How to Make Screenshot Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 16, 2025

Taking a screenshot is one of those small yet super useful things we do all the time — whether you’re saving an online receipt, capturing a funny chat, or creating a tutorial. Luckily, Windows 11 offers several easy ways to take screenshots, from keyboard shortcuts to built-in tools.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to make a screenshot in Windows 11 step by step, using every method — so you can choose the one that suits you best.

Why Take Screenshots on Windows 11?

Screenshots are handy for:

  • Saving important information quickly.

  • Reporting a software bug or error.

  • Sharing what’s on your screen with others.

  • Creating tutorials or guides.

Think of a screenshot as your computer’s version of “instant memory” — it captures what you see, instantly.

2. Before You Begin

Before you start snapping screenshots, check:

  • Your keyboard layout (some laptops require you to press Fn + PrtScn).

  • That you know where screenshots are saved (we’ll cover that below).

  • If you need full-screen, active window, or partial captures — each has its own shortcut.

3. Method 1: Take a Screenshot with Print Screen (PrtScn) Key

The Print Screen key (often labeled PrtScn or PrtSc) is the simplest way to take a screenshot.

Steps:

  1. Press the PrtScn key on your keyboard.

  2. The screenshot is copied to your clipboard.

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

  4. Press Ctrl + V to paste the image.

  5. Save it manually.

✅ Tip: On laptops, you may need to press Fn + PrtScn instead.

4. Method 2: Use Windows + Print Screen

Want to take a screenshot and save it automatically? Use this combo!

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + PrtScn together.

  2. The screen will briefly dim — that’s your confirmation.

  3. The screenshot is automatically saved in:

    This PC → Pictures → Screenshots

💡 Perfect for when you don’t want to open Paint every time.

5. Method 3: Capture Active Window Only (Alt + Print Screen)

Don’t want to capture your entire screen? Use this method to snap only the active window.

Steps:

  1. Click the window you want to capture.

  2. Press Alt + PrtScn.

  3. The image is copied to your clipboard.

  4. Open Paint or Word, press Ctrl + V, and save it.

🎯 Pro Tip: Great for capturing dialog boxes or app windows.

6. Method 4: Use Snipping Tool (Built-in in Windows 11)

Windows 11 combines Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch into one powerful app — the modern Snipping Tool.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type Snipping Tool, and open it.

  2. Click New to start a capture.

  3. Choose from several modes:

    • Rectangular Snip

    • Freeform Snip

    • Window Snip

    • Fullscreen Snip

  4. Select the area you want to capture.

  5. Once done, the image appears in the Snipping Tool editor.

  6. Click Save As or use the Copy icon to paste elsewhere.

🖋️ You can also annotate, crop, or highlight directly in the Snipping Tool.

7. Method 5: Use Snip & Sketch Shortcut (Windows + Shift + S)

This shortcut opens the snipping overlay instantly — no need to open any app.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + Shift + S.

  2. The screen will dim slightly.

  3. Select your snip type (rectangular, freeform, window, or full screen).

  4. The screenshot is copied to your clipboard.

  5. A small preview appears at the bottom-right corner — click it to open and edit.

✨ Best for quick, partial captures without leaving your screen.

8. Method 6: Take Screenshots with Game Bar (Windows + G)

If you’re a gamer or want to capture app footage, the Xbox Game Bar is your friend.

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 in:

    Videos → Captures

🎮 Works for both games and regular desktop apps!

9. Method 7: Use the On-Screen Keyboard

If your physical keyboard doesn’t have a PrtScn key:

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + Ctrl + O to open the On-Screen Keyboard.

  2. Press the PrtScn key on it.

  3. The screenshot is copied to your clipboard.

  4. Paste it into Paint or another app to save.

Simple, accessible, and perfect for touchscreen devices.

10. Method 8: Capture Screenshots with Third-Party Apps

Want advanced features like auto-upload, scrolling screenshots, or instant sharing? Try these apps:

  • Lightshot – Easy editing and quick share links.

  • Greenshot – Great for developers and office use.

  • ShareX – Open-source and feature-packed.

  • Snagit – Professional-grade tool for tutorials and documentation.

These offer powerful customization options beyond built-in Windows tools.

11. Method 9: Take Screenshots on Touchscreen Devices

If you’re using a Surface or touchscreen laptop:

Steps:

  1. Press Power + Volume Down buttons together.

  2. The screen flashes — your screenshot is taken.

  3. Find it in Pictures → Screenshots.

📱 It’s just like taking a screenshot on your phone.

12. Method 10: Save and Edit Your Screenshots

After taking your screenshot:

  • Open Paint or Photos.

  • Press Ctrl + V to paste your image.

  • Use Crop, Draw, Highlight, or Text tools to edit.

  • Press Ctrl + S to save the file in your preferred format (.PNG, .JPG, .BMP).

🖼️ For professional edits, you can use tools like Photoshop or Canva.

13. Where Are Screenshots Saved in Windows 11?

Depending on the method you used:

Method Save Location
Windows + PrtScn Pictures → Screenshots
Game Bar Videos → Captures
Snipping Tool Choose manually
Clipboard (PrtScn/Alt + PrtScn) Must paste manually

💾 Tip: You can change the default save folder in Snipping Tool Settings.

14. Tips for Taking Better Screenshots

  • Use Alt + PrtScn for clean captures (no clutter).

  • Resize windows for a neat look.

  • Add annotations using Snipping Tool.

  • Name files descriptively for easy reference.

  • Avoid capturing personal info before sharing screenshots.

🎯 Pro Tip: Combine screenshots into a PDF for reports or documentation.

15. Common Screenshot Problems and Fixes

Problem Solution
Screenshot not saving Check storage location or permissions.
PrtScn not working Try Fn + PrtScn or use Windows + Shift + S.
Screen not dimming Disable “Animations” in Settings temporarily.
Clipboard not saving Restart your PC and check clipboard history (Windows + V).

16. Conclusion

Taking screenshots in Windows 11 is easier than ever — from quick shortcuts like PrtScn to powerful tools like Snipping Tool and Game Bar. Whether you’re capturing your whole screen or just a small part, there’s a method that fits every situation.

So next time you need to save something on your screen — you’ll know exactly which shortcut to use!

17. FAQs

1. How do I take a screenshot on Windows 11 without Print Screen?
Use Windows + Shift + S to open the snipping overlay and capture any part of your screen.

2. Where do my screenshots go after pressing Windows + PrtScn?
They’re automatically saved in Pictures → Screenshots.

3. How do I take a scrolling screenshot on Windows 11?
Use a third-party tool like ShareX or Snagit, as built-in tools don’t support full-page scrolling captures.

4. Can I change the default screenshot folder?
Yes. Right-click the Screenshots folder → Properties → Location → choose a new folder.

5. Why isn’t my Print Screen key working?
Check if you need to press Fn + PrtScn on your laptop, or enable it in Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard.

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