Master Windows 11 Screenshot Features
Discover all native screen capture capabilities in Windows 11: from quick hotkeys and Snipping Tool modes to AI Text Actions OCR, scrolling webpage captures, PowerToys ruler, Surface tablet gestures, and screen recording.
What do you want to capture?
Select your objective to navigate directly to the dedicated step-by-step tutorial.
Active Window to Clipboard
Capture only the focused window (ignoring taskbar & wallpaper) and paste directly into email clients, graphics editors, word processors, or messaging apps.
Specific Region or Window
Use the Snipping Tool overlay to draw custom rectangles, freeform snips, or capture individual app windows.
Instant Full Screen File
Capture your entire desktop instantly and save it directly to your Pictures/Screenshots folder without prompts.
Screen Video Recording
Record video clips of your screen with system audio and microphone narration using native Snipping Tool or Game Bar.
Extract Text (OCR)
Copy non-selectable text from images, documents, or websites instantly using Snipping Tool Text Actions.
Gaming & HDR Captures
Use Xbox Game Bar to take high-dynamic-range gaming screenshots or capture the last 30 seconds retroactively.
Scrolling Webpage Captures
Capture entire long articles, web designs, or document files into single high-resolution scrolling PNG images.
Windows 11 Capture Methods Comparison
Compare features, output types, default save locations, and shortcuts across all native capture tools.
| Feature / Tool | Shortcut Key | Capture Type | Default Save Location | Special Capabilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snipping Tool | Win + Shift + S | Region, Window, Full, Freeform | Clipboard & Pictures/Screenshots | OCR Text Extraction, Redaction, Delay Timer, Screen Video |
| Direct Print Screen | PrtScn | Full Screen or Snipping Tool launch | Clipboard (or Snipping overlay) | Remappable in Windows 11 Accessibility Settings |
| Auto-Save Full Screen | Win + PrtScn | Entire Display Area | Pictures\Screenshots (.png) |
Screen flashes briefly; zero prompts required |
| Scrolling Capture | Ctrl + Shift + S (Edge) | Full Height Web Page | Downloads folder / Clipboard | Auto-scrolls and stitches full-length document images |
| PowerToys Screen Ruler | Win + Shift + M | Pixel Bounds Measurement | Screen Overlay | Auto-snaps container bounds, measures element spacing |
| Surface Tablet Capture | Power + Vol Up | Full Screen Tablet Snip | Pictures\Screenshots (.png) |
Hardware buttons for keyboard-free Surface devices |
| Active Window Capture | Alt + PrtScn | Single Active Window | Clipboard only | Clean background-free capture of current focused app |
| Xbox Game Bar | Win + Alt + PrtScn | Gaming / App Screen | Videos\Captures (.png) |
HDR capture support, background retro 30s record |
| Screen Recorder | Win + Shift + R | Video Region Recording | Videos\Captures (.mp4) |
Microphone narration & system audio channel recording |
Complete Topic Directory
01. Print Screen & Auto-Save
Learn how PrtScn and Win + PrtScn function in Windows 11, including default settings and key remapping.
02. Snipping Tool Masterclass
Deep dive into Win + Shift + S, rectangular, freeform, window modes, ruler, highlighter, and delay timers.
03. Screen Video Recording
Capture MP4 video clips of your desktop or specific apps with mic and system audio using Snipping Tool & Game Bar.
04. Text OCR & Redaction
Extract editable text from any screenshot instantly and automatically mask sensitive information like phone numbers or emails.
05. Keyboard Shortcuts Reference
Filterable master list of every single screenshot shortcut, clipboard history (Win + V), and custom hotkey options.
06. Paint & Layers Editing
How to seamlessly send snips to Paint 11, utilize background removal, layers support, and direct image annotations.
07. Xbox Game Bar Captures
Take high-quality gaming captures, 30-second retro replays, HDR snapshots, and manage multiple audio streams easily.
08. Scrolling Screenshots Guide
Capture full-length scrolling web pages in Edge, Chrome DevTools, or desktop document apps into single stitched images.
09. PowerToys Screen Ruler & OCR
Measure exact pixel container bounds, calculate padding, sample hex colors, and run instant global text extraction.
10. Surface, Tablet & Pen Gestures
Take screenshots on Microsoft Surface Pro without a keyboard using hardware buttons, Surface Pen clicks, and multi-monitor setups.
11. Settings & Troubleshooting
Fix common issues: Snipping Tool not opening, clipboard history sync errors, default save folder changes, and permissions.