How to enable the Windows 11 Capture widget to capture what's happening on your screen without installing anything

Did you know that it's possible to capture what's happening on your screen without having to download any apps? Windows 11 has some built-in tools that allow us to take screenshots and record screens very easily. That's why, today we'll see How to activate the Windows 11 Capture widget so you can save everything you see on your screen.

To activate the Capture widget in Windows 11, you can use the Xbox Game Bar. This is an application that comes with this operating system and is designed to let you record game plays. However, it can be used to Capture what's happening on your screen so you don't have to install any apps extra on your PC. You can also use the Snipping Tool. Below, we'll show you how to take advantage of it.

How to activate the Windows 11 Capture widget?

On other occasions we have seen how record your computer screen with audio. But Today we will focus on how to activate the Windows 11 Capture widget. And we do this by accessing the Xbox Game Bar or the Windows Snipping Tool. These native Windows tools allow you to record everything that happens on your screen, except for the desktop and File Explorer, to protect your privacy.

When you activate the Windows 11 Capture widget A small window will appear on the screen.From there, you can capture video footage of what's happening on your computer, whether it's playing games, searching websites, or actions in specific apps. You can also take photos to immortalize what you're seeing.

Use the Xbox Game Bar to activate the Windows 11 Capture Widget

The first way to activate the Windows 11 Capture widget that we will see is by using the Xbox game bar. follow these Steps to capture what happens on your screen without installing anything:

1. Press the keys Windows + G to open the Xbox Game Bar.
2. You will see a bar with options appear at the top of the screen. Tap the camera icon to activate the Capture widget of the application.
3. This is where the widget called Capture will appear on the screen.
4. To start recording a video, press the record button (marked by a dot in the middle). You can also start recording at any time by pressing Windows + Alt + R.
5. If you just want to take a screenshot, tap the camera icon to the left of the widget. (You also have a shortcut for this action: Windows + Alt + Print Screen.)
6. Done. The screenshot, photo, or video will now be saved for you to use as you wish.

On the overlay screen that appears when you activate the capture widget in the Xbox Game Bar you will see a microphone iconThis icon will allow you to activate your PC's microphone so you can speak while recording. Once you start recording, you can turn it on or off whenever you want.

On the other hand, Remember that the Capture widget will not appear on the video or screenshot.It's just there to let you know you've started recording and to show you how long your screen has been recording. Finally, to stop recording, just click the stop icon (the one with a square in the middle).

Where are screenshots taken with the Xbox Game Bar saved?

Recordings or screenshots are stored within the Xbox Game Bar toolTo see them, you will find an option that says “Show all captures”. All the screenshots you've taken will appear there. You can also access the file explorer from there, where you can easily view everything you've captured.

Activate the Windows 11 Snipping Tool

Another way to activate the Windows 11 Capture widget is using the Snipping ToolThis is even easier to use for recording what's happening on your screen or taking photos of its contents. To activate it, do the following:

1. Press the key combination Windows + Shift + S. You can also press the key Prt Sc or Fn + Print Screen
2. You will see that your cursor will turn into a cross.
3. To take a screenshot, select the area you want to capture by dragging the cursor, release, and that's it.
4. If you want to record what's happening on your screen using the Snipping Tool, click the video camera icon.
5. Click Start and the recording will begin.
6. Activate the microphone icon so your voice can be detected, or choose to mute it completely (you can even mute system audio with the icon of a PC with a horn).
7. To stop recording, click the stop or pause icon, as appropriate.
8. Done.

Now, where are the screenshots and recordings saved after activating the Windows 11 Capture widget? Finding them is very simple. To do this, go to File Explorer and select the Capture widget in the left column. You will see the Screenshots and Screen Recordings foldersThere you'll find the screenshots you took, whether they're photos or videos.

Turn on the Windows 11 Capture widget: Capture your best moments whenever you want

In conclusion, activate the Windows 11 Capture widget It is a very necessary feature if you frequently use your PC, Whether you're working, studying, or saving your best plays, you can do this using the Xbox Game Bar or the Windows Snipping Tool. So, you won't need to download any third-party apps to capture what's happening on your screen.

Furthermore, this feature is not only available on computers running Windows 11 operating system, but You can also try them with Windows 10. So, if you want to get the most out of these tools, make an effort to learn the keyboard shortcuts so you don't waste time searching through all the options. This way, no matter what's happening on your computer screen, you can capture it and then share it with whoever you want.