How to Take a Screenshot in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 4, 2025

Screenshots are one of the simplest yet most powerful tools on your computer. Whether you’re trying to save an error message, capture an online receipt, share part of your screen with a friend, or create tutorials, knowing how to take a screenshot in Windows 11 is essential.

The good news? Windows 11 offers multiple ways to take screenshots — from quick keyboard shortcuts to advanced tools with editing options. In this guide, we’ll cover them all, step by step.

📝 Key Takeaways

  • Windows 11 includes built-in screenshot tools like Print Screen, Snipping Tool, and Xbox Game Bar.

  • You can capture the entire screen, active window, or a custom area.

  • Screenshots can be saved automatically or copied to the clipboard for pasting.

  • Advanced tools allow annotations, delayed captures, and editing.

  • Third-party apps like Lightshot, Greenshot, and Snagit offer more features.

Why Learn Multiple Screenshot Methods in Windows 11?

You might be asking: “If I know one shortcut, isn’t that enough?” Well, not exactly. Each method has its own advantage:

  • Quick shortcuts (like Print Screen) = Fast, no setup needed.

  • Snipping Tool = Precise captures and editing.

  • Xbox Game Bar = Great for gamers recording clips and screenshots.

  • Third-party tools = Extra features like instant uploads and annotations.

Knowing multiple methods ensures you always pick the right one for the situation.

1. How to Take a Screenshot with the Print Screen (PrtScn) Key

This is the oldest and fastest way to capture your screen.

Steps:

  1. Press the PrtScn (Print Screen) key on your keyboard.

  2. The screenshot is copied to your clipboard.

  3. Open Paint, Word, or any image editor.

  4. Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot.

  5. Save the file.

👉 This method captures the entire screen.

2. How to Save Screenshots Directly to a Folder with Windows Key + PrtScn

Want to save screenshots instantly without pasting them?

Steps:

  1. Press Windows Key + PrtScn together.

  2. Your screen will dim briefly.

  3. The screenshot is automatically saved in:

    • Pictures > Screenshots folder.

✅ Perfect for quick, no-fuss screenshots.

3. How to Take a Screenshot of the Active Window (Alt + PrtScn)

Sometimes you only need the current app window, not the whole desktop.

Steps:

  1. Click on the window you want to capture.

  2. Press Alt + PrtScn.

  3. Open Paint (or any editor) and paste (Ctrl + V).

  4. Save your screenshot.

4. How to Take a Custom Screenshot with Snipping Tool

Windows 11 has combined the old Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch into a new Snipping Tool.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows Key + Shift + S.

  2. Your screen will dim, and a small toolbar appears.

  3. Choose one of the capture modes:

    • Rectangular Snip → drag to capture a rectangle.

    • Freeform Snip → draw any shape.

    • Window Snip → select a specific window.

    • Full-screen Snip → capture entire display.

  4. Screenshot is copied to the clipboard.

  5. A preview notification appears → click it to edit and save.

👉 This is the most flexible built-in method.

5. How to Use Snipping Tool with Delay

Need to capture a menu or tooltip that disappears? Use the delay option.

Steps:

  1. Search for Snipping Tool in Start Menu.

  2. Open the app.

  3. Click the Delay dropdown (1–10 seconds).

  4. Choose snip type and wait.

  5. Take your screenshot when the timer ends.

6. How to Take Screenshots Using the Xbox Game Bar

If you’re a gamer, this one’s for you.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows Key + G to open the Game Bar.

  2. Click the camera icon or press Windows Key + Alt + PrtScn.

  3. Screenshots are saved in:

    • Videos > Captures folder.

✅ Works for both games and apps.

7. How to Take a Screenshot with Windows + Volume Down (Tablets & 2-in-1s)

If you’re using a Surface or touchscreen laptop:

Steps:

  1. Hold the Windows Key.

  2. Press the Volume Down button.

  3. Screen will dim, and screenshot is saved in Pictures > Screenshots.

8. How to Take a Screenshot with the On-Screen Keyboard

If your keyboard is missing a PrtScn key:

Steps:

  1. Open On-Screen Keyboard (search in Start Menu).

  2. Press the PrtScn button using your mouse.

  3. Paste into Paint or Word.

9. How to Capture a Specific App Window Using Snip & Sketch Shortcut

Shortcut lovers, this is handy:

Steps:

  1. Press Windows Key + Shift + S.

  2. Select Window Snip.

  3. Click the app window you want.

  4. Save the screenshot.

10. How to Capture Screenshots with Microsoft PowerPoint

Yes, PowerPoint can take screenshots too!

Steps:

  1. Open PowerPoint.

  2. Go to Insert > Screenshot.

  3. Choose from available windows or select Screen Clipping.

  4. Save the captured image.

11. How to Take a Screenshot of a Scrolling Window (Third-Party Tools)

Built-in tools don’t support scrolling screenshots (e.g., entire web pages). Use third-party apps:

  • Snagit → Full-page, editing, sharing.

  • PicPick → Free with scrolling capture.

  • ShareX → Advanced free tool.

  • Lightshot → Lightweight and quick.

12. How to Find Your Saved Screenshots in Windows 11

Screenshots may save to different places depending on the method:

Method Location
Win + PrtScn Pictures > Screenshots
Xbox Game Bar Videos > Captures
Snipping Tool Clipboard (manual save)
Alt + PrtScn Clipboard (manual save)

13. How to Edit and Annotate Screenshots in Windows 11

After capturing:

  • Open screenshot in Snipping Tool.

  • Use tools: Pen, Highlighter, Eraser, Crop.

  • Save in PNG, JPG, or GIF formats.

14. Tips for Better Screenshot Management

  • Create a shortcut folder for screenshots.

  • Use cloud storage (OneDrive, Google Drive) for auto-backup.

  • Rename files for easier searching.

  • Use third-party tools if you take screenshots often.

15. Troubleshooting Screenshot Issues in Windows 11

  • PrtScn not working? → Enable “Use PrtScn to open Snipping Tool” under Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard.

  • Screen not dimming? → Check Windows animation settings.

  • Screenshots not saving? → Ensure Pictures > Screenshots folder exists.

  • Game Bar not opening? → Enable under Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar.

Conclusion

Taking a screenshot in Windows 11 is simple once you know the right shortcuts and tools. From the classic Print Screen key to the modern Snipping Tool and Game Bar, you’ve got plenty of options.

  • Use Win + PrtScn for quick auto-saves.

  • Use Windows + Shift + S for flexibility.

  • Use Xbox Game Bar for gaming captures.

  • Use third-party tools for scrolling or advanced editing.

Now you’ll never miss capturing that important error, receipt, or funny meme again.

FAQs About Screenshots in Windows 11

1. Where do my screenshots go in Windows 11?
Most are saved in Pictures > Screenshots unless copied to the clipboard.

2. Can I take a screenshot of only part of my screen?
Yes, use Windows + Shift + S and drag to select an area.

3. How do I take a screenshot on a laptop without a PrtScn key?
Use Fn + Windows + Spacebar or the Snipping Tool.

4. How do I capture a whole web page in Windows 11?
Use third-party tools like Snagit or ShareX for scrolling screenshots.

5. Can I edit a screenshot without third-party software?
Yes, open it in the built-in Snipping Tool to annotate and crop.

Related Posts:

Scroll to Top