All recent versions of Windows come with multiple built-in screenshot tools, and well, Windows 11 is no exception. While that means you can easily take a screenshot on your Windows 11 computer using native features, there are several other third-party tools you can rely on. They offer more convenient saving, editing, and annotation features. Also, third-party tools are the only way to take scrolling screenshots in Windows 11 as the feature is missing natively in Microsoft’s latest OS.
In this article, we will take a look at all methods to take screenshots on your Windows 11 PC. That includes all the screenshot tools natively available in Windows 11, as well as the most efficient third-party software. So, without further ado, let’s check out all the ways you can use to capture screenshots on a Windows 11 computer.
- Using Print Screen Key
- Using Windows + Print Screen Shortcut
- Using Alt + Print Screen Shortcut
- Snipping Tool
- Snip and Sketch
- Game Bar
- Take Scrolling Screenshots using PicPick
- Awesome Screenshot & Screen Recorder
- Frequently Asked Questions
Note: This article details multiple ways to take screenshots in Windows 11. However, the methods described here, unless otherwise mentioned, work perfectly on Windows 10 as well. If you are yet to upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10, you can check out our in-depth guide on how to take screenshots in Windows 10 for more details.
The easiest way to take a screenshot on your Windows 11 PC is by pressing the “Print Screen” key (often labeled as PrtScr or PrtScn). You can find the Print Screen key at the top-right section of your keyboard (usually next to the F12 key).
Another easy way to take screenshots on your Windows 11 computer is by using the Windows shortcut “Windows + Print Screen“.
3. Alt + Print Screen Shortcut: Take a Screenshot of Active Windows
While the two previous methods see you take screenshots of the entire desktop, you can also capture just the active window instead of the entire desktop in Windows 11.
The Snipping Tool is another great way to capture screenshots on your Windows 11 PC. It’s the best option if you want a basic screen utility. It doesn’t offer as many features as some of the third-party utilities mentioned below, but it gets the work done with ease.
- Now left-click on your mouse/ trackpad and drag on your screen to select the area you want to capture.
Microsoft is deprecating Snipping Tool in favor of Snip and Sketch, and it’s easy to see why. The latter is a more refined version of the Snipping Tool and comes with a feature-rich image editor.
To take screenshots with Snip and Sketch, you need to use a three-key shortcut on your keyboard – “Windows + Shift + S“. We have explained the whole process in detail down below, so read on.
- a full-screen screenshot,
- a rectangular snip,
- a free-form snip, or
- a screenshot of the active window.
6. Game Bar: Native Tool to Record Gameplay in Windows 11
Originally rolled out with the Windows 10 Creators Update in 2017, the Game Bar is yet another effective way of taking screenshots in Windows 11. It lets you take control of all your gaming activities, such as music and chat, in one place. Moreover, it also allows you to capture the on-screen gameplay action on your PC.
Note: You can save your screenshots at a different location by moving the “Captures” folder anywhere you want on your PC. Windows will continue to save your game clips and screenshots in that folder, no matter wherever you move it.
Check out our detailed guide on how to take scrolling screenshots in Windows to learn how to use the PicPick app. Though the article focuses on Windows 10, the process remains the same for Windows 11 as well.
8. Awesome Screenshot & Screen Recorder: Browser Extension to Take Screenshots in Windows 11
Alongside standalone apps, there are also many free screenshot and screen recording extensions available for both Chrome and Firefox. Awesome Screenshot is likely the best Chrome extension to take screenshots in Windows 11. It offers full-page screen capture and screen recording, as well as sharing options. You can also switch between screen recording and screen capture using a two-tab pop-up menu. This extension even allows you to record your desktop, current tab, or camera. You can also include your voice recording with the “Microphone” option, which is a nice addition.
Download Awesome Screenshot and Screen Recorder: Chrome Extension (Free); Firefox Add-on (Free)
Q. How Do You Take Screenshots on Windows 11? And Where Is It Saved?
The easiest way to take screenshots in Windows 11 is to simultaneously press the “Windows + Print Screen” keys on your keyboard. The screenshot is then saved in the Pictures -> Screenshots folder on your computer. In this article, we have also detailed various other methods to take screenshots in Windows 11.
Yes. of course! You can use the same methods mentioned above, including the Snip and Sketch tool or PicPick app, to take a screenshot on your Windows 11 desktop.
In 2021, it is easy to take a screenshot on Windows PC. Just press the “Windows + Print Screen” keys on your keyboard at the same time. The screenshot will be saved in Pictures -> Screenshots on your Windows 11 computer.
As you can see, the ways to take screenshots and scrolling screenshots in Windows 11 haven’t changed much from Windows 10. So go ahead and use the screenshot method that suits your needs the best. Once you do, let us know which method you prefer to capture a screenshot and why. Meanwhile, as a Windows 11 user, check out how you can switch back to a Windows 10-style Start Menu design on your Win 11 installation and how to change the default browser in Windows 11. You can also learn to customize the Windows 11 Start Menu and check the screen on time on your Windows 11 PC.