How to Take a Screenshot on Windows 11: Easy Guide
Taking screenshots on Windows 11 is a simple task, but there are multiple ways to do it depending on your needs. Whether you want to capture the entire screen, a specific window, or a selected area, Windows 11 provides built-in tools and keyboard shortcuts to make the process easy.
In this guide, we will walk you through all the methods available for taking screenshots on Windows 11.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Taking Screenshots
1. Print Screen (PrtSc) Method
The Print Screen (PrtSc) key is one of the quickest ways to take a screenshot on Windows 11.
- Press PrtSc on your keyboard.
- The entire screen will be copied to your clipboard.
- Open an application like Paint, Word, or Photoshop, and press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot.
2. Alt + Print Screen (Capture Active Window)
If you want to capture only the active window:
- Press Alt + PrtSc.
- The screenshot is copied to the clipboard.
- Paste it into an image editor or document using Ctrl + V.
3. Windows Key + Print Screen (Automatic Save to Folder)
For users who want to save screenshots automatically:
- Press Windows Key + PrtSc.
- The screen will briefly dim, indicating that the screenshot has been taken.
- The image is saved automatically in Pictures > Screenshots.
| Shortcut | Function | File Auto-Saved? |
|---|---|---|
| PrtSc | Captures the entire screen (Clipboard only) | No |
| Alt + PrtSc | Captures active window (Clipboard only) | No |
| Win + PrtSc | Captures the entire screen (Saved to folder) | Yes |
Snipping Tool: Advanced Screenshot Options
Windows 11 includes an improved Snipping Tool, which offers more flexibility.
1. Using Snipping Tool with a Keyboard Shortcut
- Press Windows Key + Shift + S.
- A small menu appears at the top with the following options:
- Rectangular Snip – Select a rectangular portion of the screen.
- Freeform Snip – Draw any shape to capture a specific area.
- Window Snip – Capture a specific window.
- Full-screen Snip – Capture the entire screen.
- The captured image is copied to the clipboard.
- Click the notification thumbnail to edit or save the image.
2. Using the Snipping Tool Application
If you prefer using the Snipping Tool app manually:
- Open Snipping Tool from the Start menu.
- Click New to start a new capture.
- Choose one of the available snipping modes.
- After capturing, the image opens in the editing interface where you can crop, highlight, or annotate.
- Save the screenshot as PNG, JPG, or GIF.
Game Bar: Capturing Screenshots in Games
The Xbox Game Bar is useful for gamers who want to take screenshots or record gameplay.
- Press Windows Key + G to open the Game Bar.
- Click the Camera icon or press Windows Key + Alt + PrtSc.
- Screenshots are saved in Videos > Captures.
Snip & Sketch: Quick Editing After Screenshot
Though Snip & Sketch has been merged with Snipping Tool, some users may still have access to it.
- Press Windows Key + Shift + S to open it.
- Take a screenshot using one of the available snipping options.
- Click the notification pop-up to edit and annotate the image.
- Save or share the screenshot from within the tool.
Third-Party Screenshot Tools for Windows 11
While Windows 11 offers built-in options, third-party apps provide additional features like scrolling screenshots and instant cloud sharing.
| Tool | Features | Free/Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Lightshot | Quick editing, cloud upload | Free |
| Greenshot | Annotations, multiple output formats | Free |
| Snagit | Scrolling capture, video recording | Paid |
How to Take Scrolling Screenshots in Windows 11
Windows 11 does not natively support scrolling screenshots, but you can use third-party tools like Snagit or ShareX.
Using Snagit for Scrolling Screenshots
- Open Snagit and select Scrolling Capture.
- Choose the area or window that requires a scrolling screenshot.
- Scroll through the content while Snagit captures it.
- Save or edit the screenshot.
Where Are Screenshots Saved on Windows 11?
Depending on the method used, screenshots are saved in different locations:
| Method | Location |
|---|---|
| Win + PrtSc | Pictures > Screenshots |
| Game Bar | Videos > Captures |
| Snipping Tool | User-defined folder upon saving |
| Third-Party Tools | Custom locations (depends on tool) |
Final Thoughts
Windows 11 provides multiple options for taking screenshots, from quick keyboard shortcuts to advanced tools like Snipping Tool and Game Bar.
Whether you need to capture the full screen, an active window, or a custom region, these methods will help you take and save screenshots effortlessly. For additional features like scrolling screenshots, third-party tools such as Snagit and Lightshot can be useful alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I take a screenshot of my entire screen in Windows 11?
Press PrtSc (Print Screen) to copy the entire screen to the clipboard. You can paste it into an application like Paint or Word using Ctrl + V. Alternatively, use Windows Key + PrtSc to save the screenshot automatically in Pictures > Screenshots.
Where are my screenshots saved in Windows 11?
If you use Windows Key + PrtSc, your screenshots are saved in the Pictures > Screenshots folder. Screenshots taken with the Snipping Tool or other methods may require manual saving.
What is the shortcut for capturing a selected portion of the screen?
Press Windows Key + Shift + S to open the Snipping Tool overlay. Choose a snipping mode (rectangular, freeform, window, or full-screen) to capture a selected area.
How do I take a screenshot of a specific window?
Press Alt + PrtSc to capture only the active window. The image will be copied to your clipboard, allowing you to paste it into an editing tool like Paint or Word.
Can I record my screen using Windows 11?
Yes, you can use the Xbox Game Bar by pressing Windows Key + G. Click the Camera icon to take a screenshot or the Record button to start recording your screen.
How do I take scrolling screenshots in Windows 11?
Windows 11 does not support scrolling screenshots natively. You can use third-party tools like Snagit or ShareX to capture full-page scrolling screenshots.
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