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How to Screenshot on Windows 11 [2025 Updated]

Olivia Harper

May 12, 2025

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Taking screenshots is one of the most common and useful tasks on a computer. Whether you’re trying to save a confirmation page, show a funny meme to a friend, report an error to tech support, or create a how-to guide, screenshots help you capture and share exactly what you see on your screen. Windows 11 makes this process easy and gives users many different ways to take screenshots, depending on what they need.

From using simple keyboard shortcuts like the Print Screen (PrtScn) key to advanced tools like the Snipping Tool and Xbox Game Bar, Windows 11 offers multiple built-in methods to capture your full screen, a selected area, or even just one window. You can take quick screenshots, delay captures, and even save them automatically without needing to paste or edit.

In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll explore all the best and easiest ways to take screenshots in Windows 11. You’ll learn how to use each method step-by-step, where your screenshots are saved, and how to organize them. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to take screenshots like a pro—no technical knowledge required!

Method 1: Pressing the Print Screen (PrtScn) Key

The Print Screen key (PrtScn) is the easiest way to take a screenshot.

How it works:

1. Press the PrtScn key on your keyboard.
2. This copies your full screen to the clipboard.
3. Open Paint, Word, or any image editor.
4. Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot.
5. Save the image if needed.

Note: The screenshot is not automatically saved. You must paste and save it yourself.

Method 2: Windows + Print Screen (Auto Save)

This method is great if you want to take a screenshot and save it automatically.

✅ Steps:

1. Press Windows key + PrtScn together.
2. The screen will flash for a second.
3. The screenshot is automatically saved in:

nginxCopyEditPictures > Screenshots

No need to paste or save manually—super quick!

Method 3: Snipping Tool (Best Built-in Tool)

Windows 11 comes with a built-in tool called Snipping Tool, which gives you more control over your screenshots.

✅ How to use Snipping Tool:

1. Click the Start button.
2. Search for Snipping Tool and open it.
3. Click New to start a screenshot.
4. Choose from:
   • Rectangle Snip
   • Freeform Snip
   • Window Snip
   • Fullscreen Snip
5. Select the area you want to capture.
6. Edit or save the image using the toolbar.

🔧Bonus: You can delay the screenshot by 3, 5, or 10 seconds. This helps when you want to capture menus.

Method 4: Windows + Shift + S (Quick Snip)

This shortcut opens a screen capture tool directly, without opening the Snipping Tool app.

✅Steps:

1. Press Windows + Shift + S.
2. Your screen will dim, and a small menu will appear at the top.
3. Choose one of the following:
   • Rectangular snip
   • Freeform snip
   • Window snip
   • Fullscreen snip
4. Select the area to capture.
5. The screenshot is copied to your clipboard.
6. Click the popup on the bottom-right to edit or save it.

📂 You can also paste it directly into chats, documents, or emails.

Method 5: Alt + Print Screen (Active Window Screenshot)

Want to capture only the window you are currently working in? Use this simple trick.

How to do it:

1. Click on the window you want to capture.
2. Press Alt + PrtScn.
3. The screenshot is copied to your clipboard.
4. Paste it into Paint or any app with Ctrl + V, then save.

This is perfect for avoiding distractions or clutter from other parts of the screen.

Method 6: Use Xbox Game Bar (For Games and Videos)

If you’re a gamer or want to take screenshots during a video, the Xbox Game Bar is ideal.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + G to open the Game Bar.
2. Click the camera icon or press Windows + Alt + PrtScn.
3. Screenshots are saved automatically to:

Videos > Captures

You can also record videos of your screen here!

Method 7: Using Microsoft Edge Web Capture

If you’re browsing in Microsoft Edge and want to screenshot a webpage, use this handy built-in tool.

How to use:

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the three-dot menu (•••) in the top-right corner.
3. Select Web Capture.
4. Choose Capture area or Capture full page.
5. Edit or copy the screenshot.

This is great for saving recipes, articles, and webpages exactly how they look.

Method 8: Use Third-Party Screenshot Apps

There are many tools that offer extra features like annotations, cloud sharing, or automatic uploads. Some popular ones:

• Lightshot – Simple and lightweight.
• Greenshot – Advanced features and free.
• ShareX – Powerful and open-source.
• Snagit – Professional tool (paid).

These apps are useful if you need more than just simple screenshots.

Where Are My Screenshots Saved?

Depending on the method you use, your screenshots will be saved in different places:

Make sure to organize your files to find them easily later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

Taking screenshots in Windows 11 is quick, simple, and extremely helpful in many situations. Whether you’re saving important information, sharing something interesting, or showing a problem to someone for help, knowing how to screenshot properly makes your work easier and faster. The good news is that Windows 11 offers multiple built-in tools—like the Snipping Tool, Windows + Shift + S, and the Xbox Game Bar—so you can capture your screen the way you want.

If you need a fast full-screen shot, use Windows + PrtScn. If you want to select a specific part of the screen, Windows + Shift + S is perfect. For those who create tutorials or play games, tools like Snipping Tool and Game Bar offer even more options. You can also use third-party apps if you want extra features like instant editing or cloud saving.

Now that you’ve learned all the main methods, try using a few and pick the ones that work best for you. With a little practice, you’ll be taking clear, well-organized screenshots in no time. It’s a small skill, but one that can really improve your digital life.