How to Take and Annotate Screenshots on Windows 11

Step by step

1. 10 sec

   Trigger the screen capture overlay

   Press the Windows key + Shift + S simultaneously. The screen will dim, and a small toolbar will appear at the top center of your display.

   Note: This launches the Snipping Tool capture mode directly.
2. 30 sec

   Choose your capture mode

   Select one of the four icons on the toolbar: Rectangular, Freeform, Window, or Fullscreen. For most tasks, the default Rectangular mode is the most efficient.

   Note: Use Window mode if you need to capture a specific application without the surrounding desktop elements.
3. 20 sec

   Define the capture area

   Click and drag your cursor to highlight the area you wish to capture. Once you release the mouse button, the image is automatically copied to your clipboard.

   Note: If you selected Fullscreen mode, the capture occurs the moment you click.
4. 1 min

   Open the Snipping Tool editor

   Click the notification that appears in the bottom right corner of your screen to open your capture in the Snipping Tool editor. Use the annotation tools at the top to draw, highlight, or crop the image as needed.

   Note: You can use the ruler tool to draw straight lines or measure elements within your screenshot.
5. 30 sec

   Export or copy your file

   Click the disk icon in the top right corner to save the image to your PC, or click the copy icon to paste it directly into an email, document, or messaging app.

   Note: Screenshots are saved by default to the Screenshots folder within your Pictures directory.