How to screen record on a Dell or Lenovo laptop

There’s no Dell or Lenovo screen recorder to look for. Dell’s support site and Lenovo’s own FAQ both point to Xbox Game Bar, which comes with Windows. On Windows 11, Snipping Tool records too, and it can record any part of the screen.

Windows 11: Snipping Tool

1. Press Windows + Shift + R, or open Snipping Tool, select Record, then New.
2. Drag to select the part of the screen you want to record.
3. Turn on the microphone if you want to add your voice.
4. Select Start, and Stop when you’re done.

The recording is saved to Videos > Screen Recordings. Select Edit in Clipchamp to add captions or edit it in Microsoft’s separate video editor.

Windows 10 and 11: Xbox Game Bar

1. Turn on Enable Xbox Game Bar in Settings.
2. Open the game or app you want to record.
3. Press Windows + Alt + R to start, and again to stop. Press Windows + G to open the Game Bar controls.

Game Bar records one monitor at a time and saves MP4 files to Videos > Captures. Dell’s support article adds that it doesn’t work in apps such as File Explorer or Notepad and won’t open on the desktop. To record those, use Snipping Tool on Windows 11.

Audio: in Game Bar settings under Capturing, choose All to record all computer sounds. Press Windows + Alt + M to turn your microphone on or off while recording.

What about the Print Screen and Fn keys?

Dell’s and Lenovo’s support pages describe the PrtSc key for screenshots, not videos. Some Dell and Lenovo laptops need Fn pressed with it; Dell also lists Fn + Insert on laptops without a PrtSc key. Check your laptop’s user guide for the exact key. The recording shortcuts above don’t use it.

Is your laptop a Chromebook?

If your Dell or Lenovo laptop runs ChromeOS instead of Windows, use its built-in Screen capture tool: see how to screen record on a Chromebook.

When the built-in tools aren’t enough

Neither Windows tool has a webcam overlay or a share link, and neither has its own editor. The apps below add those, and some are free.