If you want to capture everything currently visible on your monitor, the Print Screen key is one of the quickest options. Depending on your keyboard and the shortcut you use, Windows may copy the screenshot to the clipboard or automatically save it as an image.
Whether you want to capture an error message, save an important conversation, share a software problem with technical support, or keep a copy of something useful, the Print Screen feature in Windows 11 and Windows 10 can help.
In this guide, you will learn how to print screen on Windows 11 or 10, where your screenshots go, how to save them as image files, and what to do if the Print Screen key is not working.
How to Print Complete Screen on Windows 11 or 10
To print the complete screen on Windows 11 or 10, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + Print Screen keys together to capture the entire screen and save the screenshot automatically.
- Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E.
- Go to Pictures > Screenshots to find the saved image.
- If your keyboard does not have a dedicated Print Screen key, try Fn + Windows key + Spacebar or use the Snipping Tool, depending on your device.
Step 1: Find the Print Screen Key on Your Keyboard
Before taking a screenshot, locate the Print Screen key on your keyboard. It is commonly labeled PrtSc, PrtScn, PrntScrn, or Print Scr. On many full-sized keyboards, you can find it near the upper-right corner, close to the function keys, Scroll Lock, and Pause keys.
On a laptop, the key may be smaller or combined with another function. You might need to hold the Fn key to use it. The exact arrangement depends on your laptop manufacturer and keyboard model.
Take a moment to identify the key before moving to the next step. If you cannot find it, you can still capture your screen using the Snipping Tool or another Windows screenshot shortcut.
Step 2: Press Windows Key + Print Screen to Capture the Entire Screen
The simplest way to capture and save a complete screenshot on many Windows 11 and Windows 10 computers is to press Windows key + Print Screen at the same time.
First, display the content you want to capture. Make sure the windows, menus, or other information you need are visible on your screen. Then, press and hold the Windows key, usually located near the bottom-left corner of your keyboard. While holding it, press the Print Screen key.
Your screen may briefly dim or flash to indicate that the screenshot has been taken. Windows captures the entire visible desktop, including open applications and other content displayed on the monitor.
This shortcut is especially useful when you want to save a screenshot immediately without opening another application. However, keep in mind that it captures the whole screen rather than only one window or a specific section.
Step 3: Open File Explorer and Locate Your Screenshot
After pressing the Windows key + Print Screen, Windows generally saves the screenshot automatically as an image file.
To find it, press Windows key + E to open File Explorer. In the navigation pane, select Pictures. Depending on your Windows configuration, you may find a folder named Screenshots inside the Pictures folder.
Go to Pictures > Screenshots and look for the newest image. Windows typically saves screenshots in PNG format, which preserves clear text and sharp details.
The screenshot file usually has a name similar to Screenshot (1).png, although the exact name may vary. If you have already taken several screenshots, look for the file with the most recent date or time.
If your Pictures folder is synchronized with OneDrive, your screenshots may be saved in a OneDrive Pictures folder instead. If you cannot find the image in the usual location, check whether OneDrive is managing your known folders.
Step 4: Open and Check the Captured Image
Once you locate the screenshot, double-click the image to open it. Windows will usually display it in the Photos app or another image viewer.
Check whether the screenshot contains everything you wanted to capture. Since the Windows key and Print Screen shortcut captures the entire display, you may notice that the image includes the taskbar, desktop background, or other open windows.
If the screenshot looks correct, you can keep it as it is. If you want to remove unnecessary areas, crop the image using the Photos app or another image-editing application.
To crop the screenshot in the Photos app, open the image and look for the Edit image option. Select the crop feature, adjust the edges of the image, and save a copy of the edited screenshot.
Cropping can be helpful when you want to share only an error message, a particular section of a webpage, or a specific part of your desktop.
Step 5: Rename or Move the Screenshot
Windows saves screenshots in a default folder, but you can organize them however you like. Renaming an image makes it easier to identify later, especially if you take screenshots regularly.
To rename a screenshot, open File Explorer and go to the folder containing the image. Right-click the screenshot and select Rename. Enter a meaningful name, such as Windows Update Error or Project Screenshot, and press Enter.
You can also move the image to another folder. Right-click the screenshot, select Cut, open the destination folder, and press Ctrl + V to paste it there. Alternatively, you can drag the image into another folder.
Organizing screenshots into folders can save time when you need to find a particular image later.
Alternative Methods
The Windows key and Print Screen shortcut is convenient, but it is not the only way to capture your screen. Windows 11 and Windows 10 offer other methods that may be more useful in different situations.
Use the Print Screen Key to Copy the Entire Screen
If you press the Print Screen key by itself, Windows commonly captures the entire screen and copies the image to the clipboard instead of saving it automatically.
The clipboard is a temporary storage area that holds copied information. After pressing Print Screen, open an application that supports images, such as Microsoft Paint, Microsoft Word, or an image editor.
