Taking screenshots and recording game screens are quite normal nowadays. For example, people may want to take a computer error screenshot to send to an IT specialist or want to record game screenplays.
These actions can be done easily with the help of software, both paid or free. However, I saw a lot of people having difficulties in doing these without knowing that Windows already has free built-in tools for them. And they work as good as any other software out there on the market.
That’s why in this article, I would like to introduce Snipping Tool and Game DVR. The first tool is in both Windows 7, 8, and 10. But the second one is only available in the Windows 10 platform.
Table of contents
1. Snipping Tool: Windows 7, 8, 10’s Utility to Take and Edit Screenshots
You actually can take a full screenshot of your monitor without using any software with the button PrintScreen on your keyboard. Then, go to Microsoft Word or any free editor that accepts images, and press Ctrl+V. This will paste the shot to the editor and from there you can save it as a picture to your Desktop.
But, that was quite an old way. Nowadays, people need more than that. For example, you need to show a small part of the screen, or you don’t want to go to many steps like using PrintScreen.
Anyway, Snipping Tool has many features that can satisfy any users looking for simple tasks to be done. For example,
What can it do?
1. Snipping Tool can take a new screenshot
- Press the New button and start defining the area you want. When you finish, Snipping Tool will load the image into its editor which provides simple editing tools such as Pen Tool, Highlighter or Rubber. So, you can draw or write something important on the image.
- If you press the arrow next to New, there will be a dropdown list that allows user to take a screenshot of Full Screen or Rectangular snip, or Free Form capturing.
2. Delay before taking the shot: when you push the arrow next to Delay, there will be an option of how many seconds of delay it provides.
3. Save Screenshot as a PNG image. You need to press the Save icon after editing, or else the screenshot with important notes you draw will be cleared when you close the Snipping Tool.
Try to take some sample and see how Snipping Tool work. Because it may confuse you a bit when being used the first time.
Where to get it?
Snipping Tool is a built-in feature for Windows. It means that it is already in your Windows computer.
See how to find and use Snipping Tool for Windows 7, 8 and 10.
2. Free Screen Recorder: Games DVR – Windows 10 Utility to Record PC Gameplays
This utility that Windows 10 offers is very suitable for PC gamers. Not only for game, but also for other aspects such as simple tutorial, this built-in utility is also very helpful.
How to use?
When playing game, press Windows Key + G. This Game Bar will pop out near the Task Bar.
With this Game Bar, you can record gameplays, and take screenshots.
Interestingly, it will auto record the last 30 seconds. So you already can retrieve 30 seconds even before you open the game bar. And you are not afraid of missing anything because you don’t open the bar before the amazing gameplay happens. This is quite magical but it brings me a creepy feelings that the Windows is following me all the time.
This tool is also awesome for video tutorials. But, I haven’t tested the audio ability yet, so I can’t say anything about this. The decreased game performance is a bad side of this tool. So, playing without recording will make the games run faster.
You can find the recordings in HD quality and MP4 format in the folder Videos / Captures. Or, open Game Bar, press the Xbox button to go to its center.
Choose Game DVR from the left panel. This will let you access all your videos. Then choose one video and press Open Folder. This brings you to the location where you can access your video file and share it over Youtube or any other place.
These are two free tools that I feel very helpful. I hope they also help you!
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