How to Take a Screenshot on Windows 11 PC

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Worldwide Giveaway – Take screenshot on a Windows 11 PC is a useful skill for capturing and sharing information from your screen. Whether you need to save a visual record of an error message, share your game achievements, or simply capture something interesting, Windows 11 offers several methods to take screenshots. This guide will walk you through each method step by step.

Using the Print Screen Key

Full-Screen Screenshot

  1. Press the Print Screen (PrtScn) key on your keyboard. This captures the entire screen.
  2. Open an image editing program like Paint.
  3. Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot.
  4. Save the file by selecting File > Save As.

Active Window Screenshot

  1. Press Alt + Print Screen (PrtScn). This captures only the active window.
  2. Open an image editing program like Paint.
  3. Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot.
  4. Save the file by selecting File > Save As.

Using Snipping Tool

Accessing Snipping Tool

  1. Press Windows + S to open the search bar.
  2. Type “Snipping Tool” and select the app from the results.

Taking a Screenshot

  1. Click New in the Snipping Tool window.
  2. Select the snip type (Free-form, Rectangular, Window, or Full-screen).
  3. Capture the desired area.
  4. Edit and save the screenshot using the options provided in the Snipping Tool window.

Using Snip & Sketch

Accessing Snip & Sketch

  1. Press Windows + Shift + S. This opens the Snip & Sketch tool.

Taking a Screenshot

  1. Your screen will dim, and a small toolbar will appear at the top.
  2. Select the snip type (Rectangular, Freeform, Window, or Fullscreen).
  3. Capture the desired area.
  4. A notification will appear. Click it to open Snip & Sketch and edit your screenshot.
  5. Save the screenshot by clicking the Save icon.

Using Game Bar

Accessing Game Bar

  1. Press Windows + G to open the Game Bar.

Taking a Screenshot

  1. In the Game Bar, click the Capture icon (camera symbol).
  2. Click the Take screenshot button (also a camera symbol) in the Capture window.
  3. The screenshot will be saved automatically in the Videos > Captures folder.

Using Third-Party Applications

Lightshot

  1. Download and install Lightshot from its official website.
  2. Press Print Screen (PrtScn) to activate Lightshot.
  3. Select the area you want to capture.
  4. Edit and save the screenshot using Lightshot’s built-in tools.

ShareX

  1. Download and install ShareX from its official website.
  2. Open ShareX and configure your screenshot preferences.
  3. Press Print Screen (PrtScn) to capture the screen with ShareX.
  4. The screenshot will be saved to your specified location, and you can use ShareX’s tools for further editing and sharing.

Conclusion

Windows 11 provides multiple methods for taking screenshots, each with its own advantages. Whether you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, built-in tools like Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch, or third-party applications, there’s a method that fits your needs. By mastering these techniques, you can easily capture and share information from your screen.

FAQs about How to Take a Screenshot on Windows 11 PC

How do I take a screenshot of a specific area?

Use Windows + Shift + S to open Snip & Sketch, then select the desired area. Alternatively, use the Snipping Tool and choose the Rectangular Snip option.

Where are my screenshots saved?

Screenshots taken with Print Screen and pasted into an app are saved wherever you choose. Snip & Sketch saves to the clipboard, and Game Bar saves to the Videos > Captures folder. Lightshot and ShareX save to locations specified in their settings.

Can I edit my screenshots?

Yes, built-in tools like Snip & Sketch and Snipping Tool offer basic editing options. Third-party apps like Lightshot and ShareX provide more advanced editing features.

What if my keyboard doesn’t have a Print Screen key?

You can use tools like Snip & Sketch by pressing Windows + Shift + S or use the Snipping Tool found in the Start menu.

Can I take screenshots while gaming?

Yes, use Windows + G to open the Game Bar and take screenshots with the Capture tool. This is especially useful for capturing in-game moments.