How to Take a Screenshot on Windows 11

The quick answer

Press Windows + Shift + S to open the Snipping Tool capture overlay and select a region. You can then open the resulting notification, annotate the image, and save it if needed.

Capture just part of the screen

1. Arrange the window so the relevant error message is visible.
2. Press Windows + Shift + S.
3. Choose rectangle, window, full screen, or another available capture mode.
4. Select what you want, then open the Snipping Tool notification to edit and save it.

Depending on settings, the capture may also go to the clipboard, ready to paste into an email or document with Ctrl + V.

Capture the entire screen

Press Windows + Print Screen on many keyboards to save a full-screen image in Pictures → Screenshots. Some laptops require an Fn key. The traditional Print Screen key may open Snipping Tool instead, depending on Windows settings.

Capture the active window

Alt + Print Screen often copies just the active window to the clipboard, which you can paste into Paint or another application and save. This is useful when you don't want to show an entire desktop full of other windows.

Where did the screenshot go?

A capture placed only on the clipboard isn't necessarily saved as a file. Open Paint, paste with Ctrl + V, and choose File → Save if you need a permanent copy. Snipping Tool's save workflow and automatic save location may vary with your version.

Think before sharing

Screenshots can expose email addresses, account numbers, recovery codes, or private messages. Crop or redact sensitive details before sending them to support. Don't assume blurring can always be reversed safely, or that a small crop protects information visible elsewhere in the picture.