Ultimate Guide to Taking Screenshots on Windows 11 Without Print Screen

Windows users, rejoice! Gone are the days where the Print Screen key was the sole gatekeeper for capturing screenshots on your PC. Whether you’re working on an edge-to-edge Windows 11 display or dealing with a frustratingly absent Print Screen key on a minimalistic keyboard (or maybe using a tablet), this guide is here to equip you with the best methods to take screenshots without relying on that elusive key. Let’s explore both built-in tools and third-party options to capture all your on-screen moments.

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Why Move Beyond the Print Screen Key?​

Before diving into the methods, let’s discuss why anyone would move past the Print Screen key in the first place. Sure, pressing PrtScn captures the entire screen, and combining it with shortcuts like Alt + PrtScn can handle specific tasks. But it lacks versatility when compared to modern features. For instance, what if you only want a rectangular snippet of your screen or need an advanced editor for tweaks? Or, perhaps your laptop keyboard has ditched the key entirely (looking at you, space-saving ultrabooks).
With Windows 11 leading the charge into the future, there’s a wealth of tools—both native and third-party—to snap, save, and edit screenshots.

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1. Using the Snipping Tool – Windows' Classic Screenshot Companion​

The Snipping Tool is a longtime friend and one of Windows’ most reliable screenshot utilities. It’s built directly into both Windows 11 and Windows 10, and it allows you to capture specific parts of your screen with ease. Here’s how you can use it:

• Launch the Snipping Tool:
  Press Win + S to open the search bar and type Snipping Tool. Select it from the list.
• Capture the Perfect Screenshot:
  Click New to start a capture. The screen will blur, and you’ll be able to select:
• Rectangular Snip: Capture a precise rectangle or square.
• Freeform Snip: Outline any irregular shape you want.
• Window Snip: Snap a specific open window.
• Fullscreen Snip: Yes, this is your classic full-screen capture.

Post-screenshot, the Snipping Tool allows you to annotate, draw, and save images—a one-stop-shop experience.

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2. Windows + Shift + S: The Shortest Shortcut​

For anyone in a rush, Win + Shift + S is a powerful shortcut baked into Windows 11. It’s snappy (pun fully intended), offering nearly identical functionality to the Snipping Tool but designed for quick workflows:

• What It Does:
  After pressing Win + Shift + S, a dimmed overlay appears, with the following snipping styles available:
• Rectangular
• Freeform
• Window
• Fullscreen
• Where It Saves Your Snaps:
  Your screenshots are copied directly to the clipboard. To save or edit them, simply paste (Ctrl + V) into an app like Paint, Microsoft Word, or any image editor.

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3. Using the Xbox Game Bar​

Did you know Microsoft’s gaming features can double as a productivity powerhouse? The Xbox Game Bar might have been designed for gamers to capture adrenaline-pumping moments, but it’s also great for general screenshots.
Here’s how it works:

• Press Win + G to open the Game Bar overlay.
• Look for the Capture widget (camera icon).
• Click the Screenshot button.

Screenshots captured through the Xbox Game Bar are automatically saved to your Videos > Captures folder. Bonus points: Record a video of your screen while you're at it!

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4. Snip & Sketch: Your Screenshot Swiss Army Knife​

Considered by many as the evolved sibling to the classic Snipping Tool, Snip & Sketch includes built-in editing tools for markups and annotations.

• To open it:
  Hit Win + S, type Snip & Sketch, and launch.
• How to capture:
  Like other tools, click New to initiate snipping and choose your preferred shape or window.
• Editing features:
  This app shines by allowing you to make basic edits directly, such as adding text or shapes to your screenshot before saving it.

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5. Using Third-Party Screenshot Tools​

Sometimes, native Windows tools don’t cut it—especially if you need advanced features like scrolling webpage screenshots or automated tasks. Popular third-party tools include:

• Greenshot:
  A lightweight option that’s intuitive and offers multiple capture modes.
• ShareX:
  Perfect for advanced users who need customization, this one takes screenshots and empowers you with detailed editing and sharing options.
• Lightshot:
  A simple tool for quickly snapping and sharing screenshots with just a couple of clicks.

Do you frequently work with complex processes or articles? ShareX, for instance, allows you to screenshot long, scrolling web pages in a single capture. Talk about convenience!

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6. Use Microsoft Edge for Web-Specific Screenshots​

If your target is a webpage rather than your desktop environment, Microsoft Edge has you covered with its Web Capture feature:

• Open the desired webpage in Edge.
• Press Ctrl + Shift + S or click the Web Capture icon in Edge’s toolbar.
• Select either Free Select for a cropped screenshot or Full Page to snapshot the entire scrollable page.

This is one of the easiest ways to save screenshots of important content directly while browsing.

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7. Don’t Forget the Virtual and On-Screen Keyboard​

Physical Print Screen button missing? No problem. The virtual keyboard utility built into Windows allows you to replicate this function.

• Launch the on-screen keyboard with Win + Ctrl + O.
• Press the virtual PrtScn key.
• Paste the screenshot (Ctrl + V) into any app like Paint or Word for refinement.

It’s a clever workaround, especially for tablet users or those on minimalist keyboards.

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8. Capture Screenshots on Windows Tablets​

Windows-powered tablets skip the classic keyboard setup, but there’s still an easy solution:

• Press the Windows logo button and Volume Down button simultaneously.
• The screen will briefly dim, confirming your capture.
• Screenshots automatically land under Pictures > Screenshots.

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Wrapping Up​

Windows 11 users, rejoice! There’s no shortage of ways to capture screenshots, even if your Print Screen button is obsolete, invisible, or nonexistent. Whether you’re addicted to the precision of the Snipping Tool, the flexibility of Snip & Sketch, or third-party apps loaded with advanced features, there’s always a perfect method for your workflow. Even the Xbox Game Bar can lend a hand when needed!
Gone are the days of struggling to snap screenshots—this is your era to choose the tools that work best for you. What’s your favorite tool or shortcut for screen capturing? Let us know in the comments below!

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Source: H2S Media How to Take a Screenshot on Windows 11 Without a Print Screen Button