Changing where screenshots are saved on Windows 11 is a straightforward task. First, create a new folder where you want to save your screenshots. Then, open File Explorer, navigate to the current Screenshots folder, right-click it, select Properties, and change the location to your new folder. Confirm your changes, and Windows will now save your screenshots to the new location.
How to Change Where Screenshots are Saved on Windows 11
Changing where your screenshots are saved on Windows 11 can help you organize your files better. Follow these steps to get it done quickly.
Step 1: Create a New Folder
First, create a new folder where you want to save your screenshots.
Choose a location that is easy for you to remember. You can create the new folder on your desktop or within another directory.
Step 2: Open File Explorer
Next, open File Explorer to find your current Screenshots folder.
You can open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in your taskbar or by pressing Win + E on your keyboard.
Step 3: Navigate to the Current Screenshots Folder
Navigate to the current Screenshots folder, usually found in C:Users[YourUsername]PicturesScreenshots.
If you can’t find it quickly, you can type “Screenshots” in the File Explorer search bar.
Step 4: Right-Click and Select Properties
Right-click the Screenshots folder and select Properties from the context menu.
This will open a new window with several tabs.
Step 5: Go to the Location Tab
In the Properties window, go to the Location tab.
This tab allows you to change where the folder is stored on your computer.
Step 6: Click the Move Button
Click the Move button to choose a new location for the Screenshots folder.
A new window will open, allowing you to navigate to the folder you created in Step 1.
Step 7: Select the New Folder and Click Select Folder
Navigate to your newly created folder, select it, and then click Select Folder.
This will set your new folder as the default location for your screenshots.
Step 8: Confirm Your Changes
Finally, click Apply and then OK to confirm your changes.
Windows will ask if you want to move all existing files to the new location. Choose Yes to move everything to the new folder.
After following these steps, any new screenshots you take will be saved to the new folder you specified.
Tips for Changing Where Screenshots are Saved on Windows 11
- Choose a location that’s easy to access, like your desktop or a specific folder in Documents.
- Keep your screenshots folder organized by creating subfolders for different projects or time periods.
- Regularly back up your screenshots to avoid losing important images.
- Use meaningful names for your new folders to easily recall where your screenshots are stored.
- Consider using cloud storage like OneDrive for automatic backup and easy access from any device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change where screenshots are saved without moving existing files?
Yes, you can choose not to move existing files when prompted by Windows, but it’s usually better to move them to keep everything in one place.
Can I save screenshots directly to an external drive?
Yes, you can select an external drive as the new location for saving screenshots. Just follow the same steps above.
Will this method work for all screenshot tools in Windows 11?
This method changes the default save location for the built-in screenshot feature. Third-party tools might have their own settings.
How do I revert back to the default location?
Go back to the Location tab in the Screenshots folder Properties and click on Restore Default. Then confirm your changes.
Can I have multiple folders for different types of screenshots?
Windows only lets you set one default folder for screenshots, but you can manually move or sort them into different folders afterward.
Summary
- Create a new folder.
- Open File Explorer.
- Navigate to the current Screenshots folder.
- Right-click and select Properties.
- Go to the Location tab.
- Click the Move button.
- Select the new folder and click Select Folder.
- Confirm your changes.
Conclusion
Changing where screenshots are saved on Windows 11 is pretty simple and very useful for keeping things organized. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily designate a new folder for your screenshots, making it easier to find and manage them later.
Having a dedicated location for your screenshots helps in decluttering your default Pictures folder and can streamline your workflow, especially if you take a lot of screenshots for work or school.
So, go ahead and make this small change to improve your file organization. For more tips on managing files in Windows 11, be sure to check out our other articles.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.