Many people want to record their screen for a tutorial, a meeting clip or a bug report. Before you pay for software, it helps to know what Windows already does for free and what a paid recorder should add. This guide summarises Microsoft's own instructions for the built-in Snipping Tool, then lists what to check on a seller's page. It is general information and covers Windows only.

We have not tested any recorder named here. Prices, features and terms come from the sellers' own pages on the date given and can change.

What Windows already does

Source: Microsoft Support, "Use Snipping Tool to capture screenshots" (support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/use-snipping-tool-to-capture-screenshots). Read in a browser. Last checked: 19 October 2026.

Microsoft's page describes a "video snip" in Snipping Tool:

  1. Open Snipping Tool, select the Record button, then select New (or press the Windows logo key + Shift + R).
  2. Select the area of the screen you want to record, then select Start.
  3. When you are done, select Stop.
  4. Save the recording as it is, or select Edit in Clipchamp to work on it in the Clipchamp video editor, where the page says you can add captions or audio.

The page does not say how long a recording can be, what file format it saves in or whether it captures your microphone or system sound while recording, so we do not state any of those. Check Snipping Tool's own settings on your PC.

What a paid recorder should add

Decide what you need that the free tool does not give you. Common needs are recording the full screen or several monitors, capturing microphone and system audio together, a timer that stops the recording, webcam overlays, and choosing the file format.

Before you pay for a recorder

  1. Check your Windows version. One example, Fast Screen Recorder from FastPCTools, says on its page that it supports Windows 11, 10 and 8, and does not mention macOS, Linux or mobile.
  2. Read the feature list for your use. That page lists recording the full screen, a custom area or multiple screens, microphone and system audio, and an auto-stop timer. It gives no details on webcam recording, output formats, watermark rules or recording time limits, so ask or test the trial before you rely on those.
  3. Use the trial. The page labels the recorder "FREE Trial" but does not describe the trial's length or limits. Record a short clip and check the result before paying.
  4. Check the licence type and price. The page says premium features unlock with a licence key on a yearly subscription, and lists no prices. A buy page shows the price, so read it there and check whether the licence is yearly or one-time and how many PCs it covers.
  5. Check the refund policy. The page links to a refund policy but does not summarise it. Read it before paying.
  6. Treat vendor claims as claims. Download counts, star ratings and "100% safe" statements are the seller's own and are not independent evidence. Download only from the seller's own site, and keep your antivirus on.
  7. Compare with free options. If you only need a short clip of one area, the built-in tool above may be enough.

Sources: Microsoft Support, use Snipping Tool to capture screenshots; FastPCTools, Fast Screen Recorder (details as listed there on 19 October 2026).