To use Paint, press the Windows key, type Paint, and open the application. Once Paint is open, press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot.
You should see the captured screen appear on the Paint canvas. If necessary, use the editing tools to crop, resize, or annotate the image. When you are finished, go to File > Save as and choose an image format, such as PNG or JPEG.
This method is helpful when you want to edit the screenshot before saving it.
Capture a Specific Window with Alt + Print Screen
If you do not want to capture your entire desktop, you can use Alt + Print Screen to capture the currently active window.
First, open the application or window you want to capture. Click its title bar so that it becomes active. Then, press and hold the Alt key and press Print Screen.
Windows copies an image of the active window to the clipboard. It does not normally save the image automatically.
Open Paint or another compatible application and press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot. You can then edit and save it.
This method is useful when you have several windows open but want to capture only one application, such as a browser window, Settings page, or error dialog.
Use the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 or 10
The Snipping Tool is a flexible screenshot application that lets you capture the entire screen, a window, or a selected area. It is especially useful when you do not want to capture everything visible on your monitor.
To open it, press the Windows key, type Snipping Tool, and select the application from the search results.
When the Snipping Tool opens, look for the option to start a new snip. Depending on your Windows version, you may be able to select a rectangular area, a freeform shape, a specific window, or the full screen.
Choose the capture mode that suits your needs. For example, select a rectangular snip if you want to capture only a portion of a webpage. Then, drag your mouse over the area you want to save.
After taking the screenshot, the Snipping Tool displays the captured image. You can use its editing features to draw on the screenshot, highlight important details, or crop the image.
To save the screenshot, select the Save option and choose a folder and file name. You can also use the shortcut Windows key + Shift + S to open the screen-capture interface directly on supported Windows versions.
Use Windows Key + Shift + S
The Windows key + Shift + S shortcut is another convenient way to capture part or all of your screen.
Press the three keys together. Your screen may become slightly dimmed, and a screenshot toolbar will appear. Depending on your Windows version, you can choose from different capture options, such as a rectangular selection, freeform selection, window capture, or full-screen capture.
If you choose rectangular capture, click and drag over the area you want to save. When you release the mouse button, Windows captures the selected region.
The screenshot is generally copied to the clipboard, and Windows may display a notification that lets you open it in the Snipping Tool. Select the notification if you want to edit or save the image.
If the notification disappears, open the Snipping Tool manually or paste the captured image into Paint by pressing Ctrl + V.
This method is ideal for capturing a small part of the screen without including unrelated content.
Use the On-Screen Keyboard if Your Print Screen Key Is Missing
Some compact keyboards and laptops do not have a clearly labeled Print Screen key. In that situation, you may be able to use the On-Screen Keyboard.
To open it, press the Windows key, type On-Screen Keyboard, and select the application. A virtual keyboard will appear on your screen.
Look for the PrtScn key on the virtual keyboard. Select it to capture the screen. Depending on your Windows configuration, you can then paste the screenshot into Paint or another image-editing application.
You can also try the Snipping Tool, which does not require a physical Print Screen key.
Faqs
Where are screenshots saved in Windows 11 and Windows 10?
Screenshots taken with Windows key + Print Screen are generally saved in Pictures > Screenshots. If OneDrive manages your Pictures folder, check the corresponding OneDrive location. Screenshots copied with Print Screen alone may only be stored temporarily in the clipboard.
Why is my Print Screen key not working?
The key may be combined with another function on your laptop, requiring you to press Fn + Print Screen. Keyboard settings, function-lock settings, or an application issue may also affect the shortcut. Try Windows key + Shift + S or open the Snipping Tool as an alternative.
Can I capture only one window?
Yes. Press Alt + Print Screen while the desired window is active. Windows copies the active window to the clipboard, which you can paste into Paint or another compatible application.
How do I save a screenshot after pressing Print Screen?
Open Microsoft Paint by searching for it through the Start menu. Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot, then go to File > Save as and select an image format and destination folder.
Can I take a screenshot without using the keyboard?
Yes. Open the Snipping Tool through the Start menu and select a capture option. You can use your mouse to select the area you want to capture and then save the image.
Does Print Screen capture everything on my monitor?
The standard full-screen Print Screen method captures the visible contents of your display. It may include the taskbar, desktop background, open windows, and other visible elements. It does not normally capture content that is outside the visible screen area.
Bottom Lines
Learning how to print screen on Windows 11 or 10 makes it easier to save important information, share technical problems, and keep visual records of your work. The Windows key + Print Screen shortcut is a fast way to capture and automatically save the complete screen, while Print Screen alone lets you copy the image and paste it into another application.
If you need more control, the Snipping Tool and Windows key + Shift + S offer convenient ways to capture a specific area, an individual window, or the entire display.
For laptops without a dedicated Print Screen key, these alternatives can be especially useful.