How to Screenshot Windows 11: A Complete Guide for All Devices

Screenshots are one of the most useful tools for capturing what’s on your screen — whether it’s an error message, a funny meme, or a project you want to share.
If you’ve just upgraded to Windows 11 and are wondering how to screenshot, you’re in the right place.

In this guide, we’ll cover every possible way to take screenshots in Windows 11, from built-in keyboard shortcuts to advanced tools. You’ll learn how to capture your full screen, a specific window, a custom region, or even record your screen — across all types of devices.

Why Taking Screenshots in Windows 11 Is Useful

Screenshots can be more than just “pictures of your screen.”
They help you:

• Share information quickly with others

• Document steps for troubleshooting or tutorials

• Save receipts or confirmations from websites

• Capture visuals for design and presentations

• Record bugs, system errors, or updates

Whether you’re a student, developer, or casual user, mastering screenshots can save you time every day.

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Different Types of Screenshots You Can Take

Before we jump into the methods, let’s clarify the kinds of screenshots you can capture:

Now let’s see how to do each one!

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Method 1: Print Screen (PrtScn) Key – The Classic Way

The Print Screen key (often labeled PrtScn) is the simplest way to take screenshots.

🧩 How to Use:

1. Press PrtScn on your keyboard.

2. This copies the entire screen to your clipboard.

3. Open an app like Paint or Word.

4. Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot.

5. Save it as an image file (.png or .jpg).

💡 Tip: This method doesn’t save automatically — you must paste and save manually.

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Method 2: Alt + Print Screen – Capture the Active Window

Don’t want the whole screen? Capture only the active window.

Steps:

1. Click the window you want to capture.

2. Press Alt + PrtScn.

3. Open Paint → Ctrl + V → File → Save As.

✅ Perfect for apps, dialog boxes, or software screenshots.

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Method 3: Windows + Print Screen – Save Full Screenshot Automatically

This is one of the best shortcuts if you want to skip manual saving.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + PrtScn together.

2. Your screen will dim for a second — that means it worked.

3. The screenshot is automatically saved to:

   C:\Users\<YourName>\Pictures\Screenshots


You can now view or share your saved screenshots easily!

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Method 4: Snipping Tool – The All-in-One Screenshot App

The Snipping Tool is Windows 11’s built-in powerhouse for screenshots.

🧠 How to Open:

• Press Windows + Shift + S, or

• Search Snipping Tool in Start menu.

Capture Options:

How to Use:

1. Open Snipping Tool.

2. Click New to start a capture.

3. Select your area.

4. The image opens in the tool automatically.

5. Use the pen, highlighter, and crop tools to edit.

6. Click Save (floppy disk icon).

💡 Pro Tip: You can also set a delay timer (3, 5, or 10 seconds) — useful for capturing menus or tooltips.

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Method 5: Windows + Shift + S – Quick Snip Shortcut

This shortcut instantly opens the Snip & Sketch overlay without opening the full app.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + Shift + S.

2. Select your capture area.

3. The screenshot is copied to your clipboard.

4. You’ll see a preview in the bottom-right corner.

5. Click it to edit or save via Snipping Tool.

✅ Best for fast, on-the-go screenshots.

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Method 6: Xbox Game Bar – For Screenshots and Screen Recording

The Xbox Game Bar isn’t just for gamers — it’s great for quick captures.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + G to open Game Bar.

2. Click the camera icon in the Capture section.

   • Or press Windows + Alt + PrtScn to take an instant screenshot.

3. Screenshots are saved to:

   C:\Users\<YourName>\Videos\Captures


🎮 Bonus: You can also record your screen using the Record button!

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Method 7: Use Third-Party Screenshot Tools

If you want more advanced features like annotations, cloud sync, or scrolling screenshots, consider these tools:

💡 For professionals, ShareX or Snagit are excellent picks.

