How To Take Screenshots On Windows 11? – 6 Quick and Easy Methods

| Updated on January 29, 2025

Screenshots are great for sharing information with colleagues, friends, and family. While the Windows screenshot feature has been there for years, Windows 11 has introduced some updates to make it even more convenient.

According to reports, almost 70% of people worldwide use Windows computers. Microsoft has improved classic tools and added some new features as well. So, learning how to take screenshots on Windows 11 is essential for many users.

I will walk you through 6 easiest ways to take screenshots in Windows 11. This will help you save and share your digital life without any hassle.

How to Take a Screenshot on Windows 11 Using the Print Screen Key?

Let’s start with the old-school way of taking a screenshot on a Windows PC. This involves using the Print Screen key, usually located at the top-right corner of your keyboard. Depending on the brand, it may be labeled as Print Screen, PrtScn, PrtSc, or PrntScrn.

Capture Your Current Windows:

  • Open the window you want to capture.
    Open the window you want to capture
  • Next, press the Alt + Print Screen keyboard shortcut for screenshots.
    Press Alt plus Print Screen
  • Finally, just paste it (Ctrl + V) into any app or program you like.
    Paste the screenshot on any app

Capture Your Entire Screen:

  • Arrange everything on your screen as you want.
  • Now, press the Print Screen button.
    Press the Print Screen key
  • Your screenshot will be saved in the clipboard; just paste it into any app like Paint 3D.
    Screenshot pasted on the Paint 3D app

Moving on, let’s see how you can use the Snipping Tool to take the screenshot.

How to Screenshot on Windows Using the Snipping Tool?

Another way is to use the Snipping Tool available on Windows. The new version of Windows 11 combines the features of the original Snipping Tool and Snip and Sketch. Here’s how to take screenshots using the new tool:

  1. Press Windows + Shift + S to launch the Snipping Tool.
    Press Windows plus Shift plus S
  1. After using the keyboard shortcut, a toolbar will appear at the top of your screen with these options:
    • Rectangular Snip: Select a rectangular area.
    • Freeform Snip: Draw a custom shape for your screenshot.
    • Windows Snip: Capture a specific window.
    • Fullscreen Snip: Capture your entire screen.
      Snipping tool options
  1. Choose the preferred option and take your screenshot. A thumbnail preview will appear in the bottom-right corner of your display.
    Thumbnail preview of screenshot
  1. Your screenshot will be automatically copied to your clipboard. You can press Ctrl + V to paste it into any app.

Furthermore, you can also choose to click on the thumbnail to open the tool and edit your screenshots.  

How to Auto Save Screenshots on Windows 11?

How do I take a screenshot on my computer and auto-save it in a folder? Using the following keyboard command for screenshots will help you achieve that. 

So, if you take frequent screenshots, here’s a quick way to save them directly as image files in Windows 11;

  1. Press the Windows + Print Screen key.
    Press Windows plus Print Screen
  1. The screenshot of your entire screen will automatically save as a PNG file in the Pictures > Screenshots folder.
    Pictures then Screenshots folder

To locate it easily, you can search for Screenshots in the search bar of your Start menu.

How to Do Screenshots on Windows 11 Using the Xbox Game Bar?

Apart from the above solutions, you can also use the Xbox game bar of your Windows 11 to take a screenshot. Here are the steps you need to take:

  1. Go to Settings > Gaming > XBox Game bar.
  2. Turn on the option to record game clips.
    Turn on the option to record clips
  1. After enabling it, press Windows + G.
    Press Windows plus G
  1. Click on the Capture button in the Game bar, or use the default shortcut Windows + Alt + PrtScn for a full screenshot.
    Click on the Capture button

    That’s it! Screenshots taken with the help of the Game bar will be saved in the Captures folder.

    This PC then Videos then Captures

Notes

You can customize the Windows + Alt + PrtScn shortcut by going to Settings > Gaming > Game bar and setting your preferred key combination.

How to Screenshot in Windows Surface Tablets? 

It is a bit different to take screenshots on a Windows Surface tablet unless you have a connected keyboard. If you have a Surface pen, you can use it to open the Snipping Tool by double-tapping its back button.

You can also press the Volume Up and Power buttons together to directly take a screenshot on your device. However, you will need to make sure that you press both at the same time to avoid turning off the screen.

Press the Volume Up and Power button together

Your screenshot will be saved in the Pictures > Screenshots folder. If you have an older tablet, you can try using the Fn + Windows + Spacebar key combination or the Power button and Windows button combo.

How Do You Take a Screenshot on a PC Using Third-Party Tools?

Last but not least, you can also install a third-party screenshot solution on your Windows system. There are many options available, offering you different advanced features.

Some of these tools allow you to take scrolling screenshots on Windows, which allows you to capture the non-visible parts of the webpage. Popular third-party screenshot tools are ShareX, Lightshot, and Droplr.

Notes

While Windows does not offer a scrolling screenshot feature, both Microsoft Edge and Firefox allow you to do the same. Plus, you can also do that on Google Chrome, but you will have to adjust the Developer settings to enable it.

Tips for Taking a Windows Screenshot

Now that you have learned all the possible methods to take a screenshot on Windows; let’s take a look at some tips to make it even more effective:

  • Refine your screenshots using the crop tool present in the Snipping Tool. Adjust the shot and just keep the part you need.
  • For advanced features, consider using a dedicated third-party screenshot app.
  • Add an outline to your screenshots if required. You can do that by turning on the Add Border option in Snipping Tools.
  • If you are in a hurry, you can quickly access your recent screenshots through File Explorer.
  • Utilize the delay feature of the Snipping Tool to take the screenshots after a few seconds. 

Furthermore, there are many editing tools available on the newer version of the Snipping Tool. Explore them by yourself and use them wisely to enhance your captures.

Conclusion

Windows 11 offers multiple ways to take screenshots, making it easy to capture and share your screen. I have provided all the steps you need to take using the Snipping Tool, keyboard shortcuts, game bar, and other methods.

Try out the method and choose what suits you best. Now, I hope you won’t have to go anywhere else to learn how to take screenshots on the Windows 11 system. 

FAQ

How to take a screenshot in Windows 10?

You can use all the Print screen keyboard shortcuts, the Snipping Tool, and the game bar option to take screenshots on Windows 10.

What is the shortcut key for Windows 11 screenshots?

Press the Windows + Print Screen keys together. You can also use the Alt + Print screen shortcut to copy the screenshot on your clipboard.

Where are screenshots saved in Windows 11?

You can find them in the Pictures > Screenshots folder, or you locate them in your clipboard.

Why can’t I take a screenshot on Windows 11?

This may happen due to several reasons, like a faulty keyboard, the issue with the Snipping Tool, or the Print Screen key being occupied by another program on your device.

How to screenshot on HP computers?

Taking a screenshot on Dell laptops, HP computers, or any other device using Windows 11 is almost similar. You can use the Snipping Tool, the game bar, or a keyboard shortcut for screenshots.


Chitra Joshi

Content Writer & Marketer


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