How to Take Screenshot on Laptop Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 4, 2025

Screenshots are one of the handiest tools when you want to capture what’s on your screen—whether you’re saving an error message, sharing a funny meme, or documenting work. If you’re using Windows 11 on a laptop, you’ll be glad to know that Microsoft has made it super easy to take screenshots in multiple ways.

In this guide, we’ll explore all the methods for taking screenshots on Windows 11 laptops, from quick shortcuts to advanced tools.

📌 Key Takeaways

  • You can take screenshots on a Windows 11 laptop using keyboard shortcuts, Snipping Tool, or Game Bar.

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

  • Windows 11 offers advanced features like snip & sketch, timed capture, and editing tools.

  • Knowing multiple methods helps you capture full screen, specific windows, or custom areas.

Why Learn How to Take Screenshots in Windows 11?

Screenshots are useful for:

  • Work and productivity – Capture reports, meeting notes, or presentations.

  • Troubleshooting – Share error messages with IT support.

  • Education – Save references, tutorials, or diagrams.

  • Personal use – Save conversations, memes, or achievements in games.

👉 Think of screenshots as a digital camera for your laptop screen.

Methods to Take a Screenshot on Windows 11 Laptop

Let’s walk through all the practical ways.

Method 1: Print Screen (PrtScn) Key

The Print Screen key (PrtScn) is the simplest option.

Steps:

  1. Press PrtScn on your laptop keyboard.

  2. This copies the entire screen to the clipboard.

  3. Open an app like Paint, Word, or email.

  4. Press Ctrl + V to paste.

  5. Save the image if needed.

👉 Use this if you want a quick copy of the whole screen.

Method 2: Windows Key + Print Screen

This method saves screenshots directly to your PC.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows Key + PrtScn.

  2. The screen will briefly dim.

  3. The screenshot is automatically saved in:

    Pictures > Screenshots

👉 Best for: People who want auto-save without extra steps.

Method 3: Alt + Print Screen

This shortcut captures only the active window instead of the full screen.

Steps:

  1. Press Alt + PrtScn.

  2. Open Paint or any app.

  3. Press Ctrl + V to paste.

👉 Perfect when you want just one app window, not the whole desktop.

Method 4: Snipping Tool (Built-in App)

Windows 11 has improved the Snipping Tool for precise screenshots.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows Key + Shift + S.

  2. Your screen will dim, and a snip toolbar will appear.

  3. Choose one of the snip modes:

    • Rectangular Snip

    • Freeform Snip

    • Window Snip

    • Fullscreen Snip

  4. Capture the area.

  5. Screenshot is copied to clipboard and appears in the Snipping Tool editor.

  6. Save or edit as needed.

👉 Best for: Custom-sized screenshots with editing options.

Method 5: Using Xbox Game Bar

Gamers or streamers will love this option.

Steps:

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

  2. Click on the Capture widget.

  3. Press the camera icon or use Windows Key + Alt + PrtScn.

  4. Screenshots are saved in:

    Videos > Captures

👉 Ideal for gaming screenshots and in-game achievements.

Method 6: Snip & Sketch Delay Capture

Need to capture a menu or timed action? Use delayed screenshots.

Steps:

  1. Open Snipping Tool.

  2. Click New > Delay.

  3. Choose a delay (3s, 5s, 10s).

  4. Perform the action (e.g., open a dropdown menu).

  5. The tool captures after the delay.

👉 Perfect for capturing hover menus or tooltips.

Method 7: Third-Party Screenshot Tools

If you need more advanced features, consider tools like:

  • Lightshot – Quick sharing and editing.

  • Greenshot – Free and lightweight.

  • Snagit – Professional tool with annotation and scrolling capture.

👉 Great for bloggers, teachers, and professionals.

📊 Comparison of Screenshot Methods

Method Shortcut/Tool Saved Automatically Editing Options Best For
Print Screen (PrtScn) PrtScn ❌ Manual Quick copy
Windows + PrtScn Win + PrtScn ✅ Manual Auto-save
Active Window Alt + PrtScn ❌ Manual Single app
Snipping Tool Win + Shift + S ❌ (Clipboard only) ✅ Custom snip
Game Bar Win + G / Win + Alt + PrtScn ✅ Limited Gaming
Snip & Sketch (Delay) Snipping Tool (Delay option) ❌ ✅ Timed capture

Tips for Better Screenshots

  • Use Snipping Tool for editing and highlighting.

  • Save screenshots in PNG for better quality.

  • Use Ctrl + Z in Paint or Snipping Tool to undo mistakes.

  • Organize screenshots into folders for easy retrieval.

Conclusion

Taking a screenshot on a Windows 11 laptop is simple once you know the shortcuts and tools.

  • Use PrtScn or Win + PrtScn for quick full-screen captures.

  • Use Alt + PrtScn for single windows.

  • Use Snipping Tool for advanced, customizable snips.

  • Use Game Bar for gaming screenshots.

Whether for work, troubleshooting, or fun, Windows 11 gives you multiple flexible options.

❓ FAQs About Taking Screenshots in Windows 11

1. Where are screenshots saved in Windows 11?
By default, in Pictures > Screenshots or Videos > Captures (if using Game Bar).

2. Can I take a screenshot without the Print Screen key?
Yes, use Windows + Shift + S (Snipping Tool).

3. How do I screenshot part of the screen only?
Press Windows + Shift + S, then drag to select the area.

4. Can I take a scrolling screenshot in Windows 11?
Not natively — you’ll need third-party tools like Snagit.

5. How do I edit a screenshot after capturing it?
Open it in Snipping Tool, Paint, or Photos to crop, draw, or highlight.

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