Taking screenshots is an essential skill that every computer user should possess. Screenshots can be instrumental in various situations, such as creating tutorials, capturing error messages, or simply sharing something interesting with friends. With the release of Windows 11, some users might be wondering if there’s a new way to take screenshots. In this blog post, we will cover various methods to take screenshots in Windows 11, whether you’re a beginner or a power user.
Method 1: Using the Print Screen Key
The simplest way to take a screenshot on Windows 11 is by using the Print Screen key, usually labeled as PrtScn, PrntScrn, or a similar abbreviation on your keyboard.
- Press the Print Screen key on your keyboard. This will capture the entire screen and copy it to your clipboard.
- Open an image editor like Microsoft Paint or any other app where you can paste images, such as Microsoft Word or PowerPoint.
- Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot into the program.
- Save the screenshot in your desired format and location.
Method 2: Using the Snipping Tool
Windows 11 comes with a built-in screenshot utility called the Snipping Tool. This tool allows you to capture screenshots with more flexibility than just using the Print Screen key.
- Press Win + S to open the Search box and type Snipping Tool.
- Click on the Snipping Tool app in the search results to open it.
- Click the New button in the Snipping Tool window to start capturing a screenshot.
- Select the area you want to capture by clicking and dragging your mouse. Release the mouse button to capture the screenshot.
- Click the Save button in the Snipping Tool window to save your screenshot in your desired format and location.
Method 3: Using the Snip & Sketch Tool
Another built-in screenshot utility in Windows 11 is the Snip & Sketch tool. It provides even more flexibility for taking screenshots and offers additional editing options.
- Press Win + Shift + S on your keyboard. Your screen will dim, and the Snip & Sketch toolbar will appear at the top.
- Select one of the screenshot options from the toolbar (rectangular, freeform, window, or full-screen).
- Click and drag your mouse to capture the desired area, or click on a window to capture it. For full-screen, there’s no need to select an area.
- The captured screenshot will be copied to your clipboard. Click on the notification that appears to open the Snip & Sketch app for editing and saving the screenshot.
Method 4: Using the Game Bar
If you’re a gamer or want to capture a screenshot from an app running in full-screen mode, you can use the Windows 11 Game Bar.
- Press Win + G on your keyboard to open the Game Bar.
- Click the Camera icon in the Game Bar to take a screenshot. You can also press Win + Alt + PrtScn to capture a screenshot without opening the Game Bar.
- The screenshot will be saved in the Videos\Captures folder inside your user folder. You can access it through File Explorer or by opening the Xbox app and navigating to the Captures section.
These are the various methods you can use to take screenshots on Windows 11. Choose the one that fits your needs best, and happy screenshotting!