How to Take a Screenshot on Windows 11 (7 Easy Ways)

Quick Answer

• Press Windows + Shift + S to select an area, window or full screen. The image goes to your clipboard.
• Press Windows + PrtScn to capture the full screen and save it automatically to Pictures > Screenshots.
• Press Alt + PrtScn to copy only the active window.
• Open Snipping Tool to edit, annotate or record your screen.
• Press Windows + Shift + R to record a video of part of your screen.

Windows 11 has several screenshot methods, and the best one depends on whether you want the image saved, copied or edited. Here is each one in simple steps.

1. Windows + Shift + S (Best for Most People)

This opens the Snipping Tool overlay at the top of your screen.

1. Press Windows + Shift + S.
2. Choose a mode: Rectangle, Window, Full screen or Freeform.
3. Drag to select what you want.
4. Paste it into an app with Ctrl + V, or click the notification to edit and save it.

The snip is copied to your clipboard, so it is not saved as a file until you save it.

2. Print Screen (PrtScn)

By default, PrtScn captures the whole screen and copies it to the clipboard. You can make the key open the snipping overlay instead:

1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Keyboard.
2. Turn on Use the Print Screen key to open screen snipping.

After that, pressing PrtScn opens the same overlay as Windows + Shift + S.

3. Windows + PrtScn (Auto-Save Full Screen)

Press Windows + PrtScn. The screen flashes and the image is saved automatically in Pictures > Screenshots. This is the quickest way to save a screenshot without any editing.

4. Alt + PrtScn (Active Window Only)

Press Alt + PrtScn to capture only the window you are using. It is copied to the clipboard, so paste it into any app.

5. Snipping Tool App (Edit and Annotate)

Search for Snipping Tool in the Start menu. It has four capture modes: Rectangle, Window, Full screen and Freeform. Useful shortcuts from Microsoft:

• Alt + M switches the snipping mode.
• Alt + D delays the capture by 1 to 5 seconds.
• Ctrl + S saves and Ctrl + C copies.

Microsoft also lists newer tools in Snipping Tool, including Perfect Screenshot, which adjusts framing so you crop less, a color picker that shows exact color values and text extraction (OCR) from images.

6. Xbox Game Bar (For Games and Apps)

Press Windows + Alt + PrtScn to capture a game or app window through the Xbox Game Bar. It is useful when other shortcuts do not work in a full-screen game.

7. Surface Devices (Power + Volume Up)

On a Surface device, press Power + Volume Up. The screen is captured and saved to Pictures > Screenshots.

How to Record Your Screen on Windows 11

Press Windows + Shift + R, or open Snipping Tool and click the Record button. Choose the area, then select Start. Recordings are saved in Videos > Screen Recordings. Microsoft says you can edit the video in Clipchamp to add captions and adjust audio.

Where Do Screenshots Go on Windows 11?

If you cannot find a file, also check OneDrive > Pictures > Screenshots in case your Pictures folder is backed up to OneDrive.

Screenshot Not Working? Quick Fixes

• Nothing happens when you press PrtScn. Check the Print Screen setting under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Keyboard. On some laptops you may also need to hold Fn.
• Screenshot is not saved. Remember that Windows + Shift + S and Alt + PrtScn only copy to the clipboard. Use Windows + PrtScn to save automatically.
• Snipping Tool feels outdated or lacks features. Install the latest Windows updates. See our guide to the latest Windows 11 updates, and read about Windows 11 26H2 for what is new this year.
• Overlay hides behind a full-screen app. Use the Xbox Game Bar shortcut.

If you are customizing your desktop, you may also like our guide on how to move the taskbar in Windows 11.

Frequently Asked Questions