How to take a screenshot on a PC: every method for Windows 10 and 11

Windows 10 and 11 include several screenshot methods for capturing a full display, one window, or a selected area.

Windows + Shift + S

Press Windows + Shift + S to open the Snipping Tool overlay. Choose rectangle, freeform, window, or full-screen capture. The image is copied to the clipboard and recent versions can also save it automatically to the Screenshots folder. Open the notification to crop, annotate, or share it.

Save the full screen automatically

Windows + Print Screen captures the display and saves a file in Pictures > Screenshots. Some laptops require Fn. On compatible devices without Print Screen, try Fn + Windows + Spacebar.

Print Screen and active window

Print Screen may copy the full display or open screen snipping, depending on Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard. Paste with Ctrl + V. Use Alt + Print Screen to copy only the active window.

Snipping Tool

Search for Snipping Tool from Start. It provides rectangle, window, full-screen, and freeform modes, plus a delay for menus that disappear when a key is pressed. Editing tools include pen, highlighter, shapes, crop, and OCR text actions. Quick redaction can hide email addresses and phone numbers, with recognition performed locally.

Where screenshots are stored

Automatic captures normally appear in Pictures > Screenshots. Storage behavior and the default folder can be changed in Snipping Tool settings. Clipboard-only captures must be pasted and saved before they are replaced.

Multiple monitors and recording

Print Screen can include all monitors. Use Windows + Shift + S for one display or window. For video, press Windows + Shift + R, select an area, and record it through Snipping Tool.

Copilot+ PC features

Compatible Copilot+ PCs may offer Perfect screenshot, which automatically tightens the selection around visible content. It is optional and unavailable on many PCs.

If Print Screen fails

• Try the Fn key.
• Check Accessibility keyboard settings.
• Use Windows + Shift + S.
• Close apps that intercept the shortcut.
• Update Snipping Tool.

Privacy

Crop names, notifications, browser bars, QR codes, and credentials. Use solid redaction for sensitive information and inspect the final image before sharing.

Conclusion

Windows + Shift + S is the most flexible option, Windows + Print Screen saves the full display immediately, and Alt + Print Screen captures one window.