How to Record Multiple Screens on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 19, 2025

If you’ve ever tried recording a presentation, a gaming session, or a tutorial across two or more monitors, you know how challenging it can be. Windows 11 makes multitasking with multiple screens smooth, but recording them simultaneously isn’t as straightforward. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to record multiple screens on Windows 11, explain different methods (built-in and third-party), share pro tips, and answer common questions. By the end, you’ll be able to create professional screen recordings with ease.

đź“ť Key Takeaways

  • Windows 11 doesn’t natively support recording multiple monitors at once—you’ll need third-party tools like OBS Studio, ShareX, or Camtasia.

  • Free tools like OBS Studio give you full flexibility, while paid tools like Camtasia provide editing features.

  • Follow step-by-step methods to capture both or selected monitors, customize audio, and export recordings in high quality.

  • Recording multiple screens is ideal for gamers, educators, content creators, and professionals who use extended desktops.

Why Would You Want to Record Multiple Screens on Windows 11?

Before diving into the steps, let’s understand the “why.”

  • 🎮 Gamers often use one monitor for gaming and another for live chat or controls.

  • 👩‍🏫 Teachers & trainers may need to show slides on one screen and a demo on another.

  • đź“Š Professionals record presentations, video tutorials, or webinars across multiple screens.

  • đź“ą Content creators want polished, multi-screen tutorials for YouTube or training platforms.

In short, recording multiple screens saves time and boosts productivity while giving your audience a complete view of your workflow.

Can You Record Multiple Screens with Built-In Tools in Windows 11?

Unfortunately, Windows 11’s built-in Xbox Game Bar only records a single window or monitor at a time. That means if you’re running dual monitors, you can’t capture both simultaneously without switching.

👉 For true multi-screen recording, you’ll need third-party software.

Best Tools to Record Multiple Screens on Windows 11

Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular tools:

Tool Free/Paid Multi-Screen Support Editing Features Best For
OBS Studio Free âś… Yes Basic Streamers & Gamers
ShareX Free âś… Yes Limited Quick Captures
Camtasia Paid âś… Yes Advanced Professionals
Bandicam Paid âś… Yes Basic Casual Users
Movavi Paid âś… Yes User-Friendly Beginners

How to Record Multiple Screens on Windows 11 (Step-by-Step Methods)

Now let’s go through the step-by-step process with different tools.

Method 1: Record Multiple Screens Using OBS Studio (Free)

OBS Studio is the most popular choice because it’s free, open-source, and supports multiple monitors.

Steps:

  1. Download and Install OBS Studio

  2. Launch OBS Studio and Add Display Sources

    • Open OBS Studio.

    • In the Sources panel, click the + button → select Display Capture.

    • Choose Display 1 (your first monitor).

    • Repeat the process for Display 2 (second monitor).

  3. Arrange Monitors in Preview

    • Both screens will appear in the preview window.

    • Resize or reposition them as needed.

    • You can record them side by side or focus on one.

  4. Add Audio (Optional)

    • To capture system sounds, ensure Desktop Audio is enabled.

    • To record voice, add Audio Input Capture (microphone).

  5. Start Recording

    • Click Start Recording at the bottom-right.

    • OBS will capture both screens simultaneously.

  6. Stop and Save

    • When finished, click Stop Recording.

    • Find your saved file under File → Show Recordings.

✅ Tip: You can also set hotkeys under Settings → Hotkeys to start/stop recording faster.

Method 2: Record Multiple Screens Using ShareX (Free)

ShareX is another free tool with lightweight recording features.

Steps:

  1. Download and install ShareX from getsharex.com.

  2. Open ShareX and go to Capture → Screen recording (GIF or MP4).

  3. Select the screen area you want to record (choose across monitors).

  4. Enable audio capture in settings if needed.

  5. Start recording → stop → save your video.

⚡ Limitation: ShareX is great for short tutorials but doesn’t have advanced editing features.

Method 3: Record Multiple Screens Using Camtasia (Paid)

Camtasia is a premium option with professional editing tools.

Steps:

  1. Download and install Camtasia from TechSmith.

  2. Open the recorder and select Screen 1 + Screen 2 under Capture Settings.

  3. Enable microphone/system audio if required.

  4. Click Record.

  5. Once finished, the recording opens directly in the Camtasia Editor, where you can cut, trim, and add effects.

âś… Best for trainers, educators, and professionals creating polished tutorials.

Method 4: Record Multiple Screens Using Bandicam (Paid)

If you want something simpler than Camtasia:

  1. Download Bandicam and open it.

  2. Select Screen Recording Mode → Rectangle on a screen or Full screen (Dual monitors).

  3. Choose the monitors you want.

  4. Start recording.

⚡ Bandicam is lightweight but adds a watermark in the free version.

Method 5: Use Movavi Screen Recorder (Paid, Beginner-Friendly)

Movavi is designed for beginners who want simplicity.

  1. Install Movavi Screen Recorder.

  2. Open the app → click Screen Recording.

  3. Select multiple screens by dragging across displays.

  4. Enable audio/webcam if needed.

  5. Hit REC.

âś… Great balance between usability and functionality.

Pro Tips for Better Multi-Screen Recording

  • 🖥️ Use extended display mode (not duplicate mode) for true dual-screen capture.

  • 🎤 Check audio sources before recording to avoid silent videos.

  • 🎬 Record in high resolution (1080p or 4K) for professional results.

  • ⚡ Close unnecessary apps to save CPU and reduce lag.

  • ⌨️ Set hotkeys for start/stop recording to save time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ❌ Forgetting to select the correct screen source.

  • ❌ Recording in duplicate mode instead of extended.

  • ❌ Running multiple heavy apps → causes lag or dropped frames.

  • ❌ Not testing audio levels before recording.

Troubleshooting: Why Isn’t My Multi-Screen Recording Working?

  • OBS shows only one screen? → Check Display Capture Settings.

  • Black screen issue? → Run OBS in administrator mode.

  • Laggy recording? → Lower the resolution or frame rate.

  • No audio? → Re-check audio input/output sources in settings.

Alternatives to Screen Recording

If you don’t want to install software:

  • Use Microsoft Teams or Zoom to record screen sharing (supports multiple monitors).

  • Use online tools like Loom or Screencast-O-Matic for cloud-based recording.

Conclusion

Recording multiple screens on Windows 11 is easier than you might think—especially once you know which tools to use. While Windows’ built-in options are limited, OBS Studio, ShareX, Camtasia, Bandicam, and Movavi all provide excellent ways to capture multiple monitors.

👉 Whether you’re a gamer, a teacher, or a professional, you now have step-by-step methods to record multiple screens on Windows 11 without hassle.

FAQs

1. Can I record multiple screens on Windows 11 without software?
Not really. The built-in Xbox Game Bar only supports one screen at a time. For multiple screens, you’ll need third-party tools.

2. Is OBS Studio safe to use on Windows 11?
Yes. OBS Studio is open-source and widely trusted by millions of streamers and professionals.

3. Which free tool is best for multi-screen recording?
OBS Studio is the best free option, offering flexibility and advanced features.

4. Can I record three or more monitors?
Yes. OBS Studio and Camtasia support multiple monitors beyond just two.

5. What’s the easiest tool for beginners?
Movavi Screen Recorder is the most beginner-friendly, while OBS is more advanced but free.

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