Taking screenshots on a Windows PC is something we often need in daily life — whether it’s capturing a payment receipt, saving an important chat, reporting a technical error, or making a tutorial. Luckily, Windows 10 and Windows 11 offer multiple built-in tools to take screenshots easily, and you can also use some third-party apps if needed.
In this ultimate guide, you will learn how to take screenshot on Windows 10/11 using keyboard shortcuts, Snipping Tool, Snip & Sketch, Game Bar, and more. Each method is explained step-by-step so beginners can follow effortlessly.
Why Screenshots are Important in Windows (Windows 10/11)
Screenshots are the quickest way to save visual information. Instead of writing everything down, you can simply capture your screen in seconds and store it for later. People use screenshots for education, gaming, professional tasks, and troubleshooting.
Here are some top uses of screenshots in Windows:
- Save online payment proofs
- Capture important study notes or presentations
- Save chat messages or social media posts
- Report bugs with screenshots
- Create tutorials or game streams
- Share work updates quickly with teammates
In Windows 10/11, Microsoft has added many advanced screenshot features, letting users capture full screen, selected area, active window, or even scrolling pages.
Now let’s explore every method in detail!
Method 1: Take Screenshot Using Print Screen (PrtScn) Key
What is Print Screen Key?
The PrtScn key is present on almost every Windows keyboard. It instantly copies a full-screen screenshot to the clipboard.
Tip: Look for keys labeled as:
PrtScPrtScnPrint Screen- Sometimes under Fn key functions on laptops
How to Use Print Screen Key (Windows 10/11)
| Shortcut | What it Does |
|---|---|
| PrtScn | Captures entire screen and copies to clipboard |
| Alt + PrtScn | Captures active window only |
| Windows key + PrtScn | Saves full screenshot directly into Pictures → Screenshots |
| Fn + PrtScn | Required only on some laptops with function-based keys |
Detailed Explanation (200+ words)
When you press only the PrtScn key, it captures a full screenshot but doesn’t save it automatically. You must paste it manually into apps like Paint, Word, or Photoshop using Ctrl + V. From there, you can edit or save the screenshot.
If you want Windows to save the screenshot automatically as a file, press Windows + PrtScn. Your screen will blink for a second — that indicates the screenshot has been saved. You can find it here:
File Location:
This PC → Pictures → Screenshots
For capturing only the currently opened window (not full screen), use Alt + PrtScn. This is helpful when multiple apps are open, and you want a neat screenshot of only the active window.
Laptop users sometimes need to press Fn + PrtScn, Fn + Alt + PrtScn, or Fn + Windows + PrtScn depending on keyboard design. If the Print Screen key doesn’t work, check if any screenshot settings are disabled in the keyboard configuration or Windows settings.
Method 2: Take Screenshot with Snipping Tool (Windows 10/11)
Snipping Tool is a built-in Windows utility that allows more advanced captures like rectangle, free-form, window, and full screen.
How to Use Snipping Tool Step-by-Step
- Click Start Menu and type Snipping Tool
- Open the application
- Click New
- Select capture mode
- Drag and capture the desired area
- Save the screenshot
Snipping Tool Modes:
| Mode | Function |
|---|---|
| Free-form Snip | Draw any shape for your capture |
| Rectangular Snip | Manually crop rectangle area |
| Window Snip | Capture a specific app window |
| Full-screen Snip | Capture full display instantly |
Detailed Explanation (200+ words)
The Snipping Tool is one of the most useful screenshot applications because it gives you flexibility. You can capture any shape or selected region instead of grabbing the whole screen. After taking a screenshot, you can annotate with a pen or highlighter, remove unwanted parts using eraser, and then save the final image in JPEG or PNG formats.
Windows 11 upgraded this tool by combining it with Snip & Sketch, offering improved editing features like image cropping, text marking, and touch support. If you’re creating tutorials or marking important information on your screen, Snipping Tool is ideal.
You can also set delays (1–10 seconds) for taking screenshots. This is helpful when you want to show dropdown menus or tooltips that disappear quickly. To try delay capture:
- Click Mode → Delay → Select Time
- Hover where needed
- Screenshot captures automatically
Method 3: Snip & Sketch Tool (Direct Shortcut: Windows + Shift + S)
This is one of the fastest and most popular methods.
Shortcut:
Windows + Shift + S
A small toolbar appears at the top with 4 options:
- Rectangular area snip
- Freeform snip
- Window snip
- Full-screen snip
Detailed Explanation (200+ words)
When you press Windows + Shift + S, your screen dims and you can choose a snip mode. The screenshot is copied to the clipboard instantly with a notification popup. You can click the popup to open Snip & Sketch Editor, where you can annotate, crop, zoom in, and save the screenshot.
