Windows 11 is the latest iteration of Microsoft’s flagship product. The operating system has features that remove the requirement for many third-party tools that add extra functionality, making it quite a comprehensive package overall.
One such addition is the improved screenshot tools present in Windows 11. While they’re quite good, they don’t cover every use case. In this article, we’re talking about how you can take screenshots in Windows 11 using built-in tools and features and third-party tools.
You can watch the video below or continue reading the article.
Also read: Why is the microphone not working in Windows 11? Quick Fix
Taking screenshots in Windows 11
As mentioned above, there are two ways you can take screenshots in Windows 11:
If you want to take simple screenshots, the built-in functionality, especially with the improved Snip and Sketch tool, will work fine. However, you will need a third-party tool to take more precise screenshots or scrolling screenshots to capture a larger area.
Using built-in tools to take screenshots in Windows 11
There are two ways you can take screenshots in Windows 11 using its built-in features:
- Using the Print Screen key
- Using the Snip and Sketch tool
Using the Print Screen key is quite simple. You press the key on your keyboard, and Windows will capture everything on your screen and copy it to the clipboard, which you can then paste into any supported program like Paint, Photoshop, or even Microsoft Word and Google Docs using either the Ctrl + V command or right-clicking and selecting Paste.
Do keep in mind that this captures everything on the screen. If you have multiple monitors, the final screenshot will include all of them. If you need more control over what you need to capture, try using the Snip and Sketch tool.
The best way to launch the Snip and Sketch tool is to use the Windows + Shift + S keyboard shortcut. This launches the tool and gives you four options as follows:
- Rectangular mode lets you draw a rectangular selection to capture on your desktop.
- Freeform mode lets you draw a free-form shape to capture from your desktop.
- Window mode captures the window you hover your mouse over.
- Fullscreen mode captures everything on every display connected to your PC. It’s identical to the Print Screen key in terms of functionality.
Once you’ve captured your screenshot, the tool copies the final image onto the clipboard. You can paste it into any compatible program to edit the screenshot further.
Using third-party tools to take screenshots in Windows 11
You must use third-party tools if the Snip and Sketch tool doesn’t provide enough functionality. Here are a few good options:
- Snagit
- ScreenPal
- Greenshot
- Lightshot
- ShareX
These tools include additional features, such as a built-in screenshot editor, sharing options, and scrolling screenshots that can help you capture more information. Scrolling screenshots can be helpful as they allow you to capture entire web pages that might extend beyond your display’s viewport and, hence, won’t be visible when taking normal screenshots.
Here’s how you can take a scrolling screenshot in Snagit. Do keep in mind that once installed, Snagit takes over the Print Screen key by default.
Step 1: Once Snagit is installed, Press the Print Screen key to initiate capture.
Step 2: Select the scrollable Window you want to capture.
Step 3: Click the Capture a scrollable area button in the Snagit toolbar that appears.
Step 4: Slowly scroll down (or across) your scrollable area and click Done when you’re done.
Snagit will automatically capture all the covered areas and stitch them together in one screenshot. You can then edit the screenshot further according to your preference.
Also read: Why are the USB ports not working on Windows 11? Quick Fix
