How to Use Print Screen Key for Snipping Tool in Windows 11

Option 1Using Windows Settings (The Easy Way)

Turning on the Print Screen key to open Screen Capture in Windows 11 is a recommended approach. This method is visually intuitive, integrated directly into Windows 11, and does not require advanced technical knowledge to set up.

Step 1Open Settings

Begin by opening the Windows Settings ⚙️. The quickest method involves pressing two keys simultaneously: the Win (identified by the Windows logo) and the I key. This action will launch the Settings ⚙️ app.

Step 2Go to Keyboard Settings

With Settings open, navigate to the menu on the left side. Click on Bluetooth & devices. On the right side of the window, additional options will appear. Scroll down until you find Keyboard and click on it.

Step 3Find the Print Screen Setting

In Windows 11 Keyboard settings, look for a section named 'Shortcuts and hotkeys' or something similar. Within this area, you'll find the option to control what your Print Screen key does, usually labeled 'Use the Print Screen key to open screen capture' or 'Use Print Screen key to open screen snipping.'

Step 4Turn it On or Off

To turn on the Print Screen key for the Snipping Tool in Windows 11, simply move the toggle switch next to 'Use the Print Screen key to open screen capture' to the 'On' position. This makes your Print Screen key launch the Snipping Tool. To turn it off, move the switch to 'Off.'

• To Turn ON Print Screen for Snipping Tool: Make sure the switch next to "Use the Print Screen key to open screen capture" is set to On. When it's on, pressing your Print Screen key will open the Snipping Tool, letting you choose an area to capture.
• To Turn OFF Print Screen for Snipping Tool: Move the switch to the Off position. If you turn this off, pressing your Print Screen key will go back to its old behavior. It will take a picture of your whole screen and copy it to your clipboard. You would then need to paste it into another program, like Paint or Word, to save it.

Step 5Close Settings

Once you have made your desired change to the Print Screen key setting in Windows 11, you can close the Settings window. Your Print Screen key should now work as you've set it. If it doesn't immediately respond, try closing other apps first.

Option 2Using the Registry Editor (For Advanced Users)

For advanced users, you can change the Print Screen key behavior using the Windows Registry Editor. The Registry is a system database where Windows stores settings. Be very careful when editing it, as mistakes can cause problems. It's wise to back up your Registry first.

Before you begin: It is highly advisable to create a backup of your Registry before making any modifications. This ensures that you can revert to the previous configuration if any issues arise.

Step 1Open the Registry Editor

To open the Registry Editor in Windows 11, press the Windows key and the 'R' key on your keyboard at the same time. This opens a small box called 'Run.' Type 'regedit' into the box and press Enter or click 'OK.' You might see a security prompt; click 'Yes.'

You may encounter a User Account Control prompt asking for permission to allow this app to make changes to your device. Click Yes to proceed.

Step 2Go to the Correct Registry Key

Once the Registry Editor is open, you need to go to a specific location, called a 'key.' In the address bar at the top, type or paste this exact path and press Enter: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Keyboard. Watch the folders on the left as they change to confirm you're in the right place.

As you enter this path, observe the folders (keys) in the left pane of the Registry Editor as they update. Confirm that you have landed on the Keyboard key.

Step 3Find or Create the Setting

The Registry Editor displays a setting named 'PrintScreenKeyForSnippingEnabled' on its right side. If you find 'PrintScreenKeyForSnippingEnabled', double-click it. If 'PrintScreenKeyForSnippingEnabled' is missing, right-click an empty spot, select 'New,' then 'DWORD (32-bit) Value,' and name it 'PrintScreenKeyForSnippingEnabled'.

• If you find it: Double-click on it.
• If you don't find it: Right-click on an empty space in the right side. Move your mouse over New, then click on DWORD (32-bit) Value. A new entry will appear. Type PrintScreenKeyForSnippingEnabled as the name and press Enter. Then, double-click on this new entry.

Step 4Change the Value Data

The Windows Registry editor requires you to edit a value. To make your Print Screen key open the Snipping Tool, type '1' into the 'Value data' box and ensure 'Base' is set to 'Hexadecimal.' Click 'OK.' To turn the Snipping Tool off, type '0' in the same box.

• To Turn ON Print Screen for Snipping Tool: In the box that says "Value data", type the number 1. Make sure "Base" is set to "Hexadecimal". Click OK.
• To Turn OFF Print Screen for Snipping Tool: In the box that says "Value data", type the number 0. Make sure "Base" is set to "Hexadecimal". Click OK.

Explanation: Within the Registry, a value of 1 typically signifies "On" or "Enabled," while a value of 0 indicates "Off" or "Disabled." This particular setting determines whether the Print Screen key is associated with the screen snipping feature.

Step 5Close Registry Editor and Restart

You can now close the Registry Editor window. For this alteration to be fully implemented, a restart of your computer is usually required. Following the restart, test your Print Screen key to verify it is functioning as intended.

Summary

You can easily change how your Print Screen key works in Windows 11. The Settings app offers a simple way to make the Print Screen key open the Snipping Tool for quick screenshots. For those who prefer deeper control, the Registry Editor can also be used, but the Registry Editor requires more caution.