Capture Screenshots Quickly: 5 Key Combinations for Windows 10 and Windows 11

5 ShortCuts to Capture Screenshots in Windows 10 and Windows 11

• 1. PrtScn key - Capture Fullscreen to Clipboard
• 2. Windows + PrtScn keys - Capture Fullscreen and Save to Disk
• 3. Alt + PrtScn keys - Screenshot of the active window
• 4. Windows + Alt + PrtScn keys - Capture active window and Save
• 5. Windows + Shift + S keys - Access Snip & Sketch tool

In both Windows 10 and Windows 11, there are convenient key combinations available for capturing screenshots of either the entire screen or a specific portion. Let's explore each of these methods in detail.

1. Capture Fullscreen to Clipboard

Key: PrtScn (Print Screen)

To capture the entire screen in Windows 10 and Windows 11, simply press the "PrtScn" (Print Screen) key. The captured screenshot will be copied to the Clipboard, allowing you to paste it into any desired application.

To paste the screenshot, you can use the shortcut key "Ctrl+V" to directly insert the contents from the Clipboard into applications such as Paint, Word, or PowerPoint. Some programs, like the GMail Compose window, may also provide a right-click popup menu with an option to paste the image.

2. Capture Fullscreen and Save to disk

Key Combination: Windows logo key + PrtScn key

By pressing and holding the Windows logo key and then pressing the "PrtScn" key, you can capture the entire screen in Windows 10 and Windows 11. During this process, you will notice the entire screen momentarily dim and then return to its normal brightness.

This method not only copies the screenshot to the clipboard, allowing you to paste it into any application as described in the previous method, but it also automatically saves a PNG image file in the following directory. The file name will be prefixed with "Screenshot."

The file will be created in the following directory:
C:\Users\[username]\Pictures\Screenshots

3. Capture Screenshot of the active window

Key Combination: Alt key + PrtScn key

Sometimes we want to take a screenshot of only the active window, not the entire screen. We can do this by pressing the PrtScn key while pressing and holding the Alt key.

4. Capture Screenshot of the active window and Save to disk

Key Combination: Windows logo key + Alt Key + PrtScn key

We can capture the screenshot of an active window and save it in the local disk by pressing the Windows logo key + Alt key and then press the PrtScn key.

The Image file will be automatically created and saved in PNG format suffixed with the date and time when it is captured. These are saved in C:\Users\[username]\Videos\Captures directory.

Alternatively, we can invoke the XBOX Game bar using Windows + G Keys, and then press the screen shot icon.

XBOX Game App must be installed and enabled to work this shortcut. We should be able to enable Game bar by going to Settings > Gaming.

5. Access Snip & Sketch tool

Key Combination: Windows logo key + Shift Key + S key

Press and hold the Windows logo key + Shift key and then press the S key. It will bring the Snip & Sketch toolbar as shown below. The same can be achieved by opening the "Snip & Sketch" app from the Start menu, and then click on "New Snip".

As shown in the above diagram, we have 4 different types of screenshots by clicking on the options.

Let us have a detailed look at each of these options.

• 1 - Rectangular Snip
  By clicking on this option, we will be able to select any rectangular portion of the screen. Upon releasing the selection, the selected portion will be copied to the Clipboard.

  If we have the Snipping Tool installed not the Snip & Sketch, only this option will be available. Toolbar with other options will not be displayed.

• 2 - Freeform Snip
  Select this option to capture a portion of the screen that is not rectangular. We can mark a custom outline on the screen and upon releasing the selection that portion will be captured.

• 3 - Window Snip
  Using this option, we can capture the entire screen, any opened window, or a subsection in the window or screen. By hovering and moving the cursor on the screen, the portions that can be captured will be highlighted. The screenshot will be taken and saved to Clipboard by clicking a particular component.

• 4 - Fullscreen Snip
  This is the simplest option of all. By selecting this option, a screenshot of the entire screen will be captured and copied to Clipboard.

Capturing screenshots in Windows 10/11 has never been easier with the plethora of methods available at your disposal. Whether you prefer capturing the entire screen, active windows, specific portions, or seamless gaming screenshots, Windows 10 offers a diverse set of options to meet your needs. Armed with these techniques, you can effortlessly capture and share screenshots, making it easier to communicate, troubleshoot, and document important information within the digital realm. So, go ahead and unleash your screen-capturing skills with Windows 10's powerful screenshot capabilities.