or browser tab to share and inspect the system-audio option in the sharing dialog. Options can depend on the browser, operating system and selected source; do not assume every combination offers the same audio choice.
- Set up a microphone if narration is needed, grant permissions when appropriate and record a short test. Stop sharing, review the clip on the timeline and export the video.
- Play the exported file. Confirm that the correct screen appears, speech remains clear and the intended app sound is audible.
On Windows 11, Snipping Tool can record a selected area: press Windows–Shift–R, select an area and start recording. Microsoft's Snipping Tool instructions cover the video workflow. Check your version's audio controls and test the saved video; the linked instructions do not establish that every version captures every audio source.
Fix missing or doubled sound
- Missing voice: Check the selected microphone and its mute state. Review Windows microphone permissions for the recording app, then make a fresh test.
- Missing computer audio: Verify the recorder's capture setting or sharing-dialog audio choice. Hearing sound through your speakers does not prove the recording includes it.
- Echo or doubled sound: Check for duplicate capture sources or the microphone picking up speakers. Try headphones and record the same test again.
- Voice masked by app audio: Lower the competing sound and keep the microphone at a consistent distance. Listen to the saved mix at a normal volume.
The microphone test checks browser input and temporary playback; it does not change Game Bar settings. If the final recording contains a competing sound, the voice isolator can test a supported file. Separation can alter words or leave bleed, and AI downloads require an account and credits.
After recording
Keep the original video. For an audio-only copy, the video-to-audio converter supports compatible MP4 or MOV files up to five minutes and 50 MiB, subject to browser and output limits. It decodes the existing mixed soundtrack; it does not automatically separate app sound and narration. For a Mac workflow, see screen recording with audio on Mac.
Using ChromeOS? See screen recording with audio on Chromebook.
For a microphone-only take, see how to record your voice on Windows.
Common questions
Where does Game Bar save recordings?
Microsoft documents Videos → Captures as the location for recorded MP4 clips. Check the actual file before deleting the source.
Can I record my voice and computer audio together?
Yes, when the recording method supports and has enabled both sources. Make a short test and listen to the saved file; a moving microphone meter alone cannot confirm system audio.
Why is the video silent?
Check recording permissions, selected sources and playback volume. Adjust the settings and create a new short recording; changing a setting after capture cannot add audio that was never recorded.