Windows 11 Home - Print Screen- Now "easier"? Is this a joke?

[Mike Goodger]

I googled for this and it came up with "7 Easy Ways to Take a Screenshot in Windows 11 Home". I started to read it but soon gave up, it was on about automatically sending the screenshot to Cloud Drive, Google Something, Microsoft Something Else, etc, etc.

In Windows 10 Home I would simply get whatever I wanted on the screen and then hit Windows Key and Prt Scr Key, and after a brief dimming the system dropped a beautifully adequate ScreenShot into the ScreenShots folder in Pictures on my laptop's SSD Drive. The image was screen size, in pixels, very nice. I could then edit it, crop it, reduce it, if I wanted, and then leave it there or send it TO ANYONE I WANTED, and certainly not to Cloud Drive, Google Something, Microsoft Something Else, Who My Aunt Jemima wants all that stuff???"

I am sick and tired, already, of getting constant interruptions from Copilot, Edge, Bing, Google Sign-ins. If Windows 10 did not stop receiving security updates after October 2025, I would probably now be trying to run away back to Windows 10 Home!!!

Anyway, can you make this Notepad Screenshot work (attached). I was trying to:

1. Open this Notepad file from Windows 10 and make a ScreenShot of it, opened in Notepad on Windows 11. I hit Windows Key and Prt Scr key. It dimmed, but in Pictures ScreenShots file it seemed to have created a shortcut or something, about 2 x 4 pixels square???

That is as far as I got, but really, my use of a screenshot is SO SIMPLE AND DAY-TO-DAY USEFUL that any complication of it is a CRIME.

Again I think there must be hundreds of people working for MS who gain Brownie Points for COMPLICATING everything in sight. The QUEST FOR ELEGANT SIMPLICITY seems to have gone out of style.

2. My main mission in Windows 11 was to open this ScreenShot now stored in Dropbox in Notepad in Windows 11 and look at it, where I hoped to see a copy of how it looked on Windows 11 when opened as a Notepad file in Dropbox. So far I got a version of the Notepad File with numbers and squiggles all over, which is NO USE TO ANYBODY.

I'm pretty exhausted now, THE STRUGGLE IS REAL.

If I sound confused, I AM.

Merry Christmas to All,
Mike

 

[ChatGPT]

Hi Mike,
I can feel your frustration with the changes in screenshot handling in Windows 11! It seems like the simplicity we once enjoyed is becoming harder to achieve. Let’s tackle your concerns one by one.

Taking Screenshots in Windows 11​

You're right that the screenshot process has changed a bit. Here’s a brief rundown on how to take a screenshot in Windows 11 without sending it to the cloud:

• Using Windows + Print Screen (Prt Sc):
• When you press Windows Key + Prt Sc, the screen should dim briefly, indicating a screenshot has been taken.
• The screenshot should then be saved directly in the C:\Users\<Your Username>\Pictures\Screenshots folder. If it's not appearing as expected, ensure you're looking in the right folder.
• Alternatives to the Built-in Method:
• Snipping Tool: You can also use the Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch as an alternative. Press Windows + Shift + S to quickly capture any part of your screen and it goes to the clipboard.
• Manual Save: After taking a screenshot, you can open a photo editing tool (like Paint) and paste (Ctrl + V) the screenshot from your clipboard. From there, simply save it to your desired location.

Regarding the Notepad File​

If you want to open the Notepad file you mentioned (the attached text file), simply follow these steps:

• Open the File:
• Download the file using the direct link: https://windowsforum.com/attachments/66293.
• Open it directly in Notepad on Windows 11. It should display as text without numbers and squiggles unless the file is corrupt or contains incompatible encoding.
• Check File Compatibility:
• If the content appears scrambled, check the encoding used to save the file in Windows 10. It’s best practice to save text files in UTF-8 format to avoid incompatibilities.

Conclusion​

I completely understand the sentiment toward the increasing complexities in operating systems. Here’s to hoping for software that prioritizes user-friendliness moving forward! If you run into any more issues, don’t hesitate to ask.
Merry Christmas, and good luck with your endeavors in Windows 11!
Best regards,
[ChatGPT]

 

[Mike Goodger]

Thank you, I feel better after a night's sleep. I am Panning For Gold among your comments.

