How to Change Print Screen Settings in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Print Screen (PrtScn) key has been around for decades, helping users quickly capture their screens. But in Windows 11, you can do more than just take a simple screenshot. You can customize how the Print Screen button works, set it to open the Snipping Tool, and even change default screenshot behavior.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to change Print Screen settings in Windows 11 step by step, plus alternative screenshot methods and troubleshooting tips.

Table of Contents

📌 Key Takeaways

By default, the Print Screen key copies the screen to the clipboard.
Windows 11 lets you remap Print Screen to open the Snipping Tool.
You can adjust screenshot behavior via Settings, OneDrive, or third-party apps.
Alternatives like Windows shortcuts and Snipping Tool hotkeys offer more flexibility.

Why Change Print Screen Settings in Windows 11?

Customizing Print Screen helps if you:

✅ Want Snipping Tool instead of a clipboard screenshot.
✅ Need automatic saves to a folder (e.g., OneDrive or Dropbox).
✅ Prefer using third-party tools like Greenshot or ShareX.
✅ Want to streamline your workflow for gaming, work, or tutorials.

Method 1: Change Print Screen to Open Snipping Tool

Windows 11 lets you make the PrtScn key launch the Snipping Tool directly.

Press Win + I to open Settings.
Go to Accessibility > Keyboard.
Scroll down to Use the Print Screen button to open screen snipping.
Toggle the switch On.

Now, pressing PrtScn will open the Snipping Tool overlay instead of just copying the screen.

Method 2: Use OneDrive to Save Screenshots Automatically

OneDrive can automatically save screenshots taken with PrtScn.

Right-click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar.
Go to Settings > Backup.
Check Automatically save screenshots I capture to OneDrive.

👉 This ensures every screenshot is saved in your OneDrive Pictures > Screenshots folder.

Method 3: Change Print Screen Behavior with Third-Party Apps

If you want more control:

ShareX: Free, powerful tool for custom screenshot workflows.
Greenshot: Lightweight, simple screenshot manager.
Snagit: Professional tool for editing and annotating screenshots.

These apps let you remap Print Screen to different actions like:

Save automatically to a specific folder.
Capture only a window or region.
Open an editor immediately.

Method 4: Use Alternative Windows Screenshot Shortcuts

Even without Print Screen, Windows 11 offers multiple options:

Win + Shift + S → Opens Snipping Tool overlay.
Alt + PrtScn → Captures active window only.
Win + PrtScn → Saves full-screen screenshot directly to Pictures > Screenshots.
Win + G → Xbox Game Bar for capturing gameplay.

Method 5: Remap Print Screen with PowerToys

Microsoft PowerToys lets you reassign keys.

Download and install PowerToys from Microsoft.
Open Keyboard Manager.
Choose Remap a key.
Select PrtScn → map it to a different action (e.g., Win + Shift + S).

Troubleshooting Print Screen Issues

Print Screen not working?

Ensure your keyboard Fn lock isn’t interfering.
Check if another app has taken over the shortcut.
Restart Windows Explorer via Task Manager.

Screenshots not saving?

Make sure OneDrive or Dropbox isn’t conflicting with default folders.
Check Pictures > Screenshots for auto-saves.

Final Thoughts

Customizing the Print Screen key in Windows 11 makes taking screenshots faster and more efficient. Whether you set it to launch Snipping Tool, save to OneDrive, or use third-party apps, you can tailor the shortcut to fit your workflow.

For built-in flexibility → Use Settings to remap PrtScn to Snipping Tool.
For automatic backups → Enable OneDrive screenshot saving.
For advanced needs → Try ShareX or PowerToys.

FAQs: Changing Print Screen Settings in Windows 11

1. How do I make Print Screen open Snipping Tool in Windows 11?

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard → Enable Use the Print Screen button to open screen snipping.

2. Where are screenshots saved by default?

If you press Win + PrtScn, screenshots are saved in Pictures > Screenshots.

3. Can I change the default screenshot folder in Windows 11?

Yes. Right-click the Screenshots folder > Properties > Location → set a new folder.

4. Why is my Print Screen key not working?

Check keyboard Fn key settings, or remap it using PowerToys.

5. Can I use Print Screen without saving to clipboard?

Yes. Use Win + PrtScn to save directly, or enable OneDrive auto-save.