How to Take a Screenshot on Windows 11
Capture your full screen or a selected region using built-in shortcuts.
Last verified: February 21, 2026
Windows includes a dedicated Screenshot tool that has been refined through several versions. The classic Print Screen key still works for copying to clipboard, but the modern approach — Windows + Print Screen or the Snipping Tool (Windows + Shift + S) — saves directly to your Pictures\Screenshots folder and gives you flexible region, window, and full-screen modes all in one place. On Windows 11, Snipping Tool also supports a delay timer so you can capture tooltips and open menus that disappear on click.
Quick Steps
Follow in order for the fastest result.
- 1Press Windows + Print Screen. The screen briefly dims and the file saves automatically to Pictures > Screenshots.
- 2Open the screenshot from the notification bar or Screenshots / Desktop folder to verify it captured correctly.
- 3Rename and move the file to your preferred location.
Still Not Working?
Try these if the steps above didn't help.
- If the shortcut does nothing, open the Snipping Tool, Screenshot app, or Markup tool directly from the app list.
- Ensure no other app has reassigned the screenshot shortcut in its preferences.
- Restart the device and retry if the capture overlay never appears.
Verify the Fix
Confirm everything is fully working before closing this guide.
- Open the saved file and confirm it shows the correct screen content with no corruption.
- Verify the file saves as PNG or JPG with a readable file name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Windows 11 have a built-in screenshot tool?
Where do screenshots save on Windows 11?
Why is my screenshot shortcut not working on Windows 11?
Can I take a screenshot on Windows 11 without a keyboard?
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