windows alt r is not working to record screen

Question

a few days ago windows alt r would work to record my screen, but now it doesn't. Even going into the game bar and clicking on the record button is no longer working.

Please help!

Answer 1

Dear Kozmo_ Kozmo, 

Thank you for your question and for sharing the details into Microsoft Q&A Forum. 

I understand the recording shortcut (Win + Alt + R) and the Record button inside Xbox Game Bar both stopped working. I also noticed there is an AI suggested answer posted above, could you please try those basic checks first, its advice is excellent and worth a try. 

In addition, here are extra troubleshooting steps you can try that go beyond that checklist: 

1. Confirm Windows “Captures” settings  

• Settings > Gaming > Captures 
• Review recording options (video/audio) and ensure the save location is accessible. 
• For your reference: https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/games-apps/game-setup-and-play/adjust-capture-settings-windows-… 

2. Repair / Reset Xbox Game Bar 

• Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Xbox Game Bar > Advanced options 
• Click Repair first; if it continues, click Reset. 

3. Check Game Bar shortcut mapping 

• Open Game Bar (Win + G) 
• Settings (gear icon) > Shortcuts 
• Confirm “Start/Stop recording” is still assigned as expected (or assign a new shortcut and test). 

4. Update your graphics driver 

• Please update the display driver and test again: Device Manager > Display adapters > right‑click your GPU > Update driver 

5. Repair Gaming Services (Xbox components dependency) 

• If Game Bar features behave inconsistently, repairing Gaming Services can help restore Xbox-related components on the PC, use the official Gaming Services Repair Tool for PC and follow the steps on the page: https://support.xbox.com/en-IS/help/games-apps/troubleshooting/gaming-services-repair-tool 

You can also use Win+Shift+R to open the Snipping Tool recording feature as a workaround, that allowing you to record anything on the desktop, including audio, quickly. You can turn off the mic or system audio depending on your needs. 

Note: On some devices/builds, the Win + Shift + R shortcut may behave like the screenshot overlay (similar to Win + Shift + S). If that happens, you can open Snipping Tool from Start, choose the Record icon, then click New to begin recording. 

I hope the steps above help restore the Xbox Game Bar recording feature, so you can use Win + Alt + R and the Record button normally again. Wishing you a smooth experience capturing your screen on Windows 11 and completing your work without interruption. 

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Answer 2

If the Windows + Alt + R shortcut for recording your screen is not working, here are a few troubleshooting steps you can try:

1. Check Game Bar Settings: Ensure that the Xbox Game Bar is enabled. Go to Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar and make sure the toggle is turned on.
2. Focus on the Right Window: The Game Bar may not work if the active window is not a game or a supported application. Try focusing on a different application and then press Windows + G to open the Game Bar.
3. Update Windows: Make sure your Windows is up to date. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.
4. Check for Conflicting Applications: Sometimes, other applications may interfere with the Game Bar. Close any unnecessary applications and try again.
5. Restart Your Computer: A simple restart can sometimes resolve issues with keyboard shortcuts and applications.
6. Reinstall Xbox Game Bar: If the problem persists, consider reinstalling the Xbox Game Bar from the Microsoft Store.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may want to check if there are any specific error messages or behaviors that could provide more insight into the problem.