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How to Screenshot on Touchscreen Devices

If you’re using a Windows 11 tablet, Surface, or 2-in-1, here’s how:

🖐️ Method 1: Hardware Buttons

1. Press Power + Volume Down simultaneously.

2. The screen dims, and the screenshot is saved to Pictures → Screenshots.

🖐️ Method 2: On-Screen Keyboard

1. Open On-Screen Keyboard from Start.

2. Press PrtScn key on it → paste into Paint.

✅ Works perfectly on Surface Pro, Surface Go, and convertible laptops.

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How to Screenshot on a Laptop Without Print Screen Key

Some compact laptops (like Dell XPS or HP Envy) don’t have a dedicated PrtScn key.

Try These Alternatives:

• Fn + Windows + Spacebar → Captures full screen.

• Fn + Alt + Spacebar → Captures active window.

• Use Windows + Shift + S (works on all devices).

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How to Screenshot Specific Areas of the Screen

Need only a portion of your screen? Use Snipping Tool or Windows + Shift + S.

Example:

• Press Windows + Shift + S → drag over the desired region → release.

• The image is copied to clipboard; open Paint or Snipping Tool to save.

💡 Great for capturing sections of web pages, error messages, or design elements.

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How to Annotate and Edit Screenshots

Editing makes your screenshots more informative and polished.

Tools You Can Use:

1. Snipping Tool: Add highlights, drawings, or crop images.

2. Paint: Basic editing and resizing.

3. Photos app: Add filters, markups, and annotations.

4. Snagit or ShareX: Professional annotation tools.

To add text or arrows, open your screenshot → Edit → Markup → choose a tool (pen, arrow, highlighter).

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Where Are Screenshots Saved in Windows 11?

Here’s where different methods save screenshots:

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Troubleshooting: Screenshot Not Working?

If your screenshot shortcuts aren’t working, try these fixes:

1. Restart File Explorer → Sometimes screenshots fail to save.

2. Check Keyboard Settings → Some laptops require Fn key with PrtScn.

3. Reset Snipping Tool → Settings → Apps → Snipping Tool → Advanced → Reset.

4. Check Storage Permissions → Ensure your Pictures folder isn’t restricted.

5. Update Windows 11 → Outdated builds can cause tool issues.

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Pro Tips for Better Screenshot Workflow

• ⚡ Use Windows + Shift + S for fastest access.

• 📁 Create a dedicated “Screenshots” folder for easy organization.

• 🖊️ Use annotations for tutorials or guides.

• ☁️ Sync screenshots with OneDrive or Google Drive.

• 🧠 Memorize shortcuts for quicker captures.

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Key Takeaways

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Conclusion

Screenshots are an everyday necessity — from sharing what’s on your screen to recording steps for tutorials or troubleshooting.

Windows 11 offers plenty of built-in methods to take screenshots quickly and efficiently, no matter what kind of device you’re using.

Whether you prefer keyboard shortcuts, the Snipping Tool, or third-party apps, this guide gives you everything you need to capture, edit, and save screenshots like a pro.

So the next time someone asks you how to screenshot on Windows 11, you’ll know every trick in the book! 💻📸

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FAQs

1. What is the shortcut key for screenshots in Windows 11?

The most common shortcut is Windows + Shift + S, which lets you capture a specific part of your screen instantly.

2. Where do screenshots go in Windows 11?

They are saved by default in Pictures → Screenshots, or in Videos → Captures if using Xbox Game Bar.

3. Can I take a scrolling screenshot in Windows 11?

Yes, using tools like Snagit, ShareX, or the Edge browser’s Web Capture feature.

4. Why is my Print Screen not working?

You might need to press Fn + PrtScn, or enable “Use the PrtScn key to open Snipping Tool” in Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard.

5. How do I record my screen instead of taking a screenshot?

Use Xbox Game Bar (Windows + G) or Clipchamp, the built-in Windows video recorder.

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🔍 Summary

To take screenshots in Windows 11:

• Use PrtScn, Alt + PrtScn, or Windows + PrtScn for classic captures.

• Use Windows + Shift + S for advanced snipping.

• Use Snipping Tool or Game Bar for timed or recorded shots.

• Save and edit screenshots easily with built-in or third-party tools.