Taking a screenshot is something we all do—whether it’s to share a funny meme, save important work, or quickly grab details from a video call. But if you’re using a dual-monitor or multi-monitor setup, things can get tricky. Instead of capturing just one screen, Windows often grabs both monitors, leaving you with a giant image you don’t need. Frustrating, right?
Don’t worry. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to screenshot one monitor on Windows 11 with simple methods. Whether you prefer keyboard shortcuts, built-in tools, or third-party apps, you’ll have all the tricks at your fingertips.
Why Screenshot Only One Monitor?
Before diving into the steps, let’s answer the big question: why would anyone want to screenshot just one monitor?
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Cleaner images – No extra screen clutter.
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Professional use – Capture presentations, reports, or design work neatly.
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Privacy – Avoid exposing sensitive info from your other screen.
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Focus – Show exactly what matters without distractions.
Think of it like cropping a photo before posting it—you want the focus to be on the main subject.
Different Ways to Screenshot a Single Monitor in Windows 11
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” method. Depending on your workflow, you might prefer a fast shortcut or a more advanced tool. Let’s break it down.
Method 1: Using the Print Screen (PrtScn) Key
The Print Screen key is the OG screenshot tool. But how do you make it capture only one monitor?
Steps to Capture One Monitor with PrtScn
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Click on the monitor you want to capture (make sure it’s active).
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Press Alt + PrtScn.
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The screenshot of the active window (on that monitor) will be copied to your clipboard.
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Paste it into Paint, Word, or any image editor (Ctrl + V).
This method is quick, but it captures just the active window, not the full monitor. If you want the entire screen from one monitor, keep reading.
Method 2: Windows + Shift + S (Snip & Sketch)
This is my personal favorite because it’s flexible and built right into Windows 11.
Steps:
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Press Windows + Shift + S.
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Your screen will dim, and a small toolbar will appear at the top.
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Choose from options: Rectangular Snip, Freeform Snip, Window Snip, or Fullscreen Snip.
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Select the part of the monitor you want to capture.
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The screenshot goes straight to your clipboard.
If you’re using dual monitors, just drag your snip box over the monitor you want. Easy as pie!
Method 3: The Snipping Tool (Classic Way)
Windows 11 still includes the good old Snipping Tool, and it got a facelift too.
Steps:
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Open the Start menu and type Snipping Tool.
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Click New.
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Drag across the monitor area you want to screenshot.
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Save the image with Ctrl + S.
The Snipping Tool gives you more control if you like editing right after capturing.
Method 4: Windows + Print Screen (Full Monitor Capture)
Want a super quick way? This is it.
Steps:
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Click on the monitor you want active.
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Press Windows + Print Screen.
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The screenshot will be saved in your Pictures > Screenshots folder automatically.
Note: This usually captures all monitors. To isolate one, you may need to crop the unwanted screen using Paint or Photos.
Method 5: Third-Party Tools (Best for Professionals)
Sometimes, built-in options don’t cut it. That’s when third-party apps come in.
Popular Options:
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Lightshot – Lightweight, easy to use.
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Greenshot – Free and powerful, great for quick edits.
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ShareX – Advanced tool with tons of features.
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Snagit – Paid but professional-grade, perfect for tutorials.
With these, you can select exactly one monitor without hassle.
How to Save and Edit Your Screenshot
Taking a screenshot is just half the job. Sometimes, you need to crop, highlight, or blur out personal info.
Editing in Microsoft Paint
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Paste your screenshot (Ctrl + V).
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Crop to just one monitor if needed.
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Save as PNG or JPEG.
Editing in Photos App
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Right-click screenshot → Open with Photos.
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Use the crop and mark-up tools.
Pro Editing Tools
If you’re creating professional content, apps like Photoshop, Canva, or Snagit give you advanced options.
Tips for Cleaner One-Monitor Screenshots
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Turn off notifications before capturing.
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Align windows neatly for a professional look.
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Use high resolution so text stays sharp.
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Check privacy (don’t accidentally capture emails or chats).
Troubleshooting Screenshot Issues
Sometimes, things don’t work as expected. Let’s fix common issues.
Problem 1: Screenshot Captures Both Monitors
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Use Snip & Sketch to manually select one.
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Try third-party apps for more precision.
Problem 2: Print Screen Not Working
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Make sure the Fn (Function) key isn’t required on your laptop.
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Check your keyboard settings in Windows 11.
Problem 3: Low-Quality Images
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Save as PNG instead of JPEG.
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Increase your display resolution.
Keyboard Shortcuts Recap
Here’s a quick reference:
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Alt + PrtScn | Active window only |
| Windows + Shift + S | Snip & Sketch selection |
| Windows + PrtScn | Fullscreen screenshot |
| Ctrl + V | Paste screenshot into app |
Which Method Should You Use?
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For speed: Use Windows + Shift + S.
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For professional guides/tutorials: Use Snagit or ShareX.
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For basic needs: Print Screen works fine.
Think of it like choosing between fast food, home-cooked meals, or a fancy restaurant—it depends on your needs.
Conclusion
Screenshots are one of those small but mighty tools that make life easier. If you’re using multiple monitors on Windows 11, learning how to screenshot just one monitor keeps your captures clean, focused, and professional. Whether you stick with built-in shortcuts or go for advanced third-party apps, you now have all the options laid out for you.
So next time you need to capture your screen, you’ll know exactly which keys to hit—or which tool to fire up.
FAQs
Q1. Can I set Windows 11 to always screenshot only one monitor by default?
No, Windows doesn’t have a built-in setting for that. But third-party apps like ShareX or Snagit let you do it easily.
Q2. Where do my screenshots get saved automatically?
If you use Windows + PrtScn, they’re saved in Pictures > Screenshots. Otherwise, they go to your clipboard until you paste them.
Q3. How do I screenshot only a specific app window?
Press Alt + PrtScn, and it will capture just the active window on your chosen monitor.
Q4. Can I screenshot one monitor while gaming?
Yes! Most games support Windows + Shift + S or even their own screenshot hotkeys (like Steam’s F12).
Q5. Is there a way to take scrolling screenshots on one monitor?
Not with built-in tools. You’ll need third-party software like Snagit or ShareX for scrolling captures.