Re:

1. Using Windows + Print Screen (Prt Sc):
   • When you press Windows Key + Prt Sc, the screen should dim briefly, indicating a screenshot has been taken.
   • The screenshot should then be saved directly in the C:\Users\<Your Username>\Pictures\Screenshots folder. If it's not appearing as expected, ensure you're looking in the right folder.
2. . . . Thanks, that is exactly what I do in Windows 10. I'll try again, checking re correct folder too.

Re: "check the encoding used to save the file in Windows 10. It’s best practice to save text files in UTF-8 format to avoid incompatibilities." That sounds fun, I had never heard of UTF-8. So I could switch existing Notepad files to UTF-8, using "Save As", I think?

A rethink: I am just re-thinking what I do now, with passwords and notes, re security. I use a Windows-compatible passworded encoded Toshiba Flash drive. I like it. The only problem, other than losing it, is that it only works on Windows, or worked on Windows 10, but now doesn't work on Windows 11 Home. Main problem is that it is incompatible with Chromebook, iPhone and Android.

So if I found a low-capacity (to keep price down) Flash Drive with inbuilt or downloaded passworded software, but multi-platform, that might still be the slickest solution, usable with Windows 11 Home, Chromebook, IOS and Android.
Thanks,
Mike

 

[ChatGPT]

It looks like you've got some great insights and plans for your setup, Mike! Let’s recap and address your points about taking screenshots, file encoding, and your flash drive situation:

Screenshots in Windows 11​

• Taking a Screenshot: Just to reiterate:
• When you press Windows Key + Print Screen, the screen dims briefly to indicate a screenshot has been taken, and it should be stored in the C:\Users\<Your Username>\Pictures\Screenshots folder.
• If nothing shows up or if you see a shortcut instead, checking your folders again may be necessary.

UTF-8 Encoding​

• Saving as UTF-8: Yes, you can switch existing Notepad files to UTF-8 easily:
• Open your Notepad file.
• Click on File > Save As.
• Select UTF-8 from the Encoding dropdown menu; then save. This ensures better compatibility across different platforms, especially for special characters.

Flash Drive Compatibility​

• Using the Toshiba Flash Drive: Your use of a password-protected flash drive is a great idea for security. However, since it’s not functioning well with Windows 11 or is limited in compatibility with other devices, you might consider:
• Universal USB Drives: Look for USB drives that offer multi-platform support (like exFAT formatting), ensuring you can use them comfortably across all your devices, including Chromebook, Android, and iPhone.
• Consider Smaller Capacities: A smaller-capacity USB drive can be more cost-effective and still meet your needs for storing .txt files and other essential data.

Moving Forward​

Exploring Dropbox feels like a solid next step. It offers great collaboration features and will allow you to keep everything synchronized across devices, plus Dropbox Passwords could fit your need for security without unnecessary complexity.
If you encounter any hurdles while using your flash drive, updating your Notepad files, or diving into Dropbox, feel free to reach out! Keep pushing for that elegant simplicity; you’re making great strides in your digital organization!

 

[Mike Goodger]

Thank you, I can follow all that. And I didn't know about Universal USB Drives - they sound like exactly what I need.
Mike

 

[ChatGPT]

You're very welcome, Mike—I'm glad that helped! Universal USB drives are indeed a fantastic solution for people who work across multiple platforms like you. Their exFAT formatting ensures compatibility with most devices, including Windows, Chromebooks, Android, and iPhone (using adapters if needed). Plus, they come in a wide range of capacities and prices, so you can pick something that suits your needs without breaking the bank.

Some Suggestions While You Explore​

1. Look for Reliable Brands: SanDisk, Kingston, and Samsung make some great universal USB drives.
2. Dual Connectors: Some USB drives even have dual connectors (USB-A and USB-C or USB-C and Lightning) to make switching between devices seamless.
3. Secure Options: If security is still a priority, look for USB drives with built-in encryption (like SanDisk SecureAccess) or combination lock features.

It looks like you've got a clear path forward now with streamlined screenshot workflows, UTF-8 files, and a great solution for cross-device storage! Let me know if you'd like help picking a universal USB drive, or if anything else comes up.

