Quickfix AI
Easy•10 min

How to take a screenshot on Windows

If you need to save what is on your screen, Windows gives you several easy ways to take a screenshot. This guide shows you how to capture the whole screen, a single window, or just part of the screen, and where to find the result afterward.

The exact shortcut you use depends on what you want to capture and whether you want the screenshot saved automatically.

Step-by-step fix

  1. 1

    Use Snipping Tool for the most flexible capture

    Press Windows + Shift + S to open the snipping toolbar. Choose the type of snip you want, then drag to select the part of the screen you want to capture. The screenshot is copied to your clipboard, and a notification may appear so you can open it and save it.

  2. 2

    Capture the entire screen

    Press PrtScn to copy a screenshot of the entire screen to your clipboard. You can then paste it into an app like Paint, Word, or an email by pressing Ctrl + V. On some keyboards, you may need to hold Fn while pressing PrtScn.

  3. 3

    Save a full-screen screenshot automatically

    Press Windows + PrtScn to capture the whole screen and save it as a file automatically. Windows usually saves the image in Pictures > Screenshots. If your screen briefly dims, that is a sign the screenshot was taken.

  4. 4

    Take a screenshot of just one window

    Click the window you want to capture so it is active, then press Alt + PrtScn. This copies only that window to the clipboard. Paste it into an app with Ctrl + V and save it if needed.

  5. 5

    Choose a rectangular, freeform, or window snip

    After pressing Windows + Shift + S, select the snip mode that fits your need. Use a rectangular snip for most screenshots, freeform snip for an irregular shape, or window snip to capture a specific app window. The image is copied automatically when you finish selecting.

  6. 6

    Find and save your screenshot

    If your screenshot is on the clipboard, open an app such as Paint and press Ctrl + V. Then choose File > Save as to keep it as an image file. If you used Windows + PrtScn, go to Pictures > Screenshots to find the saved file.

  7. 7

    Use the Xbox Game Bar for games or full-screen apps

    Press Windows + G to open the Xbox Game Bar, then select the capture option or use Windows + Alt + PrtScn to capture the active game or app. This is especially useful when standard shortcuts do not work in full-screen content.

Frequently asked questions

Where do screenshots go on Windows?

If you press Windows + PrtScn, Windows saves the screenshot in Pictures > Screenshots. If you use PrtScn, Alt + PrtScn, or Windows + Shift + S, the screenshot is copied to the clipboard and must be pasted into another app before you can save it.

What is the easiest screenshot shortcut on Windows?

For most people, Windows + Shift + S is the easiest because it lets you select exactly what you want to capture. If you want a full-screen image saved automatically, use Windows + PrtScn.

Why is my Print Screen key not working?

Some keyboards require you to press Fn with PrtScn. Also, certain laptops use the key for another function, so you may need to check your keyboard labels or use Windows + Shift + S instead.

How do I paste a screenshot after copying it?

Open an app that accepts images, such as Paint, Word, or an email message, then press Ctrl + V. After the screenshot appears, you can save or send it as needed.

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How to take a screenshot on Windows