- Screenshots can be saved to the clipboard or to a folder depending on the method used.
- Windows + Print Screen automatically saves images to the Screenshots folder.
- The Snipping Tool allows you to customize and choose the storage location.
- If screenshots aren't saved, check OneDrive, folder permissions, and key settings.
Taking screenshots in Windows is common practice, whether to save important information, share an error with technical support, or simply archive something we see on the screen. However, many users wonder where these screenshots are saved and how to easily access them.
In this article, we'll explore all the possible locations where Windows stores screenshots, depending on the method you use to take them. We'll also see how to change their default location and troubleshoot problems if screenshots aren't saving correctly.
Location of screenshots in Windows
Screenshots can be saved in different locations depending on the keyboard shortcut or tool you use to take them. Here we explain each case in detail.
Screenshots saved to clipboard
One of the simplest ways to take a screenshot in Windows is to press the Print Screen key. However, this action doesn't automatically save a file ; it only copies the image to the clipboard. This means you must manually paste it into a program like Paint, Word, or any image editor before saving it.
Another shortcut that works similarly is Windows + Shift + S , which opens the Windows Snipping Tool. This option allows you to select a specific area of the screen and copy it to the clipboard.
Captures automatically saved to a folder
If you want Windows to automatically save the screenshot to a file without you having to paste it manually, you should use the Windows + Print Screen key combination . When you do this, the screen will briefly darken and the image will be saved in the default folder.
To find these screenshots, follow these steps:
- Open the File Browser.
- In the left sidebar, select Images.
- Inside this folder, look for the subfolder called Screenshots.
Using the Snipping Tool
Windows offers an application called Snipping Tool , which allows you to capture screenshots with greater precision . To open it, press the Windows key and type "Snipping Tool" in the search bar.
With this tool you can:
- Make rectangular or free-form cutouts.
- Capture only a specific window.
- Perform quick edits before saving the image.
In this case, you must manually specify the location where you want to save the screenshot , as it is not automatically stored in a default folder.
Screenshots in Windows Game Bar
If you're playing on your PC, the Xbox Game Bar lets you capture screenshots without interrupting your game. To open it, use the Windows + G shortcut and select the screenshot option.
By default, these images are stored in the following path:
- Videos > Catches
Where do third-party apps save screenshots?
Some third-party applications like ShareX or LightShot allow you to manage screenshots with more editing and storage options . In these cases, each program has its own default folder, which you can usually configure in its settings.
How to change the default capture location
If you want to change the folder where Windows saves automatic screenshots, follow these steps:
- Open the File Browser and go to the folder Screenshots within Images.
- Right click on the folder and select Properties.
- In the Location, press MOVER and choose the new destination folder.
Solutions if screenshots are not saved
If you notice that the screenshots are not appearing in the expected folder, try these solutions:
- Check OneDrive: If you use OneDrive, screenshots may be automatically saved to the cloud instead of your hard drive.
- Check the folder permissions: Make sure you have write permissions to the default location.
- Check Windows settings: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and confirm that “Use the Print Screen key” is enabled.
- Check the clipboard: If you just press Print Screen without a key combination, the image is on the clipboard and you need to paste it into an editor.
Screenshots in Windows can be stored in different locations depending on how you take them. If you use Print Screen , they'll go to the clipboard. If you use Windows + Print Screen , they'll be saved in Pictures > Screenshots . You can also use tools like Snipping Tool or the Game Bar. If you can't find your screenshots, check OneDrive, change the default folder, or use third-party apps.