To use "SS" (screenshot) in Windows, the primary tools are the Snipping Tool (Win + Shift + S for selective snips, or search for "Snipping Tool") and the Print Screen (PrtScn) key (PrtScn for full screen to clipboard, Win + PrtScn to save to Pictures folder). These methods let you capture your whole screen, a specific window, or a custom area, saving it as an image or copying it to your clipboard for pasting.
Press Windows logo key + Shift + S to open the snipping tool overlay to capture an image snapshot. Press Windows logo key + Shift + R to open the snipping tool overlay to capture a video clip. Press Print Screen (PrtSc) for a static image snapshot of your entire screen and place it in your clipboard.
If Ctrl+Shift+S isn't working for screenshots, it's usually a settings conflict, an app issue, or a keyboard mode; check Clipboard History, ensure the Snipping Tool notifications are on, try restarting the app/explorer, disable keyboard gaming mode, or reset the Snipping Tool in Windows Settings, as shown in this video from YouTube and this video from YouTube.
Depending on your hardware, you may use the Windows Logo Key + PrtScn button as a shortcut for print screen. If your device does not have the PrtScn button, you may use Fn + Windows logo key + Space Bar to take a screenshot, which can then be printed.
You can take a screenshot using hardware buttons (like Power + Volume Down), dedicated screenshot tools (like Windows Snipping Tool or Android's quick settings), or voice commands (like "Hey Google, take a screenshot"), offering flexibility across devices like phones and computers. These methods capture the screen as an image, saving it for editing, sharing, or viewing in your Gallery/Photos app.
To take a quick screenshot, use keyboard shortcuts: Windows key + Shift + S opens the Snipping Tool for custom selections on Windows, while Volume Down + Power works on most Androids; press both buttons simultaneously until the screen flashes, saving it to your gallery. For quick full-screen saves on Windows, use Windows key + Print Screen (PrtScn), which saves directly to your Pictures > Screenshots folder.
Where Windows Screenshots are Saved. If you used Snipping Tool or pressed Windows Key + PrtScr, open File Explorer, open the Pictures folder, then open the Screenshots folder. If you just pressed the PrtScr key alone, the screenshot isn't saved—paste it by pressing Ctrl + V.
Press 'Windows key + PrtSc'.
The screenshot is captured and stored on the clipboard. Open an image editing application such as Microsoft Paint and Adobe Photoshop. Press 'Ctrl + V' and save the image in the desired format (PNG, JPEG, GIF, etc.).
To capture your entire screen, tap the Print Screen (sometimes labeled PrtScn) key. Your screenshot will not be saved as a file but copied to the clipboard. You'll need to open an image editing tool (such as Microsoft Paint), paste the screenshot into the editor and save the file from there.
Print Screen is a button on the keyboard. It is typically located on the top row, between the F12 key and the Scroll Lock key. The Print Screen key is sometimes labeled PrtScn or Prt Scr on the keyboard. Upon pressing Print Screen, an image of your entire visible screen will be saved to your clipboard.
Editors' Choice picks Snagit and ScreenPal are great places to start, but there are many other worthwhile apps. Regardless of the software you choose, you can be confident that you'll be able to grab images and create videos as you please.
Sometimes, when the screenshot is not working for Windows 10, it's because the F-lock is turned on. So, if your Print Screen key's not working, take a look at your keyboard. If you have an F-lock key, push it, and then try hitting your Print Screen key again.
If you're looking to save space, you can also press the "Alt + PrtScn" to copy an image of the active window onto your clipboard so you can paste it directly into another application such as Microsoft Paint.
The default functionality for taking a screenshot changed in Windows 11. Previously you could just hit PrtScn and a screenshot would be taken. As you mentioned, that now opens the screenshot tool built-in to Windows. Instead, CTRL-PrtScn will take a screenshot in whichever application has registered to handle them.
Greenshot is a powerful screenshot tool designed to enhance your productivity and streamline your screen-capturing needs. With its intuitive interface and robust features, this Snip and Sketch alternative allows users to capture, annotate, and share screenshots effortlessly.
How to screenshot on Windows
Press the Fn key together with the associated Function key (usually F10) initiates the screenshot.
Ctrl B is a keyboard shortcut used in various applications and operating systems to perform certain actions. It is typically used to apply bold formatting to selected text.
Or open File Explorer and locate Pictures library. Under Screenshots folder, you'll find the captured screenshot.