Windows 11

Taking a screenshot on Windows 11 is one of the easiest ways to save something you see on your computer screen. Whether you want to capture an important message, save part of a webpage, document an error, or share something with another person, Windows 11 provides several built-in options.

You don’t necessarily need to download or install third-party screenshot software. Windows 11 includes tools and keyboard shortcuts that can capture the entire screen, an active window, or a specific area.

In this guide, you’ll learn different ways to take a screenshot on Windows 11, where screenshots are saved, how to edit them, and what to do if a screenshot shortcut isn’t working.

What Is a Screenshot?

A screenshot is an image that captures what is currently displayed on your computer screen.

For example, imagine you are reading an article and want to save a particular section for later. Instead of taking a photo of your monitor with your phone, you can use Windows 11’s screenshot features to capture the content directly as an image.

Screenshots can be useful for many everyday tasks, including:

• Saving information from your screen
• Sharing an error message with technical support
• Capturing part of a webpage
• Saving a useful instruction or reference
• Showing someone what appears on your computer
• Keeping a record of a particular screen
• Creating simple tutorials and documentation

Windows 11 offers several ways to do this, so you can choose the method that best fits your situation.

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How to Take a Screenshot on Windows 11

There are several ways to capture your screen in Windows 11. The easiest method depends on whether you want the entire screen, one application window, or only a selected portion.

Let’s look at each method step by step.

1. Use Windows + PrtSc to Capture the Entire Screen

One of the simplest ways to take a full-screen screenshot is by using the Windows + PrtSc keyboard shortcut.

This method is especially useful when you want Windows to save the screenshot automatically.

Steps to take a screenshot:

1. Open the screen you want to capture.
2. Press the Windows key + PrtSc at the same time.
3. Your screen may briefly dim.
4. Windows will capture the entire screen.
5. Open File Explorer.
6. Go to Pictures > Screenshots.

Your screenshot should be available in the Screenshots folder.

The exact behavior of the Print Screen key can vary between keyboards and devices. If this shortcut doesn’t work on your laptop, you can try the Snipping Tool method described below.

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2. Take a Screenshot With the Snipping Tool

The Snipping Tool is a built-in Windows 11 application designed for taking screenshots.

It is particularly useful when you don’t want to capture the entire screen. You can select a specific part of the display and save the result.

How to use Snipping Tool:

1. Press Windows + Shift + S.
2. The screen will become slightly darker.
3. A screenshot toolbar will appear near the top of the screen.
4. Choose the capture mode you want.
5. Select the area you want to capture.
6. Windows will place the captured image in the clipboard.
7. Select the notification that appears to open the screenshot in Snipping Tool.
8. Save the image when you’re ready.

The Snipping Tool can be convenient when you only need a particular section of your display.

For example, if you are viewing a webpage and only want to capture one paragraph or image, you can select that area rather than capturing the entire desktop.

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3. Use Windows + Shift + S

You don’t have to open Snipping Tool from the Start menu every time.

The keyboard shortcut Windows + Shift + S provides a quick way to start a screen capture.

After pressing the shortcut, Windows displays screenshot options. Depending on the available options on your Windows installation, you can select a rectangular area, a window, or a