⚡ Quick 10-Second Fix
Windows • Everyday Basics

How do I take a screenshot or snip on a Windows 10 or 11 computer?

Direct Answer

Press the Windows Key + Shift + S at the same time on your keyboard. Your screen will dim, and you can drag your mouse over the exact box or photo you want to capture.

⚡ 10-Second Quick Answer

Follow the fast 1-2 button instructions below. No extra setup required.

How to Do It in 1 or 2 Taps

  1. 1

    Press Windows Key + Shift + S together

    With one hand, hold down the Windows Key and Shift key. With the other hand, tap the letter "S" key once, then let go of all three keys.

    👀 Keyboard shortcut: ⊞ Win + Shift + S.

  2. 2

    Drag the crosshair over the area you want to save

    Your entire screen will dim slightly, and a small toolbar will appear at the top. Click and hold your left mouse button, then drag a rectangle over the part of the screen you want.

    👀 White crosshair cursor with illuminated selection box.

  3. 3

    Let go of the mouse button

    When you let go of the mouse button, a small notification will pop up in the bottom-right corner saying "Snipping Tool - Snipping saved to clipboard."

    👀 Popup notification in bottom-right corner.

  4. 4

    Click the notification to save the image file

    Click on the popup notification in the corner to open the Snipping Tool window. Click the small floppy disk / Save icon (or press Ctrl + S) to save it into your Pictures folder.

    👀 Floppy disk icon in top-right of Snipping Tool.

Still Not Working? 2 Quick Things to Check

Alternative method: The Print Screen (PrtScn) key

Tap the "PrtScn" or "Print Screen" key at the top-right of your keyboard to instantly capture your entire screen into your clipboard.

Good to Know

  • Using an Apple Mac instead? Check our companion guide on [How to Take a Screenshot on Mac & MacBook](/guide/how-to-take-screenshot-mac-macbook).
  • Taking a screenshot on your phone? See our [iPhone Screenshot Guide](/guide/how-to-take-screenshot-iphone) or [Android Screenshot Guide](/guide/how-to-take-screenshot-android).
  • You can paste your screenshot directly into an email or text message by clicking inside the message and pressing "Ctrl" + "V."
  • All screenshots saved via the Windows Key + PrtScn shortcut go into your Pictures > Screenshots folder automatically.