Last updated: October 2026
Quick Answer: How Do You Take a Screenshot on Windows 11?
To take a screenshot on Windows 11, press Windows key + Shift + S to open the Snipping Tool overlay, choose rectangle, freeform, window or full-screen mode, and select the area you want. The image is copied to your clipboard, and a notification lets you edit and save it. For the fastest full-screen capture, press Windows key + Print Screen (PrtScn), which saves the screenshot automatically to Pictures > Screenshots.
Key Takeaways
- Win + Shift + S is the best all-round Windows 11 screenshot shortcut because it lets you choose exactly what to capture.
- Win + PrtScn saves a full-screen screenshot as a file with no extra steps.
- PrtScn alone copies the screen to the clipboard, and in many Windows 11 setups it opens the Snipping Tool instead.
- Alt + PrtScn captures only the active window.
- Saved screenshots usually go to C:\Users\YourName\Pictures\Screenshots.
- The Snipping Tool can also add a delay and record your screen as a video.
- Your keyboard layout, laptop brand and Windows version may change the exact key combination.
Method 1: Win + Shift + S (Snipping Tool Shortcut)
This is the most flexible way to capture your screen, and it is the one most people should learn first.
- Open the content you want to capture.
- Press Windows key + Shift + S at the same time. The screen dims and a small toolbar appears at the top.
- Choose a mode: Rectangular snip, Freeform snip, Window snip or Full-screen snip.
- Click and drag to select the area, or click the window you want.
- The screenshot is copied to the clipboard. A notification appears in the corner.
- Click the notification to open the Snipping Tool, where you can crop, highlight, draw and save.
- Or press Ctrl + V in an email, chat, Word or Paint to paste it right away.
If you miss the notification, open the clipboard history with Win + V to find the image. For more handy shortcuts like this one, see our guide on Windows 11 tips, shortcuts and settings.
Method 2: Print Screen (PrtScn) on Windows 11
The Print Screen key is the classic way to capture your display. On keyboards it may be labeled PrtScn, PrtSc, Prt Sc or PrtScrn.
What Does PrtScn Do on Windows 11?
That depends on one setting. On many Windows 11 PCs, pressing PrtScn opens the Snipping Tool overlay, the same as Win + Shift + S. If that setting is off, PrtScn copies your whole screen to the clipboard without saving a file. You then paste it into Paint, Word, Outlook or a chat window with Ctrl + V.
How to Change What the Print Screen Key Does
- Open Settings (Win + I).
- Go to Accessibility > Keyboard.
- Turn Use the Print screen button to open screen capture on or off.
Turn it on if you want PrtScn to open the Snipping Tool. Turn it off if you prefer the old clipboard behavior.
Method 3: Windows Key + PrtScn (Save Automatically)
When you want a file immediately, press Windows key + PrtScn. The screen dims for a split second, and Windows saves a full-screen PNG image to Pictures > Screenshots. This is the best choice for a quick record of your whole desktop, such as an error message, a receipt or a settings page. It needs no pasting and no saving dialog.
On a laptop where PrtScn shares a key with another function, you might need Windows + Fn + PrtScn. If you use multiple monitors, the screenshot includes all screens in one image.
Method 4: Alt + PrtScn (Active Window Only)
Press Alt + PrtScn to copy only the window you are currently using. This is neat for tutorials, bug reports and documents because it removes the taskbar and other clutter. The image goes to the clipboard, so paste it with Ctrl + V where you need it. If you want it as a file, paste into Paint and save.
Method 5: Use the Snipping Tool App
The Snipping Tool app gives you more control than any shortcut. Here is how to use it:
- Click Start and type Snipping Tool, then open it.
- Click New or press Win + Shift + S.
- If you want a delay, use the Delay menu (typically 3, 5 or 10 seconds) so you can open a menu or tooltip before the capture.
- Choose your snip mode and capture.
- Edit with the pen, highlighter, ruler or crop tools.
- Press Ctrl + S to save, or use Copy and Share buttons.
Recent versions of the Snipping Tool also include a screen recording button (shortcut Win + Shift + R) and, in newer builds, tools such as text actions that can pull text from an image. Features can differ depending on your Windows update. Microsoft explains the current options in its official guide to using Snipping Tool to capture screenshots.
Method 6: Xbox Game Bar
If you are playing a game or want to capture an app, Game Bar is another option.
- Press Windows key + G to open the Game Bar.
- Click the camera icon in the Capture widget.
- Or press Windows + Alt + PrtScn to capture without opening the bar.
These screenshots are saved in Videos > Captures. Game Bar may not work on the desktop or File Explorer, so use Win + Shift + S for those.
Method 7: Screenshot on Surface and Tablet Mode
On a Surface or a Windows 11 tablet without a physical keyboard, press the Power button and Volume Down button together. The screen dims and the image is saved to your Screenshots folder. You can also use the on-screen keyboard to find the PrtScn key.
Windows 11 Screenshot Shortcuts at a Glance
| Shortcut | What it captures | Where it goes |
|---|---|---|
| Win + Shift + S | Any area you choose | Clipboard, with edit notification |
| PrtScn | Full screen or Snipping Tool overlay | Clipboard (or opens Snipping Tool) |
| Win + PrtScn | Full screen | Pictures > Screenshots (saved file) |
| Alt + PrtScn | Active window | Clipboard |
| Win + Alt + PrtScn | Active game or app window | Videos > Captures |
| Win + Shift + R | Screen recording (video) | Videos > Screen Recordings |
| Power + Volume Down | Full screen on Surface or tablets | Pictures > Screenshots |
Where Do Screenshots Go on Windows 11?
People often take a screenshot and cannot find it. The location depends on the method.
