Copying your screen on Windows 11 is a breeze! All you need is the built-in Snipping Tool or the Print Screen key on your keyboard. You can capture your entire screen, a specific window, or just a part of it with a few simple steps. Once captured, these screenshots can be edited or saved for later use. Whether you’re sharing a funny meme with friends or documenting a tech issue, knowing how to quickly copy your screen is essential.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Copy Screen on Windows 11
This tutorial will guide you through various methods to capture your screen on Windows 11 efficiently. Each method has its own unique benefits, so you can choose the one that fits your needs best.
Step 1: Use the Snipping Tool
Open the Snipping Tool from the Start menu.
The Snipping Tool offers several options to capture your screen. You can snip a rectangular area, a free-form area, a specific window, or even the entire screen. Once you open the tool, you’ll see these options at the top of the window.
Step 2: Use the Print Screen Key
Press the Print Screen key on your keyboard.
When you hit the Print Screen key, your entire screen is copied to your clipboard. You can then paste it into any program that supports image pasting, like Paint or Word, by pressing Ctrl + V.
Step 3: Use Windows Key + Print Screen
Press the Windows Key and Print Screen simultaneously.
This nifty shortcut captures your entire screen and automatically saves the screenshot to a folder named “Screenshots” inside your “Pictures” library. It’s a quick way to save without needing to paste manually.
Step 4: Use Alt + Print Screen
Press Alt and the Print Screen key at the same time.
This combination captures only the active window, which is perfect if you don’t want to capture your entire desktop. It’s more focused and keeps your screenshot clean of unnecessary items.
Step 5: Review and Edit Your Screenshot
Open the file or clipboard where your screenshot is saved or copied.
Once you’ve captured your screen, open applications like Paint or an editing tool to crop, annotate, or highlight important parts of your screenshot. This ensures your screenshot communicates exactly what you intend.
After completing these actions, you’ll have a screenshot ready to be shared, edited, or saved. You can use these screenshots for tutorials, sending to tech support, or simply sharing something cool you found online.
Tips for How to Copy Screen on Windows 11
- Explore the Snipping Tool options to find the best fit for your screenshot needs.
- Remember, screenshots taken with Windows Key + Print Screen are saved automatically.
- Use Alt + Print Screen for focused, clean screenshots of an active window.
- Practice keyboard shortcuts to increase your efficiency.
- Always review your screenshots to ensure they capture the necessary information.
How do I paste a screenshot after using Print Screen?
After pressing the Print Screen key, open an application like Paint and press Ctrl + V to paste it.
Where can I find my screenshot after using Windows Key + Print Screen?
Your screenshot is automatically saved in the “Screenshots” folder inside your “Pictures” library.
Can I edit screenshots directly after capturing them?
Yes, you can open them in any image editing software like Paint to make adjustments.
Is there a way to capture only part of the screen?
Yes, using the Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch, you can select a specific area to capture.
What if the Print Screen key doesn’t work?
Check if the “Function” key needs to be pressed along with the Print Screen key, or consult your keyboard settings.
Summary
- Open the Snipping Tool.
- Press Print Screen.
- Use Windows Key + Print Screen.
- Press Alt + Print Screen.
- Review and edit your screenshot.
Conclusion
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.
Read his full bio here.
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Taking a screenshot on Windows 11 without the print screen button is a simple task. By using a combination of keyboard shortcuts and built-in tools, you can quickly capture your screen. Here’s a quick overview: Press Windows + Shift + S to open the Snipping Tool, select the area you want to capture, and the screenshot will be saved to your clipboard and can be pasted or saved as needed.
How to Take Screenshot on Windows 11 Without Print Screen Button
Don’t worry if your print screen button is missing or broken; Windows 11 offers several other methods to capture your screen. This step-by-step guide will help you master these methods.
Step 1: Press Windows + Shift + S
Open the snipping tool by pressing the Windows key, Shift, and S simultaneously.
This keyboard shortcut will open the Snipping Tool on Windows 11, allowing you to choose the type of screenshot you want to take. You can select from rectangular snip, freeform snip, window snip, or full-screen snip.
Step 2: Select the Screenshot Type
Choose the type of snip you want by clicking on the icons at the top of the screen.
Each icon represents a different snip mode. The rectangular snip lets you draw a rectangle around the area you wish to capture. The freeform snip allows for irregular shapes. The window snip captures an entire app window, and the full-screen snip captures the entire screen.
Step 3: Capture the Desired Area
Click and drag to select the area you want to capture if using rectangular or freeform snip.
Once you release the mouse button, the screenshot is taken and automatically copied to your clipboard. You can now paste it into any application or document.
Step 4: Save the Screenshot
Open an application like Paint or Word, and press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot. Then save it.
Pasting the screenshot into an application allows you to edit or save it as a file. In Paint, you can make additional edits before saving.
Step 5: Use the Snipping Tool for Advanced Options
Open the Snipping Tool application for more advanced screenshot options.
The built-in Snipping Tool offers advanced features like delay capture and annotation tools, making it a powerful alternative to the print screen button.
Once you complete these steps, your screenshot will be saved to your clipboard, and you can paste it wherever you need or save it as a file.
Tips for Taking Screenshot on Windows 11 Without Print Screen Button
- Use Windows + S to Search for Tools : You can quickly search for the Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch by pressing Windows + S and typing their names.
- Customize Snipping Tool Shortcuts : You can customize keyboard shortcuts via the Settings app to make capturing even easier.
- Try the Game Bar for Screenshots : Press Windows + G to open the Game Bar, which also allows screen captures.
- Use Third-party Applications : Applications like Lightshot or Greenshot offer more functionalities.
- Remember the Clipboard History : Press Windows + V to access your clipboard history, where all recent screenshots are saved.
What if I can’t find the Snipping Tool?
If you can’t find the Snipping Tool, you can use the search function in the Start menu. Just type “Snipping Tool” or “Snip & Sketch” and it should appear.
Can I change the default snipping tool shortcut?
Yes, you can change the shortcut by going to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard and setting your desired shortcut.
How can I take a screenshot of a specific window?
You can take a screenshot of a specific window by selecting the “Window snip” option in the Snipping Tool.
Where are my screenshots saved?
Screenshots are saved to your clipboard by default when using Windows + Shift + S. You can paste them into any application and save them from there.
Can I take delayed screenshots?
Yes, the Snipping Tool offers a delay option. Open the tool, click on the “Delay” dropdown, and choose the delay time.
Summary
- Press Windows + Shift + S
- Select the Screenshot Type
- Capture the Desired Area
- Save the Screenshot
- Use the Snipping Tool for Advanced Options
Conclusion
Taking screenshots on Windows 11 without the print screen button is straightforward and efficient. While the print screen button has long been the go-to, built-in tools like the Snipping Tool and keyboard shortcuts offer versatile and powerful alternatives. Whether you need to capture a full screen, a specific window, or a custom area, Windows 11 has got you covered.
For those looking to delve deeper, there are additional third-party applications that can provide even more functionality and customization. Try experimenting with different methods to find what works best for you. Screenshots are a vital part of digital communication, and mastering these techniques will make your computing experience smoother and more efficient. Happy capturing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.
Read his full bio here.
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