Windows 10 and Windows 11 both offer several options for taking a screenshot of your computer screen.
We have compiled all the best ways to capture a screenshot of Windows, no matter how large or small.
Click the Print Screen button
The Print Screen (PrtScn key) is the best way to capture a screenshot in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Simply press PrtScn to capture the entire screen.
Windows 10 will automatically copy the screenshot to your clipboard. Copy the screenshot to your clipboard.
Windows 11 allows you to save the screenshot by pressing PrtScn. This will save it to your dedicated Screenshots directory. You can locate it by opening File Explorer and clicking Photos on the left. If you enable it, it will save the screenshot to your OneDrive.
The Windows key + Print Screen
To automatically save a screenshot of Windows 10 using , press + PrtScn . The screen will dim and cause the screen to go black. A screenshot of the entire screen will be saved to the Screenshots folder.
Windows 11: Pressing the Windows key + PrtScn saves a screenshot of your screen to the Screenshots folder. Then, copy the image to your clipboard. This will allow you to immediately paste the image onto a social media post or art app.
Alt + Print Screen
To only capture the window that you are currently working in, press alt + PrtScn. This will copy the window to your clipboard in Windows 10, so you’ll need a copy program to save it. In Windows 11, however, it’ll copy it and save it directly to the Screenshots folder.
Windows 10’s Snip & Sketch Tool
Windows 10’s Snip & Sketch allows you to capture screenshots on Windows. It can be used to annotate, customise, and share screen captures.
Use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + Shift + S to activate Snip & Sketch. The screen will dim, and a mini menu will appear at its top. This will give you the choice of taking a rectangle, free-form window or full-screen screenshot.
These Snip and Skitch options allow you to choose how you want to take a picture:
| Mode | Function |
| Rectangular | For your screenshot, size a rectangle. |
| Free-form | Use your cursor to draw freehand. |
| Window | Select a window that you want to capture. |
| Full-screen | Take a picture of your entire screen. |
After taking the screenshot, you’ll save it to your clipboard. A preview notification will be displayed in the lower-right corner.
Click on the preview notification and open the Snap & Sketch app to save, share or edit the screenshot using the available drawing tools.
Windows 11’s Snipping Tool
Although the Snipping Tool is available in Windows 10, it’s not the best tool for taking screenshots. The Snipping Tool was upgraded to Windows 11. It’s now the best tool for taking custom screenshots.
You can search for the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 or press Windows Key + Shift + S to start it. Your screen will dim, and a toolbar with different screenshot options will appear at its top. You can choose from a full-screen, rectangular, freeform or full-window capture using the toolbar.
Once you have taken your screenshot, it will be copied to your clipboard. You can then share it immediately. You can save it and edit it by clicking the preview in the lower-right corner.
The Game Bar
The Game Bar overlay can be used within many Windows apps and games to take screenshots or record video. To open the Game Bar press Windows Key +.
Quick tip – If the Game Bar does not open, ensure it is enabled. Search for “Game bar settings” and toggle on “Record screenshots and game clips and broadcast with Game Bar.”
Click the camera icon in the overlay menu to take a full screen screenshot. You can also record a clip by pressing record. Click the microphone icon to add audio.
Screenshots and videos taken by the Game Bar can be saved in PNG format to their Videos > Captures folder. It can be found by clicking the “Show All Captures” button underneath the recording and screenshot buttons.
Power + Volume Up
To take a screenshot in Windows 10 using a Microsoft Surface device, click the Power Button and Volume Up Button. Your screenshot will be saved to the Pictures > Screenshots folder.
Important: To capture a screenshot on a Surface 3 and earlier, you will need to press the Windows Logo + Volum Down Button.
Third-party screenshot applications for Windows
There are many third-party screenshot programs that can be used if you are not satisfied with the built-in Windows tools. Each has its own unique offerings.