Screenshots are stored in the clipboard until saved. You can paste directly in messaging apps, documents, or email. If you frequently take multiple screenshots, this tool is incredibly efficient.
Windows 11 has made Snip & Sketch the default screenshot tool. You can even assign PrtScn to launch Snip & Sketch:
Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard → Use PrtScn Button to Open Screen Snipping
This method helps when the traditional Print Screen shortcuts are confusing or when you’re working on multi-monitor setups.
Method 4: Screenshot with Xbox Game Bar (Gamers Favorite)
Windows Game Bar allows gamers to capture gameplay without any external software.
Shortcut:
Windows + Alt + Print Screen
Steps:
- Press Windows + G to open Game Bar
- Click Capture widget
- Select Screenshot
Screenshots save automatically in:
Videos → Captures folder
Detailed Explanation (200+ words)
The Xbox Game Bar is specially designed for gamers but works for everyone. It doesn’t just capture screenshots — you can also record gameplay, monitor performance, and control audio. When you’re playing a full-screen game, traditional screenshot methods sometimes fail, but Game Bar works smoothly.
Screenshots captured with Game Bar are of high resolution and perfect for sharing on social media or YouTube thumbnails. If this shortcut doesn’t work, ensure Game Bar is enabled:
Settings → Gaming → Xbox Game Bar → Turn On
Game Bar is useful for:
- Capturing full-screen gameplay
- Taking screenshots of videos or streaming apps
- Quick shortcuts without disturbing workflow
If your PC is used for content creation or gaming, Game Bar is a must-use feature for screenshots.
Method 5: Screenshot Using Windows Tablet/Pen Mode
For devices like Microsoft Surface:
Shortcut:
Power Button + Volume Up Button
Detailed (200+ words)
Windows touchscreen devices support screenshot shortcuts similar to smartphones. When using Surface or touchscreen laptops in tablet mode, keyboard shortcuts may not be available. In such cases, Power + Volume Up instantly captures a full screen screenshot and saves it in:
Pictures → Screenshots
Stylus users can take screenshots by:
- Double-tapping with Surface Pen (if equipped)
- Configuring pen button to launch Snip & Sketch
This is helpful for teachers, designers, and creators who frequently mark or highlight things on screen. Touch gestures make the experience faster and intuitive.
Bonus: Third-Party Screenshot Tools for Windows 10/11
If you want advanced screenshot features like auto-scroll capture, cloud sharing, or instant editing, here are some great apps:
| Tool Name | Best Feature |
|---|---|
| Lightshot | Quick crop + online sharing |
| Greenshot | Easy annotations for tutorials |
| ShareX | Scrolling webpage capture |
| PicPick | Full editing suite |
| Snagit | Professional screen capture & video |
These tools support crosshair precision and instant cloud uploads — useful for office productivity.
Comparison Table – Which Method Should You Use?
| Method | Best For | Auto Save? | Editing? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PrtScn Key | Quick full screen | ❌ | ❌ |
| Win + PrtScn | Full screen auto save | ✔ | Limited |
| Alt + PrtScn | Active window | ❌ | ❌ |
| Snipping Tool | Select area + delay | ✔ | ✔ |
| Windows + Shift + S | Fast snips | ❌ (clipboard only) | ✔ |
| Game Bar | Gameplay capture | ✔ | ❌ |
| Third-Party Tools | Professional use | ✔ | ✔✔✔ |
FAQs – How to Take Screenshot on Windows 10/11
Q1: Where are screenshots saved in Windows?
Go to: Pictures → Screenshots
Q2: How to screenshot only one window?
Use Alt + PrtScn
Q3: How to edit screenshot after capturing?
Open in Snip & Sketch or Paint
Q4: My Print Screen key doesn’t work. What to do?
Try pressing with Fn key or enable in keyboard settings
Q5: How to take scrolling screenshots?
Use ShareX or Snagit app
Conclusion
Taking screenshots on Windows 10/11 is extremely easy once you know the right shortcuts and tools. Whether you’re a student, gamer, or office user, methods like Windows + Shift + S, Snipping Tool, and Game Bar will help you capture anything instantly.
Here’s a quick recommendation:
- For fast use → Windows + Shift + S
- For gameplay → Game Bar
- For advanced features → ShareX / Snagit
Try all methods and choose the one that best fits your daily workflow.
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