Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Use your device’s built-in screen recorder: choose what to capture, decide whether to include microphone or device audio, then start recording. The steps and save location depend on your operating system, and some apps restrict recording.
Before you start: choose the screen and audio
Decide whether you need the whole display, a selected area, a window, or an app or game clip. Then check the audio controls: microphone narration and device or system audio are separate options, and not every recorder offers both. If a recording is silent, the audio choice is one of the first things to check.
Windows 11: record an area with Snipping Tool
- Open Snipping Tool and choose Record.
- Select the screen area and adjust its boundaries if needed.
- Start the recording, then stop it and preview the result.
Microsoft also lists Xbox Game Bar and Clipchamp as Windows recording options. The documented steps and scope differ by tool, so choose based on whether you need an area recording or an app or game clip. These instructions do not establish that every recorder captures every desktop surface or that features are identical across Windows editions.
Windows: record an app or game with Xbox Game Bar
- Open the app or game you want to capture.
- Press Win+G to open Xbox Game Bar.
- Press Win+Alt+R to start recording; press it again to stop.
- To toggle the microphone, press Win+Alt+M. Check the capture settings if you also want computer sounds.
Game Bar recordings are MP4 files saved under VideosCaptures. Microsoft documents Game Bar recording for Windows 10 and 11.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Strong Adsorption】The inspiration of the silicone phone suction case comes from the adhesive force of the octopus. Each suction cup phone mount is 3.15 inches long and 2.17 inches wide, with 24 independent suction cups providing a stronger and more stable suction force, so you don't have to worry about your phone falling during use.
- 【Back of Phone Suction Grip】Remove the adhesive film on the phone suction cup and stick it on the phone case. You can then fix the phone on any smooth surface, which is very convenient. (The phone suction cup cannot be removed and reused after being attached to the phone case. It is recommended to attach it to a regular phone case, not a valuable one.)
- 【Widely Used】Our non-slip silicone phone sticky grip mount attaches to almost any flat phone case and make it compatible with common mobile phones such as iPhone and Android.You can shoot, watch videos or video calls in the kitchen, gym, dance studio, bathroom and other places.
- 【Capture the Wonderful Picture】Whether you are a TikTok creator or just like to share videos and photos, this phone suction cup can help you hands-free capture wonderful videos and photos for sharing with friends.
- 【Note】You can fix the phone suction cup on a smooth surface such as a mirror or glass. If necessary, wipe the suction cup with a damp cloth to obtain stronger suction. Before releasing your hand, make sure the phone is firmly fixed. (Not applicable to rough walls, wooden surfaces, and other uneven surfaces)
Mac: use Screenshot or QuickTime Player
- Press Shift-Command-5 to open Screenshot.
- Choose to record the entire screen or a selected portion.
- Open Options to choose a microphone or a save location, then click Record.
- Stop from the menu bar, or press Command-Control-Esc.
Apple’s guide describes Desktop as the default save location, and lets you choose another location in Options. QuickTime Player can also record the full screen or a selected area. Apple says system-audio recording is available on macOS 27 or later; do not assume it is available on earlier versions. Some apps, including Apple TV, may not allow their windows to be recorded.
iPhone: record from Control Center
- Open Control Center and tap Screen Recording. Wait for the countdown before switching to what you want to capture.
- To narrate, press and hold the Screen Recording control, turn on Microphone, then start recording.
- Stop the recording from the recording control.
Find the video in Photos. If Screen Recording is missing from Control Center, add the control there. Some apps may block video or audio capture, and you cannot screen record while screen mirroring is in use.
Rank #2
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with USB-C plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
- COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a USB-C port.
- INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.
Android: use Quick Settings
- On Android 12 or later, swipe down to open Quick Settings; on some devices you may need to swipe down again.
- Tap Screen Record. If it is not visible, check the additional Quick Settings tiles or your device’s instructions.
- Choose whether to record audio or show touches if those options are offered, then start.
- To finish, stop the recording from the Screen recorder notification.
These steps apply to Android 12 and later on most supported screens. Menu placement and available options vary by device, so the exact audio controls and save location can differ.
Chromebook: choose full screen, partial screen, or a window
- Press Shift+Ctrl+Show windows.
- Choose Screen record, then select full screen, partial screen, or window capture.
- In Settings, choose device audio, microphone, or both if needed.
- Start recording and stop with the screen control or Search+Shift+X.
Recordings save to Downloads by default, and you can change the save folder. A partial capture can be saved as a video or GIF; a GIF does not include audio or video input.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- Secure Hold: Our PopSockets adhesive phone grip gives your cell phone a secure, comfortable hold in hand to help prevent drops while texting, taking photos, or scrolling on the go. Designed to stick firmly to most phone cases and devices.
- Hands-Free Made Easy: Easily turn your PopSocket into a phone stand to prop up your phone anywhere, perfect for watching videos, video calls, or following recipes. A must-have phone holder that keeps your device secure and ready for anything.
