The fastest way: Press Print Screen or Windows + Shift + S

The quickest screenshot on a PC is the Print Screen key, usually labeled PrtScn or PrtSc. Press it once and Windows copies your entire screen to the clipboard — you won't see anything happen, but the image is there. Open any program that accepts images (Notepad, Paint, Word, an email), right-click, and select Paste to drop the screenshot in.

If you want to capture only part of your screen, use Windows + Shift + S instead. A small menu appears at the top with four capture options: rectangle, freeform, window, or full screen. Click the shape you want, then click and drag to select the area. The screenshot goes to your clipboard and a notification appears in the bottom right corner — click it to open the Snipping Tool and save the image as a file.

Both methods work on Windows 10 and Windows 11. The Print Screen key is older and simpler; Windows + Shift + S is newer and gives you more control over what you capture.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Print Screen to copy your entire screen to the clipboard, then paste it into any program.
  • Press Windows + Shift + S to select a specific area, window, or shape before capturing.
  • The Snipping Tool (built into Windows) lets you capture, annotate, and save screenshots as files.
  • Screenshots go to the clipboard by default; you must paste them into a program or use the Snipping Tool to save them as image files.
  • Alt + Print Screen captures only the active window instead of the entire screen.

Using the Snipping Tool to save screenshots as files

If you want to save a screenshot directly as a file without pasting it first, the Snipping Tool is built into Windows. Open it by pressing Windows key, typing "Snipping Tool," and pressing Enter. The window shows a Capture button at the top left.

Click Capture, then select the area of your screen you want to save. A new window opens with your screenshot. Click File, then Save As, choose where to save it, give it a name, and select the file format (PNG, GIF, or JPEG). PNG is the default and works for most purposes.

The Snipping Tool also lets you draw on your screenshot before saving — use the pen, highlighter, or eraser buttons to mark up the image. This is useful if you need to point out a specific part of the screen to someone else.

Capturing only the active window

If your screen has multiple windows open and you want to capture only one, press Alt + Print Screen. This copies only the window you are currently using (the one with the blue title bar) to the clipboard. Paste it the same way you would a full-screen capture.

This method is faster than using Windows + Shift + S if you know exactly which window you need. It avoids the step of drawing a selection box and captures the entire window automatically, including its borders and title bar.

Where screenshots are saved

When you use Print Screen or Alt + Print Screen, the image goes to your clipboard only — it is not saved as a file anywhere unless you paste it into a program and save that program's file. If you close the program without saving, the screenshot is lost.

When you use Windows + Shift + S and click the notification that appears, the Snipping Tool opens and you can save the image. By default, Windows suggests saving to your Pictures folder, but you can choose any location. The file name defaults to something like "Screenshot (1)" but you can change it to anything you want.

If you want screenshots to save automatically as files without extra steps, use the Snipping Tool's Capture button instead of the keyboard shortcuts. It takes one more click but gives you a save dialog right away.

Capturing video instead of a still image

If you need to record what is happening on your screen rather than take a single image, Windows has a built-in tool called Xbox Game Bar. Press Windows + G to open it. A menu appears with a record button (a circle icon).

Click the record button to start capturing video. A timer shows how long you have been recording. Press Windows + G again and click the stop button (a square icon) to end the recording. The video saves to your Videos folder in a subfolder called Captures.

Xbox Game Bar works on any window or full screen, not just games. The video is saved as an MP4 file that you can play in any video player or share with others. Recording uses more disk space than a screenshot, so use this method only when you need to show movement or a sequence of actions.

Troubleshooting when screenshots do not work

If Print Screen does not seem to do anything, the key may not be working or your keyboard may not have it. Try Windows + Shift + S instead — this works on all Windows 10 and 11 machines. If that does not work either, open the Snipping Tool directly and use its Capture button.

If you paste and nothing appears, the clipboard may be empty. Try pressing Print Screen again and paste when ready. If you are pasting into a program that does not support images (like Notepad), switch to Paint, Word, or an email program instead.

If the Snipping Tool does not open when you press Windows + Shift + S, your Windows version may be older than Windows 10. Use the Snipping Tool instead: press Windows key, type "Snipping Tool," and press Enter. If that does not work, your PC may need a Windows update.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a screenshot of just my second monitor?

Print Screen captures all monitors at once. To capture only one monitor, use Windows + Shift + S and draw a selection box around only the monitor you want. Alternatively, use the Snipping Tool and select the Window option, then click the window on the monitor you want to capture.

What is the difference between PNG, GIF, and JPEG?

PNG is best for screenshots because it keeps the image sharp and does not lose detail. JPEG makes files smaller but can blur text. GIF is rarely needed for screenshots. Use PNG unless you have a specific reason not to.

Where do I find my screenshots after I save them?

By default, the Snipping Tool saves to your Pictures folder. Open File Explorer, click Pictures on the left side, and look for files named "Screenshot" or whatever you named them. You can also search for them by pressing Windows key and typing the file name.

Can I take a screenshot of a locked screen or login screen?

No. Print Screen and Windows + Shift + S do not work on the Windows login screen or lock screen for security reasons. You must log in first, then take your screenshot.

How do I take a screenshot on a laptop without a Print Screen key?

Use Windows + Shift + S instead — this works on all Windows machines including laptops. If your laptop has a Print Screen key, it may be combined with another key (like Fn + PrtScn). Check your laptop manual or try pressing Fn and the key labeled PrtScn together.