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Want to learn how to capture screen quickly and efficiently on Windows 11? Find out in this article how to carry out this essential operation in the blink of an eye. Follow our tips and tricks to master this feature on your Windows 11 operating system.
Capturing the screen on Windows 11 has never been easier thanks to a host of built-in tools and handy tips. This article aims to guide you through the different methods for taking screenshots, whether it’s your entire screen or just a selected part. The objective is to allow you to master these techniques quickly and effectively, whether you are a novice or an experienced user. As you read through this guide, you’ll learn how to use keyboard shortcuts, the Screenshot tool, and third-party software to optimize your experience.
Using keyboard shortcuts to capture the screen
Windows 11 offers many keyboard shortcuts that make capturing the screen easy. These shortcuts are particularly useful for quickly grabbing your screen image without having to launch software.
Print screen (Print Screen)
The key Print screen (or Print Screen) allows you to capture your entire screen and copy the image to the clipboard. You can then paste this image into an editor such as Paint to save it. On some keyboards, it may appear as
PrtScn
Or
PrtSc
.
Windows + Print screen
The keyboard shortcut Windows + Print screen Captures your entire screen and saves the image directly to the Screenshots folder in your Image Library. This eliminates the need to paste the image into an editor before you can save it.
Alt + Print screen
To capture only the active window, use the shortcut Alt + Print screen. This key combination copies the image of the active window to the clipboard, which you can then paste into an editor to save it.
Using the Screenshot tool
Windows 11 has a built-in tool named Screenshot, which offers more functionality compared to simple keyboard shortcuts. This tool allows you to take specific screenshots and make annotations before saving the image.
Access the Screenshot tool
To access the Screen Capture tool, click the Start button, then search for “Screen Capture” in the search bar. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Windows + Shift + S to open the tool immediately.
Capture modes
The Screenshot tool offers several capture modes, suitable for different needs. The available modes are:
- Rectangular Capture: To select and capture a rectangular area of the screen.
- Free Form Capture: To draw a free shape around the area to be captured.
- Window Capture: To capture a specific window.
- Full Screen Capture: To capture the entire screen.
Once the capture is complete, it is possible to annotate the image using the tools offered before saving it.
Use of third-party applications
In addition to the built-in tools offered by Windows 11, there are many third-party apps that offer advanced features for screenshotting. These apps are especially useful for those who want additional options or specific tools for particular tasks.
Snagit
Snagit is a popular application that offers a variety of tools for capturing and editing images. In addition to basic screen capturing features, Snagit offers tools for video recording, image editing, and creating animated GIFs.
Greenshot
Greenshot is a free and open source application that allows you to capture images in multiple formats. It offers additional options such as adding arrows, text, and highlights. Greenshot can also directly upload screenshots to cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or Imgur.
Lightshot
Lightshot is another free and easy-to-use app. It allows you to easily capture portions of the screen and edit the captured images with integrated annotation tools. Lightshot also offers a similar image search feature, handy for finding images similar to the one you captured.
| Windows 11 | Windows 10 |
| New keyboard shortcut to capture screen quickly | Classic shortcut for “PrtScn” |
| Support for multiple capture modes | Complete capture with “PrtScn” |
| Method | Keyboard shortcut |
| Full screenshot | Win + PrtScn |
| Capturing a single active window | Alt + PrtScn |
Optimize the screenshot experience
To take full advantage of the screenshot features on Windows 11, it’s important to know a few additional tips that can improve your experience.
Customize keyboard shortcuts
Windows 11 allows you to customize certain keyboard shortcuts to suit your needs. For example, you can assign different key combinations to launch the Screen Capture tool, which can be handy for regular users.
Use multiple monitors
If you are using multiple monitors, some adjustments may be necessary to capture the screen efficiently. By default, Windows 11 captures the entire extended display, but you can configure specific captures for each monitor or for a single area of the screen.
Configure where screenshots are saved
It is possible to configure the default save location for screenshots. This can be useful for easily organizing your files and accessing them faster. To do this, go to Windows settings and change the storage location in the file system options.
Using Screenshots for Different Purposes
Screenshots can be used in many ways, depending on your needs. Whether you want to share information, document processes, or simply record important moments, screenshots are a valuable tool.
Information sharing
Sharing screenshots helps communicate visual information more effectively. For example, you can explain a technical procedure to someone by directly showing them the steps via screenshots. This is particularly useful in a professional or educational setting.
Documentation and reporting
Screenshots are essential for documenting processes and creating detailed reports. In the workplace, you can use screenshots to show project progress, report issues, or provide visual evidence for audits.
Recording important moments
Finally, screenshots can be used to record important moments on your computer. Whether you want to capture a video game victory, keep track of meaningful online comments, or save a web page before it’s edited, screenshots are an effective way to preserve those moments.
Explore further with Windows 11 features
Additionally, Microsoft now offers Copilot, your daily AI companion, which can help automate certain tasks and improve productivity. By exploring these new features, you can discover how they fit into your screenshot workflows and what optimizations you can make to your overall workflow.
Fix common screenshot issues
As with any computer feature, screen capture can sometimes have issues. Here are some solutions to common problems you might encounter.
Screenshots do not save correctly
If your screenshots aren’t saving properly or ending up in the Screenshots folder, check your system’s storage settings. Also make sure you have enough free space on your hard drive to save new screenshots.
Keyboard shortcuts don’t work
If the keyboard shortcuts for capturing the screen don’t work, check that the keys work correctly and that there are no conflicts with other software. You can also try reassigning shortcuts in Windows settings.
Problems with third-party apps
If you use third-party applications and experience problems, make sure you are using the most recent version of the software. Updates often provide fixes for bugs and improve overall performance. If the problem persists, check the application’s documentation or support forums for specific solutions.
Advanced use of screenshots
For advanced users, Windows 11 offers additional options that help you get the most out of screenshots. By exploring more advanced techniques, you can improve your efficiency even further.
Recording video with Xbox Game Bar
THE Xbox Game Bar, built into Windows 11, offers screen recording capabilities, including video capture. This feature is particularly useful for gamers or content creators. You can access the Xbox Game Bar using the keyboard shortcut Windows + G.
Screenshot Script with PowerShell
For techs and developers, PowerShell lets you create custom scripts to automate screenshots. This method can be particularly beneficial for regularly capturing screens for monitoring or documentation purposes.
Future trends in screenshot
In the future, we can expect advancements in screenshot technology, thanks to continued developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning. For example, tools that can automatically recognize important content in a screenshot and suggest annotations or edits could emerge.
To conclude, capturing the screen on Windows 11 offers a multitude of possibilities and tools adapted to different requirements. Whether you are an occasional user or a professional, mastering these techniques will allow you to increase productivity while optimizing your work processes.
- Q: How to take a screenshot on Windows 11?
- A: To take a screenshot on Windows 11, press “Windows” key + “PrtScn” at the same time. The screenshot will be saved in your Pictures folder under a folder named Screenshots.
- Q: How to capture only a window on Windows 11?
- A: To capture only a window on Windows 11, press “Alt” key + “PrtScn”. This will only save the active window as a screenshot.
- Q: Where can I find my screenshots on Windows 11?
- A: Your screenshots will be saved automatically in the Screenshots folder located in the Pictures folder on your computer.
- Q: Are there additional screenshot tools on Windows 11?
- A: Yes, Windows 11 offers the Snipping & Sketching tool that lets you capture images and annotate them before saving them.