How to Screenshot on Windows 11 and Windows 10
Windows offers several built-in ways to capture your screen, from a simple full-screen snap to precise selections. Here is the complete guide on how to screenshot on Windows.
How to Take a Screenshot on Windows
There are three main methods for capturing screenshots on a PC depending on whether you want a full screen, a specific window, or a custom area.
Using Windows + Shift + S
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.
Using the Print Screen Key
Pressing the PrtScn key will copy your entire screen to the clipboard. You will then need to open an image editor (like Paint) and press Ctrl + V to paste and save the image.
Using Windows + Print Screen
- 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.
How to Use Snipping Tool on Windows
The Snipping Tool is a built-in app that provides more advanced screenshot capabilities, including delay timers and annotation features. You can open it by searching for "Snipping Tool" in the Start menu.
How to Screenshot on a Windows Laptop
On some Windows laptops (like Dell, HP, or Lenovo), the PrtScn key is shared with another function. You may need to press Fn + PrtScn or Fn + Win + PrtScn to capture your screen.
How to Take a Full-Screen Screenshot
The fastest way to capture everything on your screen is by pressing Win + PrtScn.
How to Screenshot a Specific Area
Use the Win + Shift + S shortcut to open the Snip & Sketch tool, which lets you drag a box around the exact area you want to capture.
Where Are Screenshots Saved on Windows?
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.
How to Edit and Share Screenshots
Once you take a screenshot, you can click the notification popup in the bottom right corner of your screen to open it in the Snipping Tool, where you can crop, draw, and share the image.
Windows Screenshot Shortcuts
- Win + Shift + S: Open the modern Snipping Tool/Snip & Sketch.
- Win + PrtScn: Save full screen to Pictures > Screenshots.
- Alt + PrtScn: Copy the active window to clipboard.
- PrtScn: Copy the entire screen to clipboard.
Windows Screenshot Not Working
If your shortcuts are not working, check your keyboard for an "F-Lock" key, ensure the Snipping Tool is updated in the Microsoft Store, or check Windows Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard to verify the Print Screen key behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I take a screenshot without the Print Screen key?
You can use the Win + Shift + S shortcut, or open the Snipping Tool from the Start menu.