Windows 11’s Snipping Tool adds window‑mode screen recording for Insiders
Microsoft is rolling out a handy upgrade to Snipping Tool that lets you screen‑record a single app window without fiddling with manual crops. The feature arrives alongside Windows 11 Insider Beta build 26120.5761 (KB5064093) and is also rolling out to the Release Preview Channel via an app update to Snipping Tool (version 11.2507.14.0 and newer).
Why it matters
- Cleaner captures: Lock the recording region to one app window for polished tutorials, demos, and bug repros.
- Less editing: No more trimming out background desktop clutter or notifications.
- Native alternative: Reduces the need for third‑party recorders for straightforward window‑only clips.
1) Open Snipping Tool and switch to Record.
2) Open Recording area and choose Window mode.
3) Click the target app window and start recording.
Behavior to know
- The recording region is fixed to the chosen window’s current position and size.
- If that window moves or gets covered, the recording area does not follow; Snipping Tool keeps capturing the original region.
- Channels: Beta and Release Preview.
- OS: Windows 11, version 24H2 Insider builds (build 26120.5761 for Beta) or the latest Release Preview flight.
- App: Snipping Tool 11.2507.14.0+ (delivered via the Microsoft Store in waves).
- Rollout: Gradual. To speed it up in Beta, turn on “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” in Windows Update. Check the Microsoft Store for app updates.
- Lock‑screen battery icon refresh: The modern battery glyph and percent readout come to the lock screen for quicker status checks.
- Cross‑device resume (initially with Spotify): Start listening on your Android phone and pick up on your Windows 11 PC from a taskbar “Resume” prompt after linking your phone in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices. Rolling out gradually in Dev and Beta.
- Prep the stage: Resize and position the app window before you select Window mode.
- Avoid overlap: Keep other windows from covering your target app during capture.
- Test a short clip first: Verify framing and performance before recording a long tutorial.
Window‑mode recording is a small but meaningful quality‑of‑life upgrade that makes the Snipping Tool a more credible built‑in recorder for focused, professional‑looking clips—especially useful for IT walkthroughs, app support, and training content.
Source: Windows Report Snipping Tool in Windows 11 Gets Window Mode Screen Recording With KB5064093 Beta Update
