Screen recorders have become an essential tool in recent years as more people adapt to remote work and learning. Statistics show that 90% of companies anticipate transitioning to hybrid setups in the post-pandemic era. That means having the best tools for your needs is crucial when working remotely.

Whether you’re looking for the best screen recorder for tutorials, recording a game, or creating a presentation, there is a range of options to consider helping you capture all the action easily.

Fortunately, many screen recorders are available for free and are also compatible with Windows 11. We’ve rounded up some of the best free screen recorders for Windows 11 to help you choose the right one for your needs.

Bandicam

Features:

  • Up to 4K Ultra HD resolution
  • Audio only recording
  • Drawing tools and mouse effects
  • Records DirectX, OpenGL, Vulkan, UWP games

Pros:

  • Lightweight and easy to use
  • Supports multiple external devices
  • Exports high-quality videos

Cons:

  • Works only on Windows
  • Free version has a 10-minute recording limit
  • Watermark on the free version

Bandicam is a screen recording tool popular among gamers and content creators because of its ability to capture 4K Ultra HD resolutions and up to 480 fps. It lets you capture footage from multiple sources, including webcams, smartphones, IPTV, and game consoles.

Bandicam’s user-friendly interface makes it ideal for beginners. Its performance is also impressive, with minimal lag even when capturing large amounts of footage at high resolutions.

The tool comes with other helpful features beyond screen recording. First, Bandicam can record audio-only, making it perfect for creating podcasts and voiceovers. Second, you can use the tool to make basic edits to your recordings, such as trimming, cropping, and adding subtitles. Third, it can capture screenshots and save them as BMP, PNG, or JPG.

Overall, Bandicam is an excellent free Windows 11 screen recorder, with its high-quality video outputs, intuitive interface, and additional features.

CloudApp

Features:

  • Picture-in-picture capability
  • Real-time annotation tools
  • Compatible with Mac, Windows, Chrome, iOS
  • Instant uploads and shareable links

Pros:

  • Compatible on multiple platforms
  • Videos can be easily shared
  • Easy to use

Cons:

  • Free version is limited to 720p and 90 seconds
  • Requires a sign-up

CloudApp is a lightweight, cloud-based recording tool that lets users quickly capture images, videos, or GIFs from their desktops and share them with others. The platform has a simple user interface and provides an easy way to upload recordings in seconds.

The main benefit of CloudApp is its ease of use. The streamlined capture tools make it possible to record anything on your screen with minimal effort.

CloudApp also allows users to customize their recordings by adding annotations and setting custom hotkeys for faster access. It’s worth noting that CloudApp is optimized for cloud storage, so users can store their recordings on the cloud without taking up any extra space on their devices.

Overall, CloudApp is an excellent free screen recorder for Windows 11 that offers a great balance of features and usability at no cost. Its intuitive design and quick capture tools make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to record their screen in no time.

ApowerRec

Features:

  • Multiple output formats
  • Built-in editor
  • Annotation tools
  • Multiple recording options

Pros:

  • Versatile recording options
  • User-friendly interface
  • Basic editing allowed

Cons:

  • Customer support needs improvement
  • Cannot capture on a second monitor
  • Not ideal for gaming

ApowerRec is a screen recorder that offers optimal features and easy-to-use tools. With this, you can easily record computer screens, audio streams, webcams, and more. The program also supports various output formats such as MP4, AVI, WMV, FLV, GIF, and many others.

The software comes with customization options that allow you to adjust the recording parameters according to your needs. You can set the video quality, frame rate, and audio quality. You can also choose among the many available recording options, like audio recording, webcam recording, spotlight recording, and more.

The program also offers editing tools for you to make adjustments. You can add annotations in real-time and crop or trim the video after recording. Moreover, you can use ApowerRec to capture screenshots while recording, which is great for creating quick previews or video thumbnails.

In summary, ApowerRec is a decent tool to use if you’re searching for flexible options when it comes to recording.

