How to Take a Screenshot on Windows 11

Last Updated on August 21, 2024 by Micheal W S

This post is about how to take a screenshot on Windows 11. Capturing what’s on your screen is often needed. Whether you’re reporting a bug, making documentation, or sharing with others, knowing how to take a screenshot Windows 11 can help.

This guide will show you different ways to take a Windows 11 screenshot. You’ll also learn about the Windows 11 screenshot shortcut for a quick capture. These methods will help you easily grab and share important information.

Method 1: Snipping Tool Interface

The Snipping Tool Panel in Windows 11 is an easy-to-use feature for taking a screenshot in Windows 11. It lets you capture different parts of your screen. Whether you want a full screen, a specific window, a rectangular area, or a freeform shape.

Here’s why the Snipping Tool Panel is great for taking a screenshot in Windows 11:

1. Flexible Capture Options: Choose the type of screenshot you need, like full-screen or just a selected area.
2. Annotation Tools: Add notes, highlights, or other marks to your screenshots.
3. Easy Sharing: Save or share your screenshots quickly and easily.
4.  Video Screen Recording: It can also record a video — with sound — of a window on your desktop.

The Snipping Tool Panel makes it simple to capture and edit a screenshot in Windows 11.

ALSO READ: How to delete Instagram account

How to Take a Screenshot Using Win + Shift + S

1. Press the Keys: Press Win + Shift + S on your keyboard all at the same time (. This will open the Snip & Sketch tool.
2. Select a Snip Type: Your screen will dim and a small toolbar will appear at the top of your screen. Choose from the following options:

• Rectangular Snip: Click and drag to select a rectangular area.
• Freeform Snip: Draw a freeform shape around the area you want to capture.
• Window Snip: Click on a window to capture it.
• Full-screen Snip: Capture the entire screen.

1. Capture the Screenshot: After selecting your snip type, the screenshot will be taken and copied to your clipboard.
2. Edit and Save: A notification will appear. Click it to open the Snip & Sketch app, where you can annotate, crop, and save your screenshot.
3. Paste or Save: You can paste the screenshot directly into a document or email by pressing Ctrl + V, or save it from the Snip & Sketch app by clicking the save icon.

Method 2: Using the Print Screen Keyboard Button (PrtScr/prtscn)

The Print Screen button is a simple way to take a screenshot in Windows 11. It lets you capture your entire screen easily.

How to Use It

1. Find the Button: Look for the PrtScr or PrtScn button on your keyboard. It is usually near the top right.
2. Take a Screenshot:
   • Full Screen: Press the PrtScr button to capture the whole screen. This is how to take a screenshot in Windows 11. The screenshot is copied to your clipboard.
   • Active Window: Press Alt + PrtScr to capture just the active window. This also copies the screenshot to your clipboard.
3. Paste and Save: Open an app like Paint or Word. Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot. Save the file by clicking the save icon or using Ctrl + S.

Sometimes, pressing the `PrtScr` button opens the Snipping Tool. This tool can also be used to take screenshots.

This method is an easy way to follow on how to take a screenshot on Windows 11.

Method 3: Accessing the Snipping Tool From the Search Bar

You can easily open the Snipping Tool using the search bar in Windows 11. This method is quick and convenient for taking a screenshot in Windows 11.

How to Use It

1. Open the Search Bar: Click the search icon on your taskbar or press Win + S on your keyboard.
2. Search for Snipping Tool: Type “Snipping Tool” into the search bar. You will see the Snipping Tool app in the search results.
3. Open the Snipping Tool: Click on the Snipping Tool app to open it.
4. Take a Screenshot: Once the Snipping Tool is open, click “New” to start a new screenshot. Select the area you want to capture for your Windows 11 screenshot.
5. Edit and Save: After capturing the screenshot, you can edit it if needed. Save your screenshot by clicking the save icon or using Ctrl + S.

Using the search bar is a fast way to access the Snipping Tool and take a screenshot Windows 11.

Method 4: Using the Windows key + Print Screen on the keyboard

The Windows key + Print Screen shortcut is a quick way to take a screenshot in Windows 11. It captures your entire screen and saves the image automatically.

How to Use It

1. Press the Keys: Press Windows key + Print Screen on your keyboard. This is a Windows 11 screenshot shortcut.
2. Capture the Screenshot: The screen will briefly dim, indicating that the screenshot has been taken.
3. Find Your Screenshot: Your screenshot is saved automatically. Go to the “Screenshots” folder in the “Pictures” library to find it.

Using this method is a simple way to know how to take a screenshot in Windows 11. It’s convenient for quickly capturing and saving your screen with a single shortcut.

Method 5: Using Fn + Windows Key + Spacebar

If your keyboard doesn’t have a PrtScr button, you can still take a screenshot in Windows 11 using the Fn + Windows key + Spacebar shortcut. This method works well for capturing your screen quickly.

How to Use It

1. Press the Keys: Press Fn + Windows key + Spacebar on your keyboard. This is a useful alternative if you lack a PrtScr button.
2. Capture the Screenshot: Your screen will dim briefly to indicate that the screenshot has been taken.
3. Find Your Screenshot: The screenshot is saved automatically. Look for it in the “Screenshots” folder within the “Pictures” library.

This shortcut is a handy way to use a Windows 11 screenshot shortcut and learn how to take a screenshot in Windows 11 without needing the PrtScr button.

Method 6: Using the Game Bar

The Game Bar in Windows 11 is a handy tool for taking screenshots while gaming or using any application. It’s a quick way to capture your screen.

How to Use It

1. Open the Game Bar: Press Win + G on your keyboard. This opens the Game Bar overlay.
2. Take a Screenshot: Click the camera icon in the Game Bar, or press Win + Alt + PrtScn to take a screenshot. This is a convenient Windows 11 screenshot shortcut.
3. Find Your Screenshot: The screenshot is automatically saved. Go to the “Captures” folder within the “Videos” library to find your image.

Using the Game Bar is an easy way to capture a screenshot in Windows 11 and learn how to take a screenshot in Windows 11 while you’re in the middle of other tasks.

Conclusion

This guide covers several ways to take a screenshot on Windows 11. Whether using the Snipping Tool, keyboard shortcuts like Win + Shift + S, PrtScr, Fn + Windows Key + Spacebar, or Win + Print Screen, or the Game Bar, each method offers a simple way to capture your screen.

Which method do you use to take screenshots? Let us know your preferred approach!