 

[Mike Goodger]

Thank you, I am trying to spend a bit more time on this now, and the 3 points you mention here have joined my tickbox list! And yes, small capacity will keep the cost down.

 

[ChatGPT]

You're most welcome, Mike! It’s fantastic to see your organizational system coming together, and I’m glad my input has made its way onto your tickbox list.

Quick Recap for Your Path Forward:​

1. Universal USB Drive: A cross-platform, small-capacity (and budget-friendly) drive will be a simple yet effective way to manage your essential files.
2. Convenience and Security: Look for options with built-in encryption if security remains a key concern. Otherwise, a password-protected .txt file is always an elegant solution.
3. Efficiency: With streamlined workflows for screenshots, UTF-8 file encoding, and better storage tools, you’re back on the path of elegant simplicity!

If you stumble upon any questions while researching USB drives or want me to recommend some specific models and approaches, feel free to reach out. Wishing you smooth sailing as you work through your list!

 

[Mike Goodger]

I have emailed Sandisk UK, and it looks like they are now part of Western Digital. I have asked them to recommend a small capacity flash drive compatible with Windows, Chromebook, iPhone and Android and have stressed that it must cover ALL of these. Looking at offers on the Net, I am guessing that they might come up with a dual swivel-head USB-A and USB-C device, and a separate USB-C to Lightning adaptor, but we shall see. Not sure whether I fancy swivel-head, but we shall see. I mentioned SecureAccess. I have a Case Number!
I shall phone Samsung UK today.
A universal flash drive would solve the main problem that I have with my current "DIY" encoded flash drive Notepad system for passwords and notes, which only works on Windows 10.
Whether it might link somehow to Dropbox Passwords . . . if I wanted that . . . I get confused as soon as I start thinking about it.

 

[ChatGPT]

That sounds like a great initiative, Mike! Reaching out to the experts at SanDisk (now part of Western Digital) and Samsung is an excellent step. You're definitely covering all your bases by specifying compatibility with Windows, Chromebook, iPhone, and Android—and it's good to hear they've already given you a case number. Let's unpack this step-by-step to keep things clear and manageable:

---

What a Universal Flash Drive Might Look Like​

1. Swivel-Head Dual USB Drives:
   • USB-A and USB-C: These are becoming the standard for cross-platform compatibility, and yes, they’re often swivel-style for convenience.
   • Lightning Adaptor: Ideal for iPhones since Apple clings to its proprietary Lightning connector (for now).
   • Your Swivel Concerns: Swivel designs can be a bit fragile or awkward for some, but brands like SanDisk’s Dual Drive Luxe often get good reviews for durability, so wait till you see their recommendation.
2. SanDisk SecureAccess: It’s a software solution that allows you to encrypt and password-protect files on the USB. If this gets the green light from SanDisk, it could maintain your current level of security while opening up cross-platform usage.

---

Samsung Inquiries​

Samsung’s DUO Plus USB Flash Drive might be worth asking about. It’s specifically designed for both USB-C and traditional USB-A and boasts robust build quality. It doesn’t directly include Lightning for iPhone, but with an adaptor (as you mentioned), it might be worth considering.

---

About Dropbox Passwords Linking​

If your flash drive retains your .txt-based password system, technically, there’s no “linking” needed to use Dropbox Passwords. Think of Dropbox Passwords as an optional, complementary tool for managing standard login credentials (usernames and passwords) for websites. However, your current DIY flash drive .txt system might remain the simpler approach if Dropbox Passwords starts to feel like overkill.

---

Steps to Take:​

1. Await SanDisk’s Recommendation: See what they propose in terms of capacity, features (like SecureAccess), and compatibility.
2. Explore Samsung Options: If Samsung UK gives you additional suggestions, keep them on the shortlist.
3. Evaluate Simplicity vs. Integration:
   • Stick with the DIY .txt system on the universal flash drive for complete control and simplicity.
   • Use Dropbox Passwords only if it genuinely enhances your workflow without adding headache-inducing layers—you know, to keep the elegant simplicity shining bright!

---

If you need help comparing the options SanDisk or Samsung provide, or just want to brainstorm further once you've gathered info, let me know. You’re doing a stellar job at tackling this systematically, Mike—bravo!