Movavi Screen Recorder

Features:

  • Full HD recording
  • Schedule screencasts
  • Basic editing capabilities
  • Drawing and mouse effect options

Pros:

  • Simple and clean interface
  • Supports multiple formats
  • Records up to HD

Cons:

  • 7-day free trial only
  • Watermark on a trial version
  • Not suitable for game recordings

Movavi Screen Recorder is a highly intuitive free screen recorder that lets Windows 11 users capture any part of their computer screens in high-quality video or audio. It is straightforward to use, even for complete beginners, because of the program’s user-friendly panel that provides direct access to all recording options.

One of the handy features is setting up a timer to schedule a recording, which can be helpful for users who are multitasking. There are also annotation options available. You can draw on videos and highlight mouse clicks to make it easier for viewers to follow tutorials or demonstrations.

The tool has simple editing functions. Before exporting, you can trim, split, or crop videos. Having the Screen Recorder’s convenient interface gives you easier access to other tools in Movavi’s suite, like its dedicated video editing software. A prompt will simply alert you to upgrade to a paid plan before using Movavi’s other programs.

Overall, Movavi Screen Recorder is one of the most efficient screen recorders for Windows 11 due to its user-friendly interface and functional features. If you’re ready to upgrade, the tool allows easy access to the rest of the suite.

FonePaw Screen Recorder

Features:

  • 20+ recording modes
  • Basic editing, compressing, and converting tools
  • Real-time annotations
  • Scheduled and locked window recording

Pros:

  • Flexible recording options
  • Decent editing capabilities
  • Supports game recording

Cons:

  • Old-fashioned interface design
  • Free version has limited features

FonePaw Screen Recorder is a multifunctional screen recording software with a wide range of recording functions. You can enable modes like video, audio, game, webcam, and so on.

The software offers adjustable frame rate, resolution, and bitrate settings to ensure high-quality recordings. Additionally, you can choose between different audio sources, such as system sound or microphone input, to create even more customized output files.

The application also includes a basic video editor with features like trimming, merging, compressing, and converting. This makes FonePaw Screen Recorder a decent choice for creating professional-looking videos in just a few clicks.

All things considered, FonePaw Screen Recorder is the best screen recorder for Windows 11 when it comes to recording modes.

Instead of setting the recording parameters manually (which you can still do), you select a mode, and you’re all set. If you’re tight on time, software like this is the way to go.

CamStudio

Features:

  • Watermark and annotation features
  • Autopan recording
  • Command line options
  • MP4, AVI, and SWF support

Pros:

  • Completely free
  • Supports command line
  • No recording limit

Cons:

  • Outdated user interface
  • No editing functions
  • Supports limited formats

CamStudio is a free, open-source tool with all the basic features you need for screen recording. As with any other open-source program, you can enjoy the full version of this program for free. You just need to download it from the website.

Unique capabilities make CamStudio stand out from other free screen recording programs. It has an Autopan feature that captures a small recording area and follows wherever your mouse goes.

The software allows you to add annotations in real time while recording, making it perfect for creating tutorials or demonstrations with voiceover narration. Afterward, you can add text or a watermark.

The program is very light on system resources and won’t slow down your computer while running in the background. It also supports command line options, making it easier to automate tasks.

Overall, CamStudio is a functional screen recorder for Windows 11 that is absolutely free. While it lacks the more advanced features that other programs on this list have, it is an optimal choice for those who simply want to record their computer screen without breaking their budget.

TinyTake

Features:

  • Shareable links
  • Custom shortcut keys
  • Basic annotation
  • Zoom in and out feature

Pros:

  • Easily share videos via links
  • Can Set shortcut keys
  • Simple interface

Cons:

  • Free version has very limited options
  • Free version records for up to 120 minutes only

TinyTake is a simple free screen recorder for Windows users with basic features to help users easily record their computer screens. The program can capture specific areas on the screen, a full window view, and webcam footage.

