How to take a screenshot

Quick methods

Method 1: Print Screen key (quickest)

• Full screen: Press Print Screen (or PrtScn). On many laptops you may need to hold the Fn key (e.g., Fn + PrtScn).
• OneDrive auto‑save: If OneDrive is running and the feature is enabled, the image is automatically saved to OneDrive\Pictures\Screenshots. To enable this feature, open OneDrive → Settings → Backup and turn on “Automatically save screenshots I capture to OneDrive”.
• Clipboard: If OneDrive isn’t set up, the screenshot is placed on the clipboard – paste it into any app with Ctrl + V.

Method 2: Windows + Print Screen (saves to file)

1. Press Win + Print Screen (or Win + PrtScn). On laptops you may need Fn + Win + PrtScn.
2. The screen briefly dims to indicate the capture.
3. The file is saved to This PC > Pictures > Screenshots.

Method 3: Snipping Tool / Snip & Sketch (partial screens)

The shortcut Win + Shift + S opens different tools depending on the Windows version:

• Windows 10: Opens Snip & Sketch. After selecting an area, a notification appears; click it to copy to the clipboard or open the Snip & Sketch editor for further editing.
• Windows 11: Opens the modern Snipping Tool. After selecting an area, a notification appears; click it to copy to the clipboard or open the Snipping Tool editor.

Alternatively, launch the full app:

1. Press the Win key, type “Snipping Tool” (Windows 11) or “Snip & Sketch” (Windows 10), and open the app.
2. Click New and choose a mode: Rectangular, Freeform, Window, or Fullscreen.
3. Select the area, then save or copy the screenshot.

Method 4: Xbox Game Bar (games and apps)

1. Press Win + G to open the Game Bar.
2. Click the camera icon, or press Win + Alt + PrtScn for a quick capture.
3. The screenshot is saved to This PC > Videos > Captures.

On Windows 11 tablets or convertible devices you can also use Win + Volume Down to capture the screen.

Where screenshots are saved

• Win + Print Screen: This PC > Pictures > Screenshots
• Win + G (Game Bar): This PC > Videos > Captures
• Snipping Tool / Snip & Sketch: You choose the location when you save.
• OneDrive auto‑save: OneDrive\Pictures\Screenshots (if OneDrive is running and the feature is enabled).

Editing screenshots

You can edit a screenshot with any of the following built‑in tools:

• Photos app: Open the screenshot, click the Edit & Create (pencil) icon, then use Crop, Draw, or Annotate tools.
• Paint: Right‑click the screenshot file, choose Open with → Paint, edit, and save.
• Snip & Sketch / Snipping Tool editor: After capturing, click the notification to open the editor, then use the built‑in markup tools before saving.

Troubleshooting

• Shortcut keys not working: Verify that keyboard shortcuts are enabled under Settings → Ease of Access → Keyboard. Also check that the relevant app (Snipping Tool, Game Bar) is installed and not blocked by third‑party software.
• Missing Screenshots folder: The Pictures\Screenshots or Videos\Captures folder may not exist yet. Create the folder manually or run the shortcut once to let Windows generate it.
• Folder permissions: Ensure you have write permission for the target folder. Right‑click the folder → Properties → Security and confirm your user account has Write access.
• Secure‑desktop (UAC) blocks: Some shortcuts (e.g., Game Bar) may be blocked when a UAC prompt is active. Dismiss the prompt or run the capture after the secure desktop is cleared.
• Low disk space: If the drive containing your Pictures or Videos folder is almost full, Windows may refuse to save new screenshots. Free up space or change the save location.
• OneDrive screenshots not appearing: Confirm the OneDrive auto‑save option is enabled (OneDrive → Settings → Backup). Also ensure OneDrive is signed in and syncing.
• Xbox Game Bar not installed: Download it from the Microsoft Store, then enable it via Settings → Gaming → Xbox Game Bar.

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