- Win + PrtScn: saved in This PC > Pictures > Screenshots, which is usually C:\Users\YourName\Pictures\Screenshots.
- Win + Shift + S and PrtScn: copied to the clipboard only. Paste them or save them from the Snipping Tool notification. Many setups also keep a copy in Pictures > Screenshots.
- Snipping Tool: saves where you choose, and often to Pictures > Screenshots by default if automatic saving is on.
- Game Bar: saved in Videos > Captures.
- OneDrive backup: if you back up the Pictures folder, your screenshots may live in OneDrive > Pictures > Screenshots.
If you deleted a screenshot by mistake, try the Recycle Bin first, then follow our guide to recover deleted files.
How to Change the Screenshot Save Location
- Open File Explorer and go to Pictures.
- Right-click the Screenshots folder and choose Properties.
- Open the Location tab and click Move.
- Select a new folder, such as one on another drive, and confirm.
How to Edit and Share a Windows 11 Screenshot
- Crop and annotate in the Snipping Tool.
- Paste into Paint for more drawing tools.
- Paste into Word, Outlook, Teams or WhatsApp with Ctrl + V.
- Use Photos app for basic edits.
- Share via the Snipping Tool’s share button.
- Convert to a document. If your screenshot contains text and you want an editable version, see our guide on how to convert PDF to Word.
Before sharing, blur or crop sensitive information such as passwords, email addresses and account numbers. Our account privacy settings guide offers more advice about protecting personal data.
Windows 11 Screenshot Not Working? Try These Fixes
PrtScn Does Nothing
- Check if you need to press Fn together with PrtScn on your laptop. Look for an Fn Lock key.
- Try Win + PrtScn or Win + Shift + S, which are more reliable.
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and toggle the Print screen setting.
- Close apps that may take over the key, such as cloud storage or screenshot tools.
Win + Shift + S Not Working
- Make sure the Snipping Tool is installed and updated in the Microsoft Store.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Snipping Tool > Advanced options and click Repair, then Reset if needed.
- Check that notifications are on and that Focus assist or Do Not Disturb is not hiding them.
- Restart Windows Explorer from Task Manager, or restart your PC.
Screenshot Is Black or Blank
Protected video, some streaming apps, DRM content and certain games can produce a black image. Try a different capture method, lower hardware acceleration in the app, or use Game Bar. Streaming services block capture on purpose.
Screenshot Is Not Saved
Remember that some shortcuts copy to the clipboard only. Use Win + PrtScn for automatic saving, or paste and save manually. Check that your drive has free space.
If the problem continues, read our tech troubleshooting guide or Microsoft’s Windows support center. You may also like our list of essential Windows software programs.
Best Method for Each Situation
- I want to capture a part of the screen: Win + Shift + S.
- I want a full-screen file instantly: Win + PrtScn.
- I want only one window: Alt + PrtScn or the Window snip mode.
- I need a timed capture of a menu: Snipping Tool with delay.
- I want a video: Win + Shift + R or Game Bar.
- I am on a tablet: Power + Volume Down.
Need to capture on your phone too? Read how to take a screenshot on Android.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I take a screenshot on Windows 11?
Press Windows key + Shift + S, choose the area you want to capture, and then paste or save it. For a quick full-screen file, press Windows key + PrtScn.
What is the shortcut for a screenshot on Windows 11?
The main shortcuts are Win + Shift + S for a custom area, Win + PrtScn for a saved full-screen image, PrtScn for the clipboard or Snipping Tool, and Alt + PrtScn for the active window.
Where do screenshots go on Windows 11?
Screenshots taken with Win + PrtScn go to Pictures > Screenshots. Others are copied to the clipboard until you paste or save them. Game Bar captures are stored in Videos > Captures.
Why doesn’t my Print Screen button work on Windows 11?
You may need to press Fn with PrtScn, the Print screen setting may be changed, or another app may be using the key. Try Win + PrtScn or Win + Shift + S instead.
How do I take a screenshot on a Windows 11 laptop?
Use the same shortcuts as a desktop. If the PrtScn key shares space with another key, press Fn + PrtScn or Windows + Fn + PrtScn.
How do I screenshot only one window on Windows 11?
Press Alt + PrtScn, or press Win + Shift + S and choose Window snip. Then click the window you want to capture.
How do I take a screenshot on Windows 11 without Print Screen?
Use Win + Shift + S, open the Snipping Tool app, use the Game Bar camera icon, or use the on-screen keyboard to press PrtScn.
Can I take a scrolling screenshot on Windows 11?
Windows does not have a built-in scrolling capture in the Snipping Tool. Some browsers, such as Microsoft Edge, offer a full-page capture, and third-party tools can capture long pages.
How do I record my screen on Windows 11?
Press Win + Shift + R in the Snipping Tool to record an area of your screen, or use Xbox Game Bar with Win + Alt + R for app recording.
How do I find the Snipping Tool on Windows 11?
Click Start, type Snipping Tool, and open it. You can also pin it to the taskbar or press Win + Shift + S.
Can I change where Windows 11 saves screenshots?
Yes. Right-click the Screenshots folder in Pictures, choose Properties, open the Location tab, click Move and select a new folder.
Why is my Windows 11 screenshot black?
Protected content, DRM video or some graphics settings can cause a blank image. Try another capture method or turn off hardware acceleration in the app you are capturing.
Conclusion
Learning how to take a screenshot on Windows 11 saves time at work, school and home. Use Win + Shift + S when you need control, Win + PrtScn when you want an instant saved file, and Alt + PrtScn for one window. Check your Pictures > Screenshots folder, and use the Snipping Tool for edits, delays and recordings. If something stops working, check your keyboard settings and repair the Snipping Tool. Visit our technology tutorials for more step-by-step help.
