4 Print Screen (Prt Sc) capture methods that could increase your productivity process

To use the Print Screen (Prt Sc) button for screen captures in Windows 11, you have several options depending on how you want to capture your screen.

Methods to Capture Screenshots Using the Prt Sc Button

1. Capture Entire Screen to Clipboard
   • Press: PrtScn
   • Action: This captures the entire screen and copies it to the clipboard. You will need to paste it into an application like Microsoft Paint or Word using Ctrl + V to view or save it.
2. Capture Entire Screen and Save Automatically
   • Press: Windows + PrtScn
   • Action: This captures the entire screen and saves it directly as a PNG file in the Pictures > Screenshots folder. The screen will briefly dim to indicate that a screenshot has been taken.
3. Capture Active Window
   • Press: Alt + PrtScn
   • Action: This captures only the currently active window and copies it to the clipboard. Similar to the first method, you need to paste it into an image editor or document.
4. Using the Snipping Tool
   • Press: Windows + Shift + S
   • Action: This opens the Snipping Tool, allowing you to select from different screenshot options (rectangular, freeform, window, or full-screen). The screenshot is copied to the clipboard, and you can edit or save it from the Snipping Tool interface.
5. Configure Print Screen Key for Snipping Tool
   • If you prefer using the PrtScn key to open the Snipping Tool directly:
     • Go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard.
     • Toggle on Use the Print screen key to open screen capture. This allows you to launch the Snipping Tool with just the PrtScn key.

Summary of Screenshot Options

These methods provide flexibility in capturing your screen based on your needs, whether it’s a quick capture or a more detailed selection using the Snipping Tool.

More Information ℹ

• How to enable the Snipping Tool to launch with the Print Screen (PrtScn) button in Windows 11