Screenshots are handy for saving receipts, showing an error to IT support or keeping a copy of a payment. Here are the shortcuts.
Windows
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
| Windows + Shift + S | Opens Snipping Tool: drag to capture part of the screen, a window or the full screen. Copied to the clipboard. |
| Print Screen (PrtSc) | Captures the whole screen (on newer Windows 11 it may open Snipping Tool instead). |
| Windows + Print Screen | Captures the whole screen and saves it to Pictures → Screenshots. |
| Alt + Print Screen | Captures just the active window to the clipboard. |
After capturing to the clipboard, paste (Ctrl + V) into a document, email or chat, or click the notification to edit and save it.
No Print Screen key?
Many laptops put PrtSc on a function key; press Fn with it. Or use Windows + Shift + S, which works on every Windows 10 and 11 laptop.
Mac
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
| Shift + Command + 3 | Whole screen |
| Shift + Command + 4 | Drag to select part of the screen |
| Shift + Command + 5 | Screenshot and screen recording options |
Mac screenshots save to the desktop by default.
Chromebook
Press Ctrl + Show windows (the key with rectangles) for the full screen, or Ctrl + Shift + Show windows for part of it.
This guide was checked in October 2026. Menus and services change, so if something looks different on your phone, check with your provider.
Common questions
What is the screenshot shortcut on Windows?
Windows key + Shift + S opens the Snipping Tool to capture part of the screen. Print Screen captures the whole screen.
Where are screenshots saved on Windows?
Snipping Tool screenshots go to the clipboard and usually Pictures → Screenshots. Windows key + Print Screen saves straight to Pictures → Screenshots.
How do I screenshot on a Mac?
Shift + Command + 3 for the whole screen, Shift + Command + 4 for part of it, Shift + Command + 5 for more options.
My laptop has no Print Screen key. What now?
Use Windows key + Shift + S, or check for PrtSc on a function key (you may need to press Fn too).
