Quick steps

1. Press PrtScn. This copies the entire screen to the clipboard.
2. Open an app (Paint, Word, email, chat).
3. Paste with Ctrl + V.

Keyboard shortcuts for screenshots

• Windows + PrtScn → Saves the entire screen directly to Pictures > Screenshots.
• Alt + PrtScn → Copies the active window only to the clipboard.
• Windows + Shift + S → Opens the Snip & Sketch toolbar (rectangular, freeform, window, or full screen).

Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch

Both tools let you capture part of the screen, annotate, and save. In Windows 11, the classic Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch have merged.

1. Press Windows + Shift + S.
2. Select rectangular, freeform, window, or full-screen snip.
3. The snip is copied to your clipboard and also opens in the Snipping Tool for editing and saving.

Xbox Game Bar

Great for gamers, but it works for anyone.

1. Press Windows + G to open Game Bar.
2. Click the camera icon or press Windows + Alt + PrtScn to capture.
3. Files are saved in Videos > Captures.

Where to find your screenshots

• Clipboard: if you used PrtScn or Alt + PrtScn.
• Pictures > Screenshots: if you used Windows + PrtScn.
• Videos > Captures: if you used Xbox Game Bar.

Edit or share

1. Open the snip in Paint, Snipping Tool, or Photos app.
2. Crop, highlight, or draw on the screenshot.
3. Click Share in Photos app to send to Mail, Teams, or social apps.

FAQ

How do I take a screenshot of one window?

Press Alt + PrtScn. This copies only the active window to the clipboard.

Where are screenshots saved by default?

Windows + PrtScn saves to Pictures > Screenshots. Xbox Game Bar saves to Videos > Captures.

What if my keyboard does not have a Print Screen key?

Use Windows + Shift + S or open the Snipping Tool from the Start menu.

Can I take delayed screenshots?

Yes. In Snipping Tool, click the dropdown next to New to add a delay (3 or 10 seconds).