The main strength of TinyTake lies in its simplicity; it has an intuitive user interface that makes recording your screen quick and painless. The tool includes additional options such as annotation, shareable links, hotkey support, and screenshot capture.

These considerations make TinyTake one of the more straightforward options for those looking for a reliable and easy-to-use program.

FlashBack Express

Features:

  • Multiple screens support
  • Trimming option
  • Scheduling feature
  • Record commentary

Pros:

  • Easily add commentary
  • No watermark or time limit
  • Special gaming settings

Cons:

  • Free version has a few locked features
  • No annotation

FlashBack Express is one of the best screen recorders for Windows 11 that doesn’t add watermarks or time limits. You can access all the basic screen recording options at no cost.

The user interface makes it simple to create videos with just a few clicks. You can choose to capture anywhere on the screen and add commentary to your videos. Captured videos are saved in MP4, MKV, AVI, and GIF formats.

FlashBack is extremely reliable and stable in terms of performance, which is important in screen recording software. It uses minimal resources while capturing videos without compromising on quality.

In summary, FlashBack is a practical, free platform for recording long videos. It is very reliable and performs well even with demanding tasks.

OBS Studio

If you ever wondered how to record a streaming video, here is an excellent option.
OBS Studio is the best open-source screen recorder for Windows 11, as it has highly customizable features for creating professional-looking videos. Many popular live-streamers use this software, as it offers an all-in-one solution. You can find various functions for streaming, recording, editing, and more.

The interface of OBS Studio may have a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, you can learn to use the program’s advanced capabilities – all for free!

Users can choose from several preset modes or customize settings manually based on their project needs. Moreover, you can record your screen in different resolutions and with several codecs (H264, x264).

The editing capabilities of OBS Studio are also worth mentioning; users can easily trim videos, add transitions between scenes/clips, apply filters & overlays, and add audio/video effects.

Overall, OBS Studio is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to create amazing content without purchasing anything. It gives users access to many useful features that can help them create professional-looking videos in no time.

What to Look for in a Screen Recorder

When choosing a Windows 11 screen recorder, there are several key features to consider:

  • Ease of use: Look for a recorder that’s easy to set up and navigate, so you can get started quickly.
  • Recording settings: Check if the recorder offers features such as frame rate control, resolution control, and audio input selection. This will give you more control over your recordings.
  • Output formats: Make sure the screen recorder supports different output formats like MP4 or WMV so you can save your videos in any format you need.
  • Editing tools: If you want to edit your recordings before saving them, look for a program that includes basic editing tools like trimming, cropping, and adding text or annotations.
  • Free version limitations: Most free versions of screen recorders have limitations, such as watermarks, time limits, and other restrictions. Find out what these are before downloading the software.
  • Compatibility: Finally, ensure the screen recorder is compatible with Windows 11. Although some tools are available on Windows, they may only work on older operating system versions.

How to Record Your Screen

The steps to recording your screen will vary depending on the software you choose, but here’s a basic guide to follow:

1. Download and install the screen recorder of your choice. Or, if the software is cloud-based, sign up for an account and log in.

2. Open the program and select which type of recording (such as full-screen or region) you want to make.

3. Set up audio settings, such as microphone input, system sounds, etc., if needed.

4. Click “Record” when ready to start capturing footage from your desktop or laptop monitor.

5. If your tool offers annotation features, use them to draw or write on your video.

6. When finished with your recording session, click “Stop.” If your software has editing capabilities, make some edits before exporting.

7. Save your video in the format of your choice. You can also upload it directly to YouTube or other video-sharing sites if your program allows it.

Conclusion

A screen recorder is a necessary tool to have in your arsenal, and luckily, there are plenty of free options available for Windows 11.

We’ve listed some of the best free screen recorders for Windows 11 with a range of features and settings to help you easily capture your content. Be sure to consider all the factors listed above before making your selection!

Ron Stefanski is a former college professor who transitioned into the world of online entrepreneurship. Through his platform, OneHourProfessor.com, he has empowered countless individuals to establish and promote their own successful online businesses.