How to take a screenshot

Windows 11 KB-012

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to take a screenshot. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

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Common Causes

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 saves: If OneDrive is running, the image is automatically saved to OneDrive\Pictures\Screenshots. See OneDrive not syncing for troubleshooting.
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)

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

Method 3: Snipping Tool (best for partial screens)

Press Win + Shift + S. The screen dims and the cursor becomes a cross‑hair.
Click and drag to select the area you want to capture.
When you release the mouse, a notification appears – click it to copy the image to the clipboard or open it for editing.

Alternatively, use the full Snipping Tool app:

Press the Win key, type “Snipping Tool”, and open the app.
Click New and choose a mode: Rectangular, Freeform, Window, or Fullscreen.
Select the area, then save or copy the screenshot.

Method 4: Game Bar (for games and apps)

Before using the Game Bar, ensure it is enabled: Settings → Gaming → Xbox Game Bar. If the shortcut does not work, verify the setting is turned on.

Press Win + G to open the Game Bar.
Click the camera icon, or press Win + Alt + PrtScn for a quick capture.
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: You choose the location when you save.
OneDrive auto‑save: OneDrive\Pictures\Screenshots (if OneDrive is running).

Editing screenshots

Press the Win key, type “Photos”, and open the Photos app.
Open the screenshot you want to edit.
Click the Edit & Create icon (pencil).
Use the Crop, Draw, or Annotate tools as needed, then save.

Tips

Practice a few times – the shortcuts become second nature.
The Snipping Tool is ideal for capturing specific areas.
Use Ctrl + V to paste screenshots directly into email, documents, or chat.
Screenshots are saved as PNG files, which retain high quality.
Keep your Pictures or Videos folders free of clutter to ensure there is enough disk space for new captures.
If screenshots are not being saved, check that OneDrive auto‑save is enabled, verify the Game Bar setting, and confirm you have sufficient free space on the drive.
Make sure Windows is up to date – see How to update Windows for guidance.

Low storage can prevent screenshots from being saved. Ensure the drive containing your Pictures or Videos folder has adequate free space.

Still Having Issues?

Need more help? If the issue persists after trying these steps, please open a support ticket and our team will assist you.

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