How to Take a Screenshot on Windows 10/11: All Methods

Taking a screenshot on Windows - Quick and easy

Screenshots are essential for capturing error messages, sharing information with support staff, or simply saving a moment on your screen. Windows 10 and 11 offer several built-in ways to take screenshots.

Tip: Looking for reliable web hosting for your website or project? Check out the options at Theory7 Web Hosting - fast, secure and with excellent support!

Method 1: Windows + Shift + S (fastest method)

This is the fastest and most flexible method in Windows 10 and 11:

1. Press Windows + Shift + S at the same time
2. Your screen goes darker and a toolbar appears at the top
3. Choose from:
   • Rectangle mode - draw a rectangle around the area you want
   • Freeform mode - draw any shape you like
   • Window mode - click a specific window
   • Full-screen mode - takes a screenshot of everything
4. The screenshot is automatically copied to your clipboard
5. Click the notification in the bottom right to edit it in Snip & Sketch

Method 2: Print Screen key (PrtSc)

The classic method that always works:

• PrtSc - Copies the entire screen to the clipboard (then paste it into Paint or Word)
• Alt + PrtSc - Copies only the active window to the clipboard
• Windows + PrtSc - Takes a screenshot and saves it directly in Pictures > Screenshots

Method 3: Snipping Tool

Windows has a built-in app for screenshots:

1. Search for Snipping Tool in the Start menu
2. Click New to start a new capture
3. Select the capture type (rectangle, window, full screen)
4. After capturing, you can edit right away with a pen, highlighter or text
5. Save it via File > Save as

Editing and saving a screenshot

After taking a screenshot you have several options:

Save directly:

• Windows + PrtSc automatically saves to:

Edit in Paint:

1. Open Paint (search in the Start menu)
2. Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot
3. Edit with the drawing and text tools
4. Save as PNG or JPG

Edit in Snip & Sketch:

• Automatically available after Windows + Shift + S
• Offers highlighter tools, a ruler and cropping

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Where are my screenshots saved? With Windows + PrtSc, screenshots are saved in your Pictures folder under Screenshots. With the other methods you have to paste and save them yourself.

Can I take a screenshot of just one window? Yes! Use Alt + PrtSc for the active window, or choose Window mode with Windows + Shift + S.

Does this also work on Windows 10? Yes, all the methods described work on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Keyboard shortcuts overview