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Screenshot shortcuts depend on your laptop’s operating system and keyboard. On Windows 11, use Windows + Shift + S for capture options or Windows + Print Screen to save the whole screen. On Mac, use Shift-Command-3 for the whole screen and Shift-Command-4 for a selection. On Chromebook, use Ctrl + Show windows for the screen or Shift + Ctrl + Show windows for a partial capture. The steps below explain what each shortcut captures and where the image goes.
Screenshot shortcuts at a glance
| System | Whole screen | Window or region | What happens to the capture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 | Windows + Print Screen saves a PNG; Print Screen copies the screen to the clipboard. | Windows + Shift + S opens the Snipping Tool capture toolbar. Alt + Print Screen copies the active window. | Windows + Print Screen saves to Pictures > Screenshots. A Snipping Tool capture is copied to the clipboard and can be opened from its notification to edit or save; automatic saving can also be configured in Snipping Tool settings. |
| Mac | Shift-Command-3 | Shift-Command-4, then drag to select an area. Add Space after Shift-Command-4 to capture a window or menu bar. | Keyboard captures save to the desktop by default. Hold Control with a shortcut to copy the capture instead. |
| Chromebook | Ctrl + Show windows | Shift + Ctrl + Show windows starts a partial capture; the toolbar also offers window capture. | Screenshots save to Downloads by default. The destination can be changed in Screen Capture settings. |
How to take a screenshot on Windows 11
Windows offers both direct keyboard shortcuts and the Snipping Tool toolbar. The Print Screen key may be labeled Print Screen, PrtSc, PrtScn, or PrntScrn depending on the keyboard. Microsoft’s Windows 11 consumer guidance is scoped to the United States and notes that availability and functionality can vary by region.
Capture the whole screen or active window
- Save the whole screen as a file: Press Windows + Print Screen. Windows saves a PNG in Pictures > Screenshots.
- Copy the whole screen: Press Print Screen. Paste the clipboard image into an app that accepts images, such as an image editor or document.
- Copy the active window: Select the window, then press Alt + Print Screen. The capture goes to the clipboard.
Capture a region, window, or full screen with Snipping Tool
- Press Windows + Shift + S to open the Snipping Tool capture toolbar.
- Choose a mode: rectangular snip, freeform snip, window snip, or full-screen snip.
- Make the capture. It is copied to the clipboard; select the notification that appears to open it for editing or saving.
Snipping Tool also supports annotation and cropping. Microsoft’s current Snipping Tool guidance says captures can be automatically saved to the Screenshots folder; you can adjust automatic saving and the folder in Snipping Tool settings. If you want a delayed capture, the app provides a 1–5 second delay. For video rather than a still image, Windows + Shift + R opens the video-capture overlay.
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Mac keyboard screenshots save to the desktop by default, in PNG format unless changed. To put the image on the clipboard for pasting rather than save a file, hold Control while pressing the corresponding screenshot shortcut.
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Use a keyboard shortcut
- Whole screen: Press Shift-Command-3.
- Selected area: Press Shift-Command-4, then drag across the area to capture.
- Window or menu bar: Press Shift-Command-4, press Space, then click the window or menu bar.
Some applications, including DVD Player, may not allow window capture. If a shortcut behaves differently, check the instructions for your macOS version; Apple’s Mac User Guide includes a version selector, and keyboard shortcuts can be customized in Keyboard settings.
Use the Screenshot panel
Press Shift-Command-5 to open the Screenshot panel. Choose a full-screen, window, or selected-area screenshot, or switch to screen recording. In Options, you can set a timer, choose a save location, control whether a floating thumbnail appears, and show or hide the pointer and clicks. Apple describes Screenshot as a panel of tools for screenshots and recordings, with options such as a timer delay and pointer or click visibility.
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How to take a screenshot on Chromebook
Chromebooks use the Show windows key, usually marked with a rectangle and lines. Some models have a dedicated screenshot key. Google’s shortcut reference is for US customers using a standard English QWERTY keyboard, so key positions and labels may differ on other layouts.
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- Whole screen: Press Ctrl + Show windows.
- Partial screenshot: Press Shift + Ctrl + Show windows, then select the area.
- Window screenshot: Open the capture toolbar and choose its window option.
If the shortcut does not open capture, open Screen Capture from the Chromebook interface, then select screenshot and choose full-screen, partial, or window capture. The toolbar also lets you adjust a selected region with the keyboard. Screenshots and recordings go to Downloads by default; change the destination in Screen Capture settings.
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When the keyboard does not have Show windows
For an external keyboard without a Show windows key, Google specifies Ctrl + Shift + F5 as an alternative. On external Windows or Mac keyboards, the Windows or Command key can substitute for Search/Launcher in relevant Chromebook shortcuts. If the key mapping is unclear, use the device’s View keyboard shortcuts page or the on-screen capture toolbar.
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Why a shortcut may not work
- The key has another label: On Windows, look for Print Screen, PrtSc, PrtScn, or PrntScrn. On Chromebook, identify the Show windows key or use the capture interface.
- Your keyboard layout differs: Shortcut references may assume a specific regional layout. Check the labels on your keyboard and the operating system’s built-in shortcut help.
- The save location is not what you expect: Windows Snipping Tool can use configurable automatic-save settings; Mac’s Screenshot panel has a save-location option; Chromebook Screen Capture settings can redirect files.
- You expected a file but got a clipboard capture: Windows Print Screen and Alt + Print Screen copy images. Paste the result into an app or use Windows + Print Screen for a saved full-screen PNG.
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