Windows 11: Complete Guide on New Screenshot Feature Update

Windows 11 introduces a new screenshot feature with multiple tools to simplify capturing content on your screen. This is beneficial in many situations, whether educating a grandparent on new app usage, sharing an unusual error message with IT, or preserving tweets before they vanish.

Previously, Windows 10 offered the Snip & Sketch tool, but the current version now uses the simpler Snipping Tool. Additionally, there are several other ways to take screenshots that start with the most basic method, the PrintScreen key.

Before this update, to snap a picture of your entire screen quickly, you could press the Print screen key, often labeled as PrtScrn or PrtScr. Depending on your computer's setup, you could also press the Windows logo key simultaneously with the Print screen key.

The saved image would then be found in your Screenshots folder, located in the File Explorer. If not visible immediately, the Screenshots folder can be located in the Pictures folder. However, the upcoming update, KB5025310, might modify this process a bit.

As a result of the update, pressing the Print screen key would open the Snipping Tool—an application allowing you to capture a rectangular or freeform area of the screen, an individual window, or the full screen. While this change might seem inconvenient to those accustomed to the older method, especially for full-screen screenshots, there are quick ways to restore the previous settings.

To make these adjustments, go to Settings, select Accessibility, and then click Keyboard. There, find the toggle for "Use the Print screen button to open screen snipping." (Also, it may read "Use the Print screen button to open the Snipping Tool.") Turning it off will restore the previous settings.

The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 requires a few extra mouse clicks but offers more than just a full-screen screenshot. It can be easily accessed via the Print screen key if you'd modified the setting earlier. However, if your Print screen key is set to capture a full-screen screenshot, you can press Shift + Windows logo key + S to launch the toolbar.

Doing this will present a toolbar with four icons, offering a rectangular crop, freeform crop, screenshot of a specific window, or full-screen screenshot. Post capturing, a thumbnail of the screen pops up. Clicking on this thumbnail within few seconds will open it in the Snipping Tool app, enabling you to make edits like adding lines, text, and cropping. If missed, you can find it in Pictures > Screenshots folder. The app also lets you save the image as a PNG, JPG, or GIF file, or share it.

Extra features like recording, screen capturing with a time delay, and various set-up options aren't included in the Snipping Tool that opens with the Print screen button. To access these features, launch the full version of the Snipping Tool.

This can be done by clicking on the Search icon on the taskbar and searching for the Snipping Tool. Alternatively, click the Start button on the taskbar and scroll through the pinned apps. Frequent users might find it convenient to pin the Snipping Tool to the taskbar for easy access.

The Xbox Game Bar acts as an alternative method to record screen activity and capture still screenshots. Originally designed for gamers, it's now a handy tool for capturing screen activity. Access it by pressing Windows Key-G, and locate the Capture toolbar (a camera icon on the main toolbar). Here, you can take screenshots, record the last 30 seconds or start a new recording, and mute or unmute the mic while recording.

Those unfamiliar with such toolbars might find it slightly confusing at the beginning. Unlike the full snipping tool, it also has some limitations, such as inability to record the Windows desktop or File Explorer.

This summarises the changes in Windows 11's screenshot feature, dominated by the more straightforward Snipping Tool and backed up by alternatives like the Xbox Game Bar. For a better understanding, click here to experience Windows 11 firsthand.

The Evolution of Screenshot Feature in Windows

The screenshot capability in Microsoft's operating systems has come a long way, from basic built-in utilities to powerful screenshot tools offering various alternatives and rich features. Over the versions, especially in Windows 10 and the more recent Windows OS, screenshot features have evolved significantly, offering more convenience and customization options. The updates aim to offer users a better experience, whether doing a full-screen capture, a specific window, or a selected area. As we continue to evolve towards a more digital age, such features become essential in day-to-day operations, and Microsoft continues to invest in refining these tools to meet the growing demands.

Read the full article Complete Guide: How to Use Windows 11 Updates New Screenshot Feature

Learn about Complete Guide: How to Use Windows 11 Updates New Screenshot Feature

The incredible features provided by Microsoft's latest operating system, Windows 12, offers users new ways to capture moments on their PC. This guide will break down the steps on how to use the Screenshot feature efficiently in the latest operating system. The knowledge gained from this article can be useful for anyone, whether they are tech-savvy users or beginners.

With the advent of Windows 12, Microsoft has introduced a new way to capture moments on your PC quickly. They have replaced the previous 'Snip & Sketch' tool with a more straightforward application called the 'Snipping Tool.'

The first and simplest method to capture screenshots is by using the PrintScreen key. Until recent updates, pressing the PrintScreen (PrtScrn/ PrtScr) key alone or along with the Windows logo key was enough.

The recent update KB5025310 has however brought some changes. Now, when you press the PrintScreen key, you will be redirected to the 'Snipping Tool'. Here, you can choose to capture a Rectangular or Freeform area, a specific window, or the entire screen.

If you still prefer using the PrintScreen key for full-screen screenshots, the settings can be adjusted in the following way: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard > toggle off "Use the Print screen button to open screen snipping."

• Access the Snipping Tool with Shift + Windows logo key + S.
• Create a rectangular or freeform crop by left-clicking and dragging your cursor.
• Capture a specific window or take a full-screen screenshot.
• Add lines, text, or crop the screenshot in the Snipping Tool app for editing.
• The Snipping Tool also allows you to share the image or save it as a PNG, JPG, or GIF file.

Sadly, the version of the Snipping Tool accessed via the PrintScreen key lacks some features like record, time delay, and other setup options. To use these features, you must open the full Snipping Tool version.

Lastly, there is another way to capture moments on your Windows 12 system - the Xbox Game Bar. Initially created for gamers, the Xbox Game Bar is not only useful for taking screenshots but also for making recordings. Access the Game Bar by pressing Windows Key + G on your Keyboard and look for the Capture toolbar.

However, due to some limitations - like not being able to record the Windows desktop or File Explorer, we recommend users to stick to using the Snipping Tool for capturing screenshots.

This feature continues to evolve and improve, and most recently was updated on April 13th, 2023 to meet the demands of Windows 12 users better.

More links on about Complete Guide: How to Use Windows 11 Updates New Screenshot Feature

How to Take Screenshots on Windows 11 - Microsoft

Apr 11, 2023 — How to take screenshots on Windows 11 · Press Windows logo key+Shift+S to open the Snipping Tool directly. · After entering the keyboard shortcut, ...

Windows 11 Tips and Tricks - Microsoft

To take a screenshot on Windows 11, you can: Use the Snipping Tool in your Start menu. Press and hold the Windows logo key + Shift + S button on your keyboard.

How to take screenshots on your Windows 11 PC - The Verge

Apr 13, 2023 — Go into the Windows 11 settings to assign (or unassign) the snipping tool to the Print screen button. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard ...

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