How to Take A Screenshot on Windows 11/10 PC (FAST & EASY)
Learn how to take a screenshot on your Windows 11 or 10 PC quickly and easily. Master the Snipping Tool, essential keyboard shortcuts, and locate saved images.
Key Takeaways
Taking a screenshot on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC is a quick and easy process once you know the right keyboard shortcuts. Whether you are using a desktop computer or a laptop, Windows provides powerful built-in options to capture exactly what you need without downloading any third-party software.
Here are the best ways to capture your screen, where to find your saved images, and the essential keyboard shortcuts you need to know.
Take a Screenshot Using the Snipping Tool
The most versatile way to take a screenshot in Windows is by using the Snipping Tool. This method allows you to select a specific region of your screen rather than capturing the whole desktop.
FAQ
Do I need to download third-party software to take screenshots on Windows?
No, Windows provides powerful built-in options like the Snipping Tool to capture exactly what you need without downloading any third-party software.
How do I paste a screenshot directly into an email or document?
When you use the Snipping Tool (), the screenshot is automatically copied to your clipboard. Simply press to paste the image directly into your email, document, or messaging app.
The screen will dim, and the Snipping Tool menu will appear at the top of your screen.
Click and drag your mouse to select the exact region you want to capture.
Once you make your selection, the screenshot is automatically copied to your clipboard. This means you can immediately press Ctrl + V to paste the image directly into an email, document, or messaging app. The image will also automatically save to your computer's hard drive.
Alternative Shortcut: The Print Screen Key
If you prefer a single-button approach to access the Snipping Tool, check your keyboard for the Print Screen key (often labeled as PrtScn, PrtSc, or similar).
Simply pressing the PrtScn button will also launch the Snipping Tool overlay, allowing you to select and capture a custom region of your screen just as you would with the Windows + Shift + S shortcut.
Capture the Entire Screen Instantly
If you do not need to select a specific area and just want to take a fast snapshot of your entire display, there is a dedicated shortcut for that.
Press Windows + PrtScn.
Your screen will briefly flash to indicate that a screenshot was taken. This method bypasses the Snipping Tool region selection entirely, immediately capturing your whole screen and saving the image file directly to your drive.
Where Are Windows Screenshots Saved?
Whether you use the Snipping Tool or the full-screen capture shortcut, Windows automatically saves your screenshot files to a dedicated folder.
To find your saved images, open your File Explorer and navigate to your Pictures folder, then open the Screenshots folder (Path: Pictures/Screenshots).
Quick Reference: Windows Screenshot Shortcuts
Use this cheat sheet to quickly remember the best screenshot commands for Windows 10 and 11:
Keyboard Shortcut
Action
Save Location
Win + Shift + S
Opens the Snipping Tool to capture a custom region
Clipboard & Pictures/Screenshots
PrtScn
Alternative shortcut to open the Snipping Tool
Clipboard & Pictures/Screenshots
Win + PrtScn
Instantly captures and saves the entire screen
Pictures/Screenshots
Ctrl + V
Pastes a recently taken Snipping Tool screenshot
Wherever you choose to paste it
Keep Learning
Now that you are a screenshot pro, you might want to learn how to capture video on your computer as well. Check out this guide on how to screen record on your PC to master your Windows capture tools.
Win + Shift + S
Ctrl + V
Can I record a video of my screen instead of just taking a picture?
Yes, in addition to taking screenshots, you can capture video on your computer. Check out this guide on how to screen record on your PC.
Do these screenshot shortcuts work on both Windows laptops and desktop PCs?
Yes, the keyboard shortcuts provided in this guide work seamlessly on both Windows laptops and desktop computers running Windows 11 or Windows 10.
