Windows 11 includes a suite of audio and video recording applications: Sound Recorder, Camera, and Windows Studio Effects.
The Sound Recorder app allows audio capture using PC microphones, featuring a navigation pane, recording area, and playback controls. Users can customize audio input in the Settings app under System > Sound, selecting microphones and adjusting quality formats like “CD quality” or “Studio quality.” Within the Sound Recorder app, users can change the recording format (default is AAC) to MP3, WMA, FLAC, or WAV and set audio quality to Best, High, or Medium.
To record audio, users click the red “Start recording” button, with options to stop, pause, or mark significant moments using keyboard shortcuts. Recordings can be played back, managed, shared, renamed, or deleted through the app's interface. Users can also import compatible audio files into Sound Recorder.
The Camera app allows users to take photos, record videos, and scan items using the PC's webcam, with an interface similar to smartphone camera apps. Users can customize camera settings in the Settings app under Bluetooth > Cameras, adjusting brightness, contrast, and resolution. Photos are taken in Photo mode, while videos are recorded in Video mode, with options for pausing without creating new files.
Windows Studio Effects offers AI-driven enhancements for audio and video calls, requiring a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for some features. Enhancements include automatic framing, background effects, creative filters, eye contact simulation, portrait lighting adjustments, and voice focus. Compatibility can be checked in Quick settings or the Settings app under Bluetooth & devices > Cameras. Each effect can be configured individually through the Settings app or supported applications.
AerialKnight’s DropShot is available on February 17 for Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC via Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is also available on February 17 for the same platforms, featuring a first-person action-adventure experience. Avowed receives an update on February 17, introducing new playable races, a New Game Plus Mode, and a Photo Mode. Death Howl will launch on February 19 for Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC on Game Pass Ultimate and Premium. EA Sports College Football 26 is available on February 19 for Cloud and Xbox Series X|S, allowing players to represent 136 FBS schools. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition launches on February 19 for Cloud and Console. TCG Card Shop Simulator enters Game Preview on February 24 for multiple platforms. Dice A Million will be available on PC on February 25 with Xbox Game Pass. Towerborne releases as a complete game on February 26 for Console, Handheld, and PC. Final Fantasy III and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II are set for March 3 on multiple platforms. Menace entered Game Preview on February 5 for PC, and Diablo II: Resurrected was released on February 11 for Console and PC. Overwatch: Season 1: Conquest began on February 10, introducing new heroes. Microsoft Mahjong will feature in-game benefits on February 24 for PC. Titles leaving Game Pass on February 28 include Monster Train, Expeditions: A MudRunner Game, Injustice 2, and Middle Earth: Shadow of War.