Printing the screen in Windows 11 is a simple and quick process. You can capture your entire screen or just a part of it using built-in tools and shortcuts. This guide will walk you through the steps to take a screenshot on Windows 11, ensuring you’ll know exactly what to do.
How to Print Screen Windows 11
Capturing what’s on your screen in Windows 11 can be easily done using a few different methods. This section will walk you through each step, so you can choose the option that works best for you.
Step 1: Press the Print Screen (PrtScn) Key
This is the quickest way to capture your entire screen.
The Print Screen key is usually located at the top row of your keyboard, often labeled as “PrtScn” or similar. When you press this key, it captures everything currently displayed on your screen.
Step 2: Press Windows + Print Screen Keys
To save your screenshot automatically, press these keys together.
By pressing the Windows key and the Print Screen key at the same time, your screen will dim for a moment to indicate that a screenshot has been taken. The image will be saved to the “Screenshots” folder in your “Pictures” library.
Step 3: Use the Snipping Tool
Open the Snipping Tool for more options.
The Snipping Tool allows for more flexibility. You can access it by searching for “Snipping Tool” in the Start menu. With this tool, you can capture the entire screen, a window, or a custom area.
Step 4: Press Windows + Shift + S
This shortcut opens the Snipping Tool directly.
Pressing these keys will bring up the Snipping Tool overlay, where you can select the type of screenshot you want to take. This is useful for quickly capturing a specific part of your screen.
Step 5: Use Alt + Print Screen
Capture only the active window.
If you want to capture just the active window, press Alt and the Print Screen key. This will take a screenshot of the window currently in focus and copy it to your clipboard.
After completing these steps, you will have a screenshot saved or copied to your clipboard, depending on the method used. You can then paste it into an image editor or document.
Tips for How to Print Screen Windows 11
- Use the “Paint” application to edit your screenshots after you capture them.
- Use the Snip & Sketch tool for more advanced editing features.
- Save your screenshots to a specific folder for easy access.
- Name your screenshots descriptively if you need to keep them organized.
- Remember that some laptop keyboards require you to press “Fn” along with “PrtScn.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the default save location for screenshots?
No, Windows 11 saves screenshots to the “Screenshots” folder by default, but you can move them manually.
What if my keyboard doesn’t have a Print Screen key?
You can use the Snipping Tool or keyboard shortcuts like Windows + Shift + S instead.
How can I take a screenshot without the screen dimming?
Use the Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch tool for a screenshot without the screen dimming effect.
Can I capture a screenshot using a mouse?
Yes, you can use the Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch tool, which allows you to select the area with your mouse.
How do I take a screenshot of a specific window?
Use Alt + Print Screen to capture just the active window.
Summary
- Step 1: Press the Print Screen (PrtScn) Key
- Step 2: Press Windows + Print Screen Keys
- Step 3: Use the Snipping Tool
- Step 4: Press Windows + Shift + S
- Step 5: Use Alt + Print Screen
Conclusion
Knowing how to print screen Windows 11 can be a lifesaver, whether you need to capture an error message, save a web page, or share a game score. The built-in tools and keyboard shortcuts make it easy and quick, so you can capture exactly what you need without hassle. You now have several methods at your disposal, from simple key presses to more advanced tools like Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch. Practice these steps a few times, and you’ll be a pro in no time. Plus, don’t forget to explore the tips and FAQs section to get even more out of your screenshot experience. Happy capturing!
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.