Screenshots are one of those little computer tricks that make life so much easier. Whether you’re saving a funny meme, capturing an error message, or creating a tutorial, knowing how to take screenshots in Windows 11 is a must.

The best part? There’s more than one way to do it. From simple keyboard shortcuts to advanced snipping tools, Windows 11 offers plenty of methods to grab exactly what you need.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll cover all the different ways to take screenshots in Windows 11, plus some handy tips to make your captures even better.

Table of Contents

Why Learn Multiple Screenshot Methods?

You might be thinking: “Isn’t one way enough?” Well, not really.

Need a full screen shot? → One shortcut.
Want a specific window? → Different shortcut.
Prefer drawing on your screenshot? → Use Snipping Tool.
Need it instantly saved? → Use Game Bar or Print Screen.

Different situations call for different tools, and once you know them, you’ll never be stuck wondering how to capture your screen again.

1. Take a Screenshot with the Print Screen Key

The Classic Print Screen (PrtScn) Method

Press PrtScn on your keyboard.
This captures the entire screen and copies it to your clipboard.
Open Paint, Word, or any image editor, then press Ctrl + V to paste.

Full Screen Saved Automatically

Press Windows Key + PrtScn.
Your entire screen is captured and saved automatically in Pictures > Screenshots.

It’s like the “old reliable” of screenshot methods—simple and effective.

2. Capture Only the Active Window

Sometimes you don’t want the whole screen, just the window you’re working in.

Press Alt + PrtScn.
The active window is copied to your clipboard.
Paste it where you need with Ctrl + V.

This saves you from having to crop out the rest later.

3. Use the Snipping Tool (Windows 11’s Built-In Screenshot App)

Why Use Snipping Tool?

Snipping Tool gives you more control. You can capture specific areas, edit, and even draw on screenshots instantly.

How to Open Snipping Tool

Press Windows Key + Shift + S.
Your screen will dim, and a small toolbar will appear at the top.

Snipping Tool Options

Rectangular Snip – drag and capture a rectangular area.
Freeform Snip – draw any shape with your mouse.
Window Snip – capture a specific window.
Full-Screen Snip – grab everything at once.

After capturing, the screenshot opens in Snipping Tool, where you can crop, highlight, or save it.

4. Use Snip & Sketch (Legacy Tool)

Even though Windows 11 replaced Snip & Sketch with Snipping Tool, some users still have it.

Press Windows Key + Shift + S (same shortcut).
After capturing, it opens in the Snip & Sketch editor.

This works nearly the same as Snipping Tool.

5. Use the Xbox Game Bar for Screenshots

Windows 11’s Xbox Game Bar is designed for gamers, but anyone can use it.

How to Use It

Press Windows Key + G.
Click the Capture icon.
Select the camera button to take a screenshot.

Why Use Game Bar?

Automatically saves in Videos > Captures.
Great for gaming screenshots without needing extra tools.

6. Take Screenshots with the On-Screen Keyboard

Don’t have a physical PrtScn button? No worries.

Open On-Screen Keyboard (search in Start Menu).
Click PrtScn from the virtual keyboard.

This is super helpful on laptops that don’t have a dedicated Print Screen key.

7. Use Microsoft Edge for Webpage Screenshots

If you’re browsing in Microsoft Edge, you don’t even need another tool.

Open Edge and press Ctrl + Shift + S.
Choose Capture Area or Capture Full Page.
Edit and save your screenshot instantly.

This is perfect for saving long web pages without endless scrolling.

8. Use Third-Party Screenshot Tools

While Windows 11 offers plenty of built-in methods, third-party apps can give you more advanced features.

Popular Tools

Lightshot – quick captures with annotation tools.
Greenshot – lightweight and customizable.
ShareX – advanced free tool with scrolling screenshot support.

If you need professional-level captures (like for tutorials), third-party tools might be your best friend.

9. Take a Scrolling Screenshot

Here’s the tricky part: Windows 11 doesn’t natively support scrolling screenshots. But you can do it with third-party apps like ShareX or PicPick.

These tools let you capture entire webpages or long documents in one shot, without needing to stitch multiple screenshots together.

10. Save Screenshots Directly to OneDrive or Dropbox

If you use cloud storage, you can set it to save screenshots automatically.

For OneDrive: Right-click the OneDrive icon > Settings > Backup > Screenshots.
For Dropbox: Enable “Save screenshots to Dropbox” in preferences.

This way, every screenshot you take is instantly backed up online.

11. Editing Screenshots After Capturing

What good is a screenshot if you can’t tweak it?

Use Paint or Photos for quick edits.
Use Snipping Tool to annotate directly.
For advanced editing, try Photoshop, GIMP, or Paint.NET.

Adding arrows, text, or highlights can make your screenshots way more useful.

12. Taking Screenshots on Touchscreen Devices

If you’re using a tablet or touchscreen laptop, here’s how:

Press Windows Logo + Volume Down at the same time.
The screen will flash, and the screenshot saves automatically in Pictures > Screenshots.

It’s like taking a screenshot on your phone—super easy.

13. Taking Delayed Screenshots

Want to capture something that disappears quickly (like a dropdown menu)? Use a delay.

Open Snipping Tool.
Click the Delay dropdown.
Choose between 3, 5, or 10 seconds.

Now you have time to set up your screen before it captures.

14. Keyboard Shortcuts Recap

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

PrtScn → Copies full screen to clipboard
Windows + PrtScn → Saves full screen automatically
Alt + PrtScn → Active window only
Windows + Shift + S → Snipping Tool options
Windows + G → Xbox Game Bar screenshot
Windows + Volume Down (Tablet) → Touchscreen screenshot

Keep this list handy, and you’ll never forget.

15. Troubleshooting Screenshot Issues

What if screenshots aren’t working?

Check your keyboard – Some laptops require holding Fn + PrtScn.
Restart Snipping Tool if it freezes.
Update Windows 11 – sometimes bugs cause screenshot issues.

Conclusion

Taking a screenshot in Windows 11 is easier than ever, and you have plenty of options depending on your needs. Whether it’s the trusty Print Screen key, the versatile Snipping Tool, or advanced third-party apps, there’s always a way to capture exactly what you want.

Think of screenshots as digital snapshots—they freeze your screen at the perfect moment, so you can share, save, or troubleshoot later. Master these methods, and you’ll be screenshotting like a pro in no time.

FAQs

1. Where are screenshots saved in Windows 11?
By default, they’re saved in Pictures > Screenshots when using Windows + PrtScn.

2. Can I change the default screenshot folder?
Yes. You can right-click the Screenshots folder > Properties > Location tab and move it to another drive.

3. How do I take a screenshot of just one monitor in a dual-screen setup?
Use Windows + Shift + S and drag across the monitor you want.

4. Is there a shortcut for delayed screenshots?
No direct shortcut—you’ll need to use Snipping Tool’s Delay option.

5. What’s the best free third-party screenshot tool?
ShareX is often considered the best because it’s free, powerful, and supports scrolling screenshots.

How to Screen shot Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide