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Can OneNote Screen Recordings Include Timestamps?

Bushra Parveen Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know if Microsoft OneNote supports a feature for screen recording that includes searchable or note-linked timestamps.

Can OneNote Screen Recordings Include Timestamps?

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to record screen activity and automatically link typed notes to specific timestamps in the video.
Observed behavior: OneNote lacks a built-in screen recording feature with timestamp integration, unlike its native audio and webcam video recording tools.

Before you start

Since OneNote does not natively support timestamped screen recordings, you will need to prepare a third-party screen recording application to use alongside your notes.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Third-Party Screen Recorder with Manual Timestamps

Because integrated timestamp support is unavailable for screen recordings, you can capture your screen externally and manually log times in your OneNote pages.

While OneNote allows note-linked timestamps for basic audio and webcam video, capturing your desktop screen requires an external tool. By running a screen recorder in the background, you can keep OneNote open and manually type timestamps for important moments.

Start an external screen recorder

Launch a third-party screen recording application (such as OBS Studio, Snagit, or the built-in Windows Snipping Tool) and begin capturing your desktop.

Open Microsoft OneNote

Open the OneNote application and navigate to the notebook and page where you want to take notes during the recording.

Type manual timestamps

As you observe important events on your screen, manually type the current recording time (e.g., '03:15') followed by your notes directly into the OneNote page.

Attach the video file

Once the recording is finished, save the video file to your computer. Drag and drop the video file into your OneNote page as an attachment so it stays organized with your notes.

Use a Third-Party Screen Recorder with Manual Timestamps

Submit a Feature Request: If you want Microsoft to add native screen recording with timestamps, submit your feature request through the official OneNote Feedback portal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does OneNote link audio recordings to my notes automatically?

Yes, OneNote features built-in audio and video recording. When you take notes while recording audio or webcam video directly within OneNote, the application automatically links your typed text to that specific timestamp in the media file.

Can I insert a static screen clipping into OneNote with a timestamp?

Yes. By navigating to the Insert tab and selecting Screen Clipping, you can capture a portion of your screen. OneNote automatically pastes the image into your page along with a date and time stamp of when the clipping was taken.

Are there any official add-ins that enable screen recording in OneNote?

Currently, there are no official Microsoft add-ins that add timestamp-linked desktop screen recording functionality to OneNote. Users must rely on third-party screen capture software.

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