- Compatibility: Works with all phones, tablets, and Kindles. Sticks best to smooth, hard plastic cases and may not adhere to silicone or textured cases. Easily swap your PopTop to change up your style.
- Black PopSockets: Simple, refined, and endlessly versatile. A timeless essential for any phone.
- Travel Must-Have for People On the Go: A must-have travel accessory for flights, flying, airports, air travel, airplanes, planes, international trips, cruises, and long travel days. Key gadget for your airport haul, travel accessories and must-haves.
Find the recording and check what was captured
| Device or method | Where to look | Audio and format notes |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Xbox Game Bar | VideosCaptures | MP4; computer sounds and microphone are controlled separately. |
| Mac Screenshot | Desktop by default, or the location selected in Options | Microphone can be selected; system-audio capture depends on macOS version. |
| iPhone | Photos | Microphone narration can be enabled before recording. |
| Android | Varies by device | Audio and touch options vary by device. |
| Chromebook | Downloads by default, or the folder you choose | Can record device audio, microphone, or both when offered; GIF has no audio or video input. |
If the file is present but has no sound, check whether you enabled microphone or device audio before recording. If a particular app shows a blank image or produces no audio, it may restrict capture; a different built-in recorder does not guarantee that restriction can be bypassed.
Troubleshoot common screen-recording problems
- The recorder control is missing: Check whether it needs to be added to Control Center on iPhone or whether the Android tile is on another Quick Settings page. On Windows, use the recorder suited to the task rather than expecting one shortcut to work for every capture type.
- The recording has no narration: Enable the microphone before recording. On iPhone, press and hold Screen Recording to reveal the microphone option; on Chromebook, select microphone in Settings.
- There is no system or device audio: Choose device audio or computer sounds before starting where supported. On Mac, Apple’s system-audio feature is version-dependent and documented for macOS 27 or later.
- An app cannot be captured: Some apps block video or audio recording. Apple specifically notes that certain Mac apps may not permit window recording. iPhone recording also cannot run at the same time as screen mirroring.
- You cannot find the file: Check the documented default for your platform: Photos on iPhone, Downloads on Chromebook, VideosCaptures for Game Bar, or the selected save location on Mac.
- The shortcut does not work: Confirm you are using the right platform and capture method. For example, Game Bar uses Win+G to open and Win+Alt+R to record; Chromebook uses Shift+Ctrl+Show windows to open capture controls.
Or let it run in the cloud
Screen recording captures your own device; StreamNeo is for a different job: keeping an uploaded video live on YouTube. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops the video in the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Each slot streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price regardless of quality; it can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. It is for uploaded videos, not a live camera feed, and streams to YouTube only. See StreamNeo or current plan details. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【PKYAA Double Sided Silicone Suction Phone Case Mount】PKYAA With Double Sided 40 Strong and Reliable individual suction cups, PKYAA provides a thicken and upgraded universal silicon suction mount for your phone.
- 【Friendly to Content Creators】If you are a content creator or an online influencer, you can create videos anywhere with this suction mount completely hands free with this silicone cell phone mount for cases.
- 【HANDS-FREE & Adhere to Mirrors】This Double Sided silicone suction phone case mount allows you to stick your phone to the mirror easily. No longer holding your phone in one hand to watch video tutorials while making up.
- 【Strong Grip on the Smooth Surface】You can easily hang your phone anywhere with a smooth surface. All you do is you clean off your phone and smooth surface. It is STURDY and it not only sticks to mirrors, it also sticks to windows, it sticks to refrigerators, tiles and other clean, flat surfaces.
- 【Press Down Firmly Every 30 Minutes】Use your palm or fingers to press the phone down firmly and check it's secure before letting go. Apply even pressure for a few seconds to allow the suction cup to adhere properly. To maintain the grip and prevent accidental falls, it's a good practice to periodically reapply pressure to the suction cup.
Rank #4
- [360 ° Flexible Rotation Design] Comes with a rotatable lanyard ring that supports 360 ° free rotation, effectively solving the problem of twisted and tangled lanyards
- [Wide compatibility] The ultra-thin 0.02-inch design does not block the charging port at all, and both wired and wireless charging can be used directly without removing the pad. Compatible with most smartphones such as iPhone, compatible with various wristbands, lanyards, crossbody straps, and keychains
- [Durable and Portable Material] Premium rust-resistant stainless steel material with good flexibility, which not only avoids scratching the phone case, but also has excellent anti rust and anti fading performance
- [Multi scenario Practical] Paired with a lanyard or wristband, hands-free use can be achieved. The phone is within reach and not easily dropped, ideal for daily commuting and outdoor activities. Suitable for full coverage phone cases, does not support half coverage phone cases
- [Quality Service] If you find any damage or other issues with the product upon receipt, please contact us immediately. We will handle it quickly
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
