How to Screenshot on Windows

Where are my screenshots saved on Windows?

The location depends on the method you used:

• • Win + Shift + S (Snipping Tool): Screenshots are copied to clipboard by default, but you can save them by clicking the notification or opening the Snipping Tool app
• • Win + PrtScn: Automatically saved to Pictures → Screenshots folder
• • PrtScn only: Copied to clipboard - you need to paste it into an app like Paint to save
• • Alt + PrtScn: Copies active window to clipboard

You can access the Screenshots folder by opening File Explorer and navigating to This PC → Pictures → Screenshots.

How do I screenshot just one window or application?

There are several ways to capture just one window:

What's the difference between Snipping Tool and Snip & Sketch?

Microsoft has been transitioning between these apps:

• • Snipping Tool (Classic): The original Windows screenshot tool, simpler interface
• • Snip & Sketch: The newer app with more editing features, better annotation tools
• • Windows 11: Both apps are merged back into an updated "Snipping Tool" with all the best features

The Win + Shift + S shortcut works with whichever app is set as default on your system. All versions offer similar core functionality for taking screenshots.

How can I edit my screenshots after taking them?

Windows offers several built-in editing options:

• • Snipping Tool/Snip & Sketch: Click the notification after taking a screenshot to open the editor with pen, highlighter, and crop tools
• • Paint: Paste your screenshot (Ctrl + V) for basic editing like cropping, adding text, or drawing
• • Paint 3D: More advanced editing features including 3D effects and better text tools
• • Photos app: Good for basic cropping and filters

For professional editing, consider third-party tools like GIMP (free) or Adobe Photoshop.

My Print Screen key isn't working. What should I do?

Try these troubleshooting steps:

1. 1. Check if Fn key is required: On laptops, try Fn + PrtScn
2. 2. Look for alternative key labels: Some keyboards use "PrtSc", "Print Scrn", or have it as a secondary function
3. 3. Use the Snipping Tool instead: Win + Shift + S always works regardless of hardware
4. 4. Check keyboard software: Gaming keyboards might have software that disables certain keys
5. 5. Try external keyboard: Test if it's a hardware issue with your specific keyboard

You can also search for "Snipping Tool" in the Start menu to open it manually without keyboard shortcuts.

Can I change the default screenshot save location?

Yes, you can customize where screenshots are saved:

1. 1. Open File Explorer and navigate to Pictures → Screenshots
2. 2. Right-click on the Screenshots folder and select "Properties"
3. 3. Go to the "Location" tab
4. 4. Click "Move" and choose your preferred folder
5. 5. Click "OK" to confirm the change

This only affects screenshots taken with Win + PrtScn. Snipping Tool screenshots still need to be manually saved unless you change the app's default behavior in its settings.

How do I take a screenshot of multiple monitors?

For multi-monitor setups, you have several options:

• • PrtScn: Captures all monitors as one large image
• • Win + Shift + S: Lets you select which monitor or area to capture
• • Alt + PrtScn: Captures only the active window, regardless of which monitor it's on

The Snipping Tool method (Win + Shift + S) is usually the most flexible for multi-monitor setups as it lets you precisely select what you want to capture across all screens.

Is there a way to take screenshots with a delay or timer?

Yes, the Snipping Tool app includes a delay feature:

1. 1. Open the Snipping Tool app (search for it in Start menu)
2. 2. Click the clock/delay icon in the toolbar
3. 3. Choose a delay of 3, 5, or 10 seconds
4. 4. Click "New" to start the countdown
5. 5. The screenshot will be taken automatically after the delay

This is useful for capturing menus, tooltips, or other elements that disappear when you move the mouse. The delay gives you time to set up the screen exactly as you want it captured.

What file format are Windows screenshots saved in?

Windows screenshots are typically saved as PNG files, which provide good quality with transparency support. However, you can change the format when saving manually through the Snipping Tool or when pasting into applications like Paint. Available formats usually include PNG, JPEG, GIF, and BMP. PNG is recommended for screenshots as it maintains sharp text and graphics without compression artifacts.