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To capture part of your screen in Windows 11, press Windows + Shift + S, choose a snip mode, and select what you want; the image is copied to the clipboard. To save a full-screen screenshot directly as a file, press Windows + PrtScn and look in Pictures > Screenshots.
Quick comparison
| What you want | Method | Result |
|---|---|---|
| A selected area, window, or screen | Windows + Shift + S | Copies a still image to the clipboard; select the notification to open it in Snipping Tool |
| A full-screen image saved as a file | Windows + PrtScn | Saves the screenshot in Pictures > Screenshots |
| A full-screen image to paste | PrtScn | Copies a still image to the clipboard; behavior can depend on settings |
For details, see Microsoft’s Windows keyboard shortcuts and Snipping Tool guide.
Capture part of the screen with Windows + Shift + S
- Put the screen in the state you want to capture.
- Press Windows + Shift + S.
- Choose a mode from the toolbar: Rectangular, Freeform, Window, or Full screen.
- Select or draw the area to capture as needed. The image is copied to the clipboard.
- To edit or save it, select the Snipping Tool notification that appears.
You can also paste a clipboard capture into a compatible app with Ctrl + V. In Snipping Tool, use Ctrl + S to save the capture.
Save a full-screen screenshot
- Press Windows + PrtScn.
- Open File Explorer and select Pictures, then Screenshots.
- Open the screenshot there, or use Snipping Tool if you want to edit or share it.
Microsoft’s Windows shortcut reference lists Pictures > Screenshots as the save location for this shortcut.
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Copy a screenshot to paste elsewhere
Press PrtScn to copy a full-screen still image to the clipboard, then paste it into a compatible app with Ctrl + V. This is a clipboard capture, not the same as using Windows + PrtScn to save a screenshot file. Print Screen behavior can vary with settings, so use the shortcut that matches the result you want.
Use Snipping Tool from Start
- Open Start and type Snipping Tool.
- Open the app, choose a capture mode, and select New.
- Select or draw the area to capture as needed.
- Use the app’s tools to adjust the capture, then press Ctrl + S to save it.
Snipping Tool supports still-image modes for freeform, rectangular, window, and full-screen captures. It also has a video snip mode, which records a clip rather than taking a still screenshot. See Microsoft’s Snipping Tool guide for more details.
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If your keyboard does not have a Print Screen key
Microsoft documents Fn + Windows + Space Bar as a screenshot shortcut that can work on devices without a PrtSc button. Whether it works depends on the device. You can also use Windows + Shift + S to open the capture overlay. See Microsoft’s Print Screen shortcut guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
How do I screenshot only part of the screen?
Press Windows + Shift + S, choose a snip mode, and select or draw the area. The capture is copied to the clipboard; select the notification to open it in Snipping Tool.
Where did my Windows 11 screenshot save?
A screenshot taken with Windows + PrtScn is saved in Pictures > Screenshots. Other capture methods may copy the image to the clipboard instead of saving a file.
What if my keyboard does not have a Print Screen key?
Try Fn + Windows + Space Bar, which Microsoft documents as a possible screenshot shortcut on devices without a PrtSc button. You can also press Windows + Shift + S to capture the screen.
Rank #4
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How do I save a screenshot copied to the clipboard?
Open Snipping Tool from the notification, then save with Ctrl + S. Alternatively, paste the image into a compatible app and save it there.
Use Windows + Shift + S for a selected area, window, or screen; Windows + PrtScn when you want a full-screen file saved in Pictures > Screenshots; and PrtScn when you want a clipboard image. If there is no PrtSc key, try Fn + Windows + Space Bar or use the snipping overlay.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- 💻 ✔️ EVERY ESSENTIAL SHORTCUT - With the SYNERLOGIC Reference Keyboard Shortcut Sticker, you have the most important shortcuts conveniently placed right in front of you. Easily learn new shortcuts and always be able to quickly lookup commands without the need to “Google” it.
- 💻 ✔️ Work FASTER and SMARTER - Quick tips at your fingertips! This tool makes it easy to learn how to use your computer much faster and makes your workflow increase exponentially. It’s perfect for any age or skill level, students or seniors, at home, or in the office.
- 💻 ✔️ New adhesive – stronger hold. It may leave a light residue when removed, but this wipes off easily with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Fewer air bubbles – for the smoothest finish, don’t peel off the entire backing at once. Instead, fold back a small section, line it up, and press gradually as you peel more. The “peel-and-stick-all-at-once” method only works for thin decals, not for stickers like ours.
- 💻 ✔️ Compatible and fits any brand laptop or desktop running Windows 10 or 11 Operating System.
- 💻 ✔️ Original Design and Production by Synerlogic LLC, San Diego, CA, Boca Raton, FL and Bay City, MI, United States 2025. All rights reserved, any commercial reproduction without permission is punishable by all applicable laws.
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