Learn how to record a GIF on Windows 11 using built-in tools like Snipping Tool and Game Bar, or third-party apps like EaseUS RecExperts and ScreenToGif.
Ever wanted to create a quick GIF to showcase a process, highlight a bug, or share a funny moment? GIFs are a great way to convey information quickly and engagingly. If you're wondering how to record a GIF on Windows 11, you're in the right place. This guide will walk you through various methods, from built-in tools to third-party applications, ensuring you have the right solution to screen record Windows 11 and make a GIF.
| Tool | Direct GIF Export | Ease of Use | Best For |
| ✅ GIF | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Pro-quality recording + conversion | |
| ❌ (MP4 only) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fast native screen capture | |
| ❌ (MP4 only) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Game and app window recording | |
| ✅ GIF | ⭐⭐⭐ | Developers, advanced users | |
| ✅ GIF | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Tutorials, precision editing |
👍Best for: professionals and casual users who want to record GIFs from the screen or webcam directly
EaseUS RecExperts is a full-featured screen recorder for Windows and Mac that supports region capture, scheduled recording, system/mic audio recording, and direct export in GIF, MP4, MP3, FLAC, WKV, WMV, and more formats.
EaseUS GIF maker is widely used in professional tutorials, marketing teams, and educators due to its reliability and export flexibility. Its non-linear editing features help refine recordings before converting to GIF, ensuring high visual clarity.
⭐Main features:
👉Download this free GIF maker to your computer below.
🚩How to record a GIF on Windows 11 using EaseUS GIF maker:
Step 1. Before recording as a specific format, you will need to change the settings. Launch EaseUS RecExperts and click the "Settings" button on the main interface (looks like a screw nut).
Step 2. If you want to save your recordings as a video file, click on "Video" and choose a format. You can also customize quality, frame rate, frame rate mode, etc. Then, click "OK" to save the settings.
Step 3. After that, choose a recording mode from "Full Screen" and "Region". Then, click on the big red button "REC" to start recording.
Step 4. Once the recording started, a floating toolbar will appear. Click on the red "Stop" button to stop recording, and the recording list will pop up.
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👍Best for: Windows 11 users who want to capture a short action or screen flow quickly without installing third-party software
The upgraded Snipping Tool in Windows 11 includes screen recording functionality. Although it only exports videos in MP4, it's perfect for short recordings which can then be converted into GIFs using free tools.
Microsoft's new Snipping Tool is a handy upgrade, offering quick access for productivity users or developers who need lightweight screen recordings. However, it's better for occasional use due to the lack of GIF output and editing.
🚩How to record GIFs on Windows 11 using Snipping Tool:
Step 1. Type Snipping Tool in the Search bar. Open the tool from the list.
Step 2. Switch from Snip to Record mode in Snipping Tool.
Step 3. Select the area you want to record.
Step 4. Click Start to begin recording, then Stop when finished.
Step 5. Save the video to an MP4 file.
Step 6. Convert it to GIF using EZGIF.com or CloudConvert.
1. The screen recording feature of Snipping Tool cannot save a file in GIF directly. The screenshot (snip) feature lets you export a picture in GIF, but the saved GIFs cannot play. So, it's still recommended to use a video-to-GIF converter then.
2. According to PhantomOfEarth, the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 is set to receive a significant update that includes the ability to record and export screen recordings directly as animated GIFs. This feature is currently being tested in preview builds and unavailable in the general release. Users can follow future updates.
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👍Best for: gamers and app reviewers who want to record gameplay or in-app actions and convert to GIFs for sharing on forums or social media
Xbox Game Bar recording is built into Windows 10/11 and allows full HD recording of apps and games. It only supports MP4 export, but videos can be converted to GIFs using third-party tools as well.
Xbox Game Bar is optimized for DirectX applications, making it an efficient built-in tool for capturing real-time software interactions. However, users must rely on external editors to produce GIFs.
🚩How to record a GIF with Game Bar:
Step 1. Open the app or window to record.
Step 2. Press Win + G to launch Xbox Game Bar.
Step 3. Click the Record button in the Capture widget.
Step 4. Perform your action and click Stop when done.
Step 5. The video will be saved in MP4 format.
Step 6. Use EZGIF or GIPHY to convert the file to a GIF.
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👍Best for: power users and developers who need customizable GIF capture with hotkeys, task automation, and frame-by-frame control
ShareX is a free open-source screen recorder that allows direct GIF recording and includes rich options for capture area, hotkey assignment, and workflow automation.
Trusted by developers and QA engineers, ShareX's advanced recording modes and GIF export make it one of the most efficient free tools though not suited for beginners.
🚩How to make GIFs on Windows 11 with ShareX:
Step 1. Install ShareX from getsharex.com. Open it on your laptop or desktop.
Step 2. Go to Capture > Screen Recording (GIF).
Step 3. Select the screen area to record.
Step 4. Perform the on-screen activity.
Step 5. Stop the recording and export the GIF.
Step 6. The GIF is saved automatically in the destination folder.
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👍Best for: tutorial creators, educators, and users who want detailed control over every frame of their animated GIFs
ScreenToGif is a lightweight Windows program focused on recording the screen, webcam, or whiteboard into editable GIFs. It features a powerful frame editor for trimming, text, and image overlays.
ScreenToGif is highly regarded in tech and developer communities for its precision editing and frame-level control. It's ideal for clean, instructional GIFs or UX reporting.
🚩How to record a GIF on Windows 10 or 11 using ScreenToGif:
Step 1. Download, install, and launch ScreenToGif.
Step 2. Click Recorder and resize the recording window.
Step 3. Click Record to begin capturing screen activity.
Step 4. Click Stop, then edit the captured frames.
Step 5. Add captions, remove frames, or adjust speed.
Step 6. Export your project as a GIF.
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This article offers 5 ways about how to record a GIF on Windows 11. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. If you are going to make GIFs frequently, download a free GIF maker like EaseUS RecExperts.
Yes, Windows 11 comes with a built-in video recorder called Xbox Game Bar. It lets you capture screen activity, especially for games or app windows. You can launch it by pressing Windows + G.
However, Xbox Game Bar has limitations:
To record a GIF on Windows 11, you can't rely solely on default tools yet. But there are several ways to do it using free software:
✅ Using ShareX
✅ Using ScreenToGif
✅ (Coming Soon) Using Snipping Tool
Windows 11's Snipping Tool is getting GIF support (in Insider Preview). Once it's publicly released, you'll be able to:
Windows 11 doesn't natively support animated GIFs as desktop wallpapers, but you can still make it work using a third-party utility like Lively Wallpaper (Free on Microsoft Store)
⭐Note:
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