How to screenshot on Windows.
A quick crop, a whole screen, or just one window. Pick what you want to save.
Choose how to screenshot on Windows based on what you need: a cropped selection, the entire display, or a single application. Each method below explains whether the result is copied or saved.
Reference checked September 2026 · Windows 11 & 10Press these keys together, then drag across the area you want. Your selection is copied to the clipboard.
- Open the content you want to capture.
- ⊞ Win + Shift + S — capture part of your screen.
- Press these keys together, then drag across the area you want. Your selection is copied to the clipboard.
Illustration only. Use the controls on your own device.
Press Ctrl + V in a message or document to paste. To save a file, open the capture in Snipping Tool and use Ctrl + S.
How to screenshot on Windows: more methods
Entire screen, saved as a file
Capture the whole screen. Look in Pictures → Screenshots. Some keyboards also require Fn.
- Open the content you want to capture.
- ⊞ Win + PrtScn — entire screen, saved as a file.
- Capture the whole screen. Look in Pictures → Screenshots. Some keyboards also require Fn.
Illustration only. Use the controls on your own device.
Only the active window
Copy the current window, then paste it with Ctrl + V.
- Open the content you want to capture.
- Alt + PrtScn — only the active window.
- Copy the current window, then paste it with Ctrl + V.
Illustration only. Use the controls on your own device.
Print Screen to the clipboard
Depending on your keyboard settings, this copies the screen or opens the snipping overlay. If copied, paste with Ctrl + V before saving.
- Open the content you want to capture.
- PrtScn — print screen to the clipboard.
- Depending on your keyboard settings, this copies the screen or opens the snipping overlay. If copied, paste with Ctrl + V before saving.
Illustration only. Use the controls on your own device.
Capture a game or supported app
With Xbox Game Bar enabled, capture the active game or supported app. Find the PNG in Videos → Captures.
- Open the content you want to capture.
- ⊞ Win + Alt + PrtScn — capture a game or supported app.
- With Xbox Game Bar enabled, capture the active game or supported app. Find the PNG in Videos → Captures.
Illustration only. Use the controls on your own device.
Windows 11, Windows 10, and laptop keyboards
The selection shortcut is the same on Windows 10 and 11. Snipping Tool features and automatic saving depend on the installed app version and settings. On Dell, HP, or Lenovo laptops, check whether PrtScn shares a key with another function; Fn may be required. Windows + Shift + S avoids that key entirely.
Edit and share your screenshot
Open your capture in Snipping Tool to crop or mark it up, then save a copy. For a scrolling webpage, use a browser capture feature rather than a desktop screenshot shortcut.
How to screenshot on Windows: common questions
What if my keyboard has no Print Screen key?+
Open Snipping Tool from Start, or use Windows + Shift + S.
Why can’t I find a saved file?+
A copied image and a saved file are different. Snipping Tool can auto-save depending on its settings; explicitly save the capture to choose its location.
Why does Print Screen open a selection tool?+
Windows can assign Print Screen to screen snipping. Use Windows + Print Screen when you want a full-screen file, or choose a capture mode in the overlay.
Why is the screenshot black?+
Check whether the application restricts capture. Try a normal desktop window to distinguish an app restriction from a keyboard problem.
More official instructions ↗
Controls can change between versions. This independent guide links to the manufacturer’s documentation.