How do I take a screenshot on Windows?
Windows offers several built-in ways to capture your screen, from a simple full-screen snap to precise selections. Here are the best methods.
Method 1: The Modern Snip & Sketch (Recommended)
This is the best method for capturing specific parts of your screen on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
- Press Win + Shift + S at the same time.
- Your screen will dim, and a small menu will appear at the top.
- Choose to capture a rectangle, freeform shape, specific window, or the full screen.
- Click and drag to select your area. The screenshot is copied to your clipboard (you can paste it anywhere).
Method 2: Quick Full-Screen Capture (Saved to Folder)
If you want to quickly snap the whole screen and automatically save it as a file, use this shortcut.
- Press Win + PrtScn (Print Screen).
- Your screen will briefly dim to indicate the screenshot was taken.
- The full-screen screenshot is automatically saved as an image file.
Method 3: Capture the Active Window Only
If you only want a screenshot of the specific app or window you are currently using, without the background or taskbar.
- Click on the window you want to capture to ensure it is active.
- Press Alt + PrtScn.
- This copies the window to your clipboard. You must paste (Ctrl + V) it into Paint, Word, or an email to save it.
Where do I find my saved screenshots?
If you used the Win + PrtScn method, your images are saved to a specific folder on your PC.
- Open File Explorer (press Win + E).
- Go to the Pictures folder.
- Open the Screenshots folder.