How to screenshot on Windows
Quick answer
Press Windows + Shift + S, then drag to select the part of the screen you want. The screenshot is copied so you can paste it anywhere with Ctrl + V. To save the whole screen straight to a file, press Windows + Print Screen.
The quickest way: Windows + Shift + S
- Press Windows + Shift + SThe screen dims and a small toolbar appears at the top.
- Choose a shapePick rectangle, freeform, a single window or the full screen from the toolbar.
- Select what you wantDrag across the area you want to capture, or click the window if you chose window mode.
- Paste or save itThe screenshot is copied to your clipboard, so press Ctrl + V to paste it into a document, email or chat. Click the notification that pops up to edit or save it as a file.
Windows has at least five built-in ways to take a screenshot, and most people only know one. Here they all are, on any Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC.
Every Windows screenshot shortcut
| Shortcut | What it captures | Where it goes |
|---|---|---|
| Windows + Shift + S | A selected area, window or full screen | Clipboard, plus a notification to save |
| Windows + Print Screen | The whole screen | Saved as a file in Pictures > Screenshots |
| Print Screen | The whole screen | Clipboard (on many newer PCs it opens the snipping toolbar instead) |
| Alt + Print Screen | Only the active window | Clipboard |
| Windows + Alt + Print Screen | The active window or game | Saved in Videos > Captures via Xbox Game Bar |
The clipboard options don’t create a file on their own. Paste the image into Paint, Word or a chat window, then save it from there.
How to screenshot on a laptop
Many laptops squeeze the Print Screen key onto a key with another function. If pressing it does nothing, hold Fn as well, so Fn + Print Screen or Fn + Windows + Print Screen.
The key may be labeled PrtScn, PrtSc or Prt Sc. If your laptop has no Print Screen key at all, Windows + Shift + S works on every Windows PC.
How to screenshot on a Dell
Dell laptops and keyboards usually place PrtScn in the top row, near the right side. On many models it shares a key, so you’ll need Fn + PrtScn. Windows + Shift + S works the same as on any other PC.
How to screenshot on an HP
HP laptops often label the key prt sc and place it at the right end of the top row. Some models require Fn first. On HP and other touchscreen 2-in-1s used as a tablet, press Power + Volume Up together on most models, much like on a phone.
Where do screenshots save on Windows?
Screenshots taken with Windows + Print Screen go to Pictures > Screenshots. In Windows 11, the Snipping Tool also keeps a copy of Windows + Shift + S captures in the same folder by default. Game Bar captures go to Videos > Captures.
Got a screenshot with a QR code in it? Here’s how to scan a QR code, including from an image on your screen.
Still curious?
Jump to a random question from the archive.