Xbox Game Bar review

Xbox Game Bar is built into Windows 10 and 11. It records the game or app you're using, with optional microphone and system audio, and can save the last few moments of play.

By Sam Fisher. Updated October 6, 2026.

Works on: Windows
Free recording: Length not documented
Price: Free
Made by: Microsoft
Last checked: October 2026

Free plan

Length per recording: Not documented
Number of videos: None documented
Watermark: No

Pricing

Free.

Comes with Windows. Facts from Microsoft and Xbox Support, 6 Oct 2026.

What we like

Built into Windows; Windows + Alt + R starts and stops recording
Records microphone and system audio
Background recording saves the last moments of play

What to watch

Records the game or app you're in, not a selected area
One monitor at a time
No editing and no webcam overlay

Best for: You're on Windows and want to record a game or a single app with one shortcut, with nothing to install.

Our verdict

Xbox Game Bar is enough when you want to record a game, or show a problem in one app, without installing anything. One shortcut starts and stops recording, it can include your microphone and computer sound, and background recording can save the last moments of play. Files land in Videos > Captures as MP4, and you can set the frame rate, video quality and a maximum clip length in Settings > Gaming > Captures.

It is built around the game or app you’re in. Microsoft documents no way to pick an area, no editing, no webcam overlay, and Game Bar works on one monitor at a time. For a region of the screen on Windows 11, the built-in Snipping Tool is the other option.

For tutorials or work videos, use a full-featured recorder such as OBS Studio or ShareX, or a recorder with a share link such as Loom. For more control over game recording, look at a recorder built for gaming such as Bandicam or Streamlabs.

Visit the Xbox Game Bar website

Frequently asked questions

How do I record my screen with Xbox Game Bar?

Turn on Xbox Game Bar in Settings, go to the game or app you want to record and press Windows + Alt + R. Press it again to stop. Windows + Alt + M turns the microphone on or off.

Where does Xbox Game Bar save recordings?

In Videos > Captures, as MP4 files named after the game or app with the date and time.

How long can Xbox Game Bar record?

You choose a maximum recording length in Settings > Gaming > Captures; Microsoft doesn’t list the options. With background recording on, recordings stop after 30 minutes.

Can Xbox Game Bar record system audio?

Yes. In Game Bar Settings > Capturing, choose All to include all computer sounds.