Taking a screenshot on Windows 11 is one of those everyday tasks that comes in handy constantly: sharing an error with your IT support, keeping a record of something, or walking someone through a process. Yet most people only know one method. Here are the 5 official ways, from the fastest to the most complete.

1. Windows key + Shift + S (the most convenient)

This is the recommended method for a screenshot on Windows 11. Press Windows key + Shift + S. The screen dims and a small toolbar appears at the top. You can choose a rectangle, a window, the full screen, or a freeform shape.

The image is copied to the clipboard. A notification pops up: click it to annotate the image, crop it, and save it.

2. The Print Screen key

The Print Screen key (sometimes labeled PrtScn) captures the entire screen and copies it to the clipboard. Paste the image with Ctrl + V into an email, a Word document, or Paint.

Tip: on Windows 11, you can set this key to open Snipping Tool directly instead. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and turn on the corresponding option.

3. Windows key + Print Screen (automatic save)

This shortcut captures the entire screen and saves the file automatically, no pasting required. You’ll find the image in the Pictures > Screenshots folder in File Explorer.

4. Alt + Print Screen (active window only)

Need to capture just one window without the rest of the desktop? Click the window you want, then press Alt + Print Screen. Only the active window is copied to the clipboard.

5. The Snipping Tool app

For more options, open Snipping Tool: type “Snipping Tool” into Windows search. It offers four modes (Rectangle, Window, Full screen, Freeform), a timer for capturing drop-down menus, and even a screen recording mode.

Frequently asked questions

Where do my screenshots go on Windows 11?

With Windows key + Print Screen, the file is saved to Pictures > Screenshots. With the other shortcuts, the image stays on the clipboard until you paste or save it.

How do I annotate a screenshot?

After capturing with Windows key + Shift + S, click the notification to open Snipping Tool. From there you can draw, highlight, and crop before saving.

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