How to Turn On or Off Print Screen Key to open Screen Capture in Windows 11

This guide helps you master the Print Screen Snip Sketch tool in Windows 11. We will show you how to set up your keyboard for quick screen captures and how to use the full power of the Snipping Tool.

Why use this? Using a single key is faster than pressing three keys at once. What happens when done? You will be able to capture, edit, and save screenshots instantly.

How to enable the Print Screen shortcut

You can use the Windows logo key + Shift + S to open the app, but mapping it to the PrtScn key is much faster.

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I or clicking Start then Settings.

2. Click Accessibility on the left, then select Keyboard on the right.

3. Toggle the switch for Use the Print Screen button to open screen snipping to On.

4. Restart your computer to apply the change.

Note: If you are on a laptop, you might need to press Fn + PrtScn.

Essential Snipping Tool Features

The Windows 11 Snipping Tool is more than just a camera for your screen. It includes a color picker to grab hex codes, a redact tool to hide sensitive info, and a delay timer for capturing tricky drop-down menus.

How to use the delay timer

Open the Snipping Tool app, click the clock icon, and choose a delay (e.g., 3 seconds). This gives you time to open a menu before the screen freezes for the capture.

Screen Recording and Editing

Yes, the Snipping Tool supports screen recording! Select the video camera icon in the app, draw your area, and click Start. You can also edit your images by adding arrows, highlighting text, or cropping the edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

• The Print Screen key can be mapped to open the Snipping Tool for faster access.
• Use Windows key + Shift + S if you prefer not to change settings.
• The Snipping Tool includes video recording, editing, and redaction features.
• Screenshots are stored in the Pictures folder by default.
• Always restart your PC after changing keyboard settings for the best results.