How to Take a Screenshot on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Taking a screenshot on Windows 10 and Windows 11 is a quick and easy way to capture your screen for reference, sharing, or saving important information. Below are the various methods you can use to take a screenshot, whether you want to capture the entire screen, a specific window, or just a portion of it.

1. Using the Print Screen Key (PrtScn)

The Print Screen button (often labeled as “PrtScn,” “PrtSc,” or something similar) is the most basic and widely used method for taking a screenshot.

On Windows 10 and 11:

  • Capture the Entire Screen:
    Press the PrtScn key. This captures the entire screen and copies it to your clipboard. You’ll need to paste the image into an app like Paint, Microsoft Word, or any image editing software to save it.
    • Open Paint (or any other app).
    • Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot.
    • Save the image by clicking on File > Save As.
  • Capture Only the Active Window:
    Press Alt + PrtScn. This will capture the currently active window and copy it to the clipboard. Like the full-screen capture, you’ll need to paste it into an image editor or document before saving.

2. Using Windows + Print Screen Key

If you want to automatically save the screenshot as a file, this method is handy.

On Windows 10 and 11:

  • Press Windows Key + PrtScn. The screen will briefly dim, indicating the screenshot has been taken and automatically saved. The image is saved in the Screenshots folder inside Pictures.
    • You can find it by navigating to This PC > Pictures > Screenshots.

3. Using the Snipping Tool (Windows 10)

Windows 10 features a built-in tool called Snipping Tool that allows more control over screenshots, including capturing specific areas of the screen.

Steps:

  • Open Snipping Tool by typing it in the Start menu.
  • Click on New to start a screenshot.
  • Select the type of snip you want to make:
    • Free-form Snip: Draw any shape around the area you want to capture.
    • Rectangular Snip: Drag the cursor to create a rectangle over the area you want to capture.
    • Window Snip: Choose a window to capture.
    • Full-screen Snip: Capture the entire screen.
  • After capturing, you can annotate or save the screenshot.

Note: The Snipping Tool is being phased out on Windows 11 but is still available in Windows 10.

4. Using Snip & Sketch (Windows 10 and 11)

Snip & Sketch is an updated tool on Windows 10 and 11, replacing the Snipping Tool. It allows for more flexibility and quick screenshot capture.

Steps:

  • Press Windows Key + Shift + S. The screen will dim, and a small menu will appear at the top with the following options:
    • Rectangular Snip: Select a rectangular area to capture.
    • Freeform Snip: Draw any shape around the area you wish to capture.
    • Window Snip: Capture a specific window.
    • Full-screen Snip: Capture the entire screen.
  • After selecting your snip, the screenshot is copied to the clipboard. A notification will appear, allowing you to click on it and open Snip & Sketch for editing and saving.

5. Using Game Bar (Windows 10 and 11)

The Xbox Game Bar is primarily a tool for gamers but can be used by anyone to capture screenshots and video recordings.

Steps:

  • Press Windows Key + G to open the Game Bar.
  • Click the Camera icon or press Windows Key + Alt + PrtScn to take a screenshot.
  • Screenshots are saved automatically in the Captures folder, located in This PC > Videos > Captures.

6. Using Third-Party Software

If you want advanced screenshot features, such as automatic cloud saving, annotation tools, or video capture, consider using third-party apps like:

  • Lightshot: Simple and easy-to-use screenshot tool with editing options.
  • Greenshot: A more feature-rich tool for taking and annotating screenshots.
  • ShareX: A powerful open-source tool for capturing screenshots and recording videos.

Conclusion

Windows 10 and 11 offer a variety of ways to take screenshots, whether you’re looking for a quick full-screen capture or need more control over what you capture. Depending on your needs, you can choose between the basic Print Screen key, built-in tools like Snip & Sketch, or even third-party apps for more functionality. With these methods, capturing your screen is both flexible and efficient.

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