A screenshot is a useful way of capturing the details displayed on your screen, which you can share, use as evidence, or seek help for any challenge you are facing. Fortunately, there are various ways to take screenshots on Windows 11. You can use the built-in snipping tool and some keyboard shortcuts or install a third-party app to access more features. The ultimate goal of each method is to help you get familiar with the process of taking screenshots in Windows 11.
Take Screenshots Using snipping tool
Snipping Tool has been the default screenshot tool for the Windows operating system in recent years, as you can easily point out in Windows 7, 8, 10, and now 11. This tool allows you to take a snapshot of your screen in any form, set a timer for the tool to capture your screen after a few seconds, and even record your screen while busy working on a task. The next section will take you through the steps to take screenshots using Snipping Tool.
Screenshot with Snipping Tool
Screenshots can be taken with the Snipping Tool using a few shortcuts, but let’s first familiarize ourselves with the manual way before we proceed with the shortcuts. Here’s the steps for taking a screenshot:
Step 1: Search “Snipping Tool” in the search bar on the taskbar.
Step 2: Launch and click “New.”
Step 3: Select the form of screenshot to take a shot.
Step 4: Hit the save icon on the top right to save a screenshot.
Forms of screenshots & how to use
Rectangle
Do you want to take a rectangle-shaped screenshot of a portion of your screen? This is the functionality, and all you have to do is resize the shape to your preferred coverage area to capture.
Free form
This functionality offers you the ability to snap a screen in your own style of shape. You can draw love as the shape to capture a shot.
Window
Snaping with window form will deliver an accurate snap of a working window. Assuming you’re working on Microsoft Word or reading an article on a blog, snapping with the window mode will eliminate the taskbar and produce a precise screen of your MS Word or blog.
Full screen
This mode snaps the full screen of your windows, including the taskbar. You can crop the taskbar away using Paint to look like a window mode.
Add a delay timer
The delay timer hesitates for a few seconds before it allows you to take a shot. This can be helpful if you are aiming to snap a shot in a video or anything of that nature. The delay timer comes with three options: 3-second delay, 5-second delay, and 10-second delay. Select any of this option and hit “new” to apply in your next screenshot.
Screen recording with Snipping Tool
Microsoft has upgraded the Snipping Tool and now allows users to record screens as well. To record a screen, simply hit the recording icon near the camera icon and click “New.”
You can also screen record with Microsoft Clipchamp, a default standard video editing tool in Windows 11, or use the Xbox Game Bar app to record screens when playing games. Press Window key + G to access the Xbox Game Bar.
CHECK: How to Download and Install Windows 11
Shortcuts for screenshot in Windows 11
1. Press PrtScr
Print Screen, known as “PrtScr” is a key used for taking screenshots not only on Windows but also on other operating systems. When you press Prtscr, the snipping tool bar has to appear for you to take a shot. If your case is different and you want to take snaps with shortcuts, follow the above steps to enable.
Open Snipping Tool > click the three-dotted menu on your right hand > select Settings. Under shortcuts, click “Change in Windows settings”. Turn on “Use the Print Screen key to open screen capture.”
2. Press Windows key + PrtScr
The fastest way of taking screenshots with shortcuts on Windows 11 has to be the combination of Win + PrtScr. This action snaps a full-screen shot and saves it in a created folder called Screenshots. It is simple, fast, and time-consuming. Describe it any way you like. If you are fond of shortcuts, you definitely need to add it to your list.
3. Press Windows key + G
This command will open the Xbox Game Bar app for you to take snaps. From the bar, tap “Capture” and choose the camera icon for a screenshot or the record icon for recording.
Take Screenshots Using third-party apps
1. Share X
Share X is a free and open-source software for taking screenshots and recording screens. This is one alternative to the default snipping tool, which offers more tools and allows users to customize settings to suit their preferences, especially with shortcuts and their desired location of snaps.
Screenshot & record with Share X
To take shots with Share X, you can use shortcuts or click “Capture” when you launch the application. You’ll notice a list of shortcuts have already been provided to kick you starting. Expand the capture menu on the left pane to take shots in different forms.
2. Greenshot
Greenshot is a free third-party software used for taking screenshots, editing images, and more. The tool contains customizable capturing options for taking a variety of screenshots but does not support screen recording. Nevertheless, it is a great alternative to the Windows default screenshot tools if a screenshot is all you care about.
Screenshot with Greenshot
Greenshot runs in the background when it’s launched. To screenshot with Greenshot, tap the up arrow on the system tray located on the bottom right of the taskbar. Hit the Greenshot icon and explore the capturing options to take a shot.
3. Lightshot
Lightshot is a screenshot tool that is easy to use and offers the fastest way of taking screenshots of a selected area. This tool also allows online sharing and offers powerful editing tools for modifying your taken shots.
Screenshot with Lightshot
Did you realize that after launching the application nothing appeared? This is because it runs in the background and can be accessed from the system tray located at the bottom right of the taskbar. Tap the up arrow on the taskbar and click the Lightshot icon to take a screenshot.
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