Windows automatically saves screenshots taken with the Snipping Tool, Snip & Sketch, or the Win + Shift + S shortcut in the Pictures > Screenshots folder, but pressing Print Screen alone only copies the image to your clipboard. This guide explains how to find screenshots on Windows 10 and 11, including Game Bar captures and how to change the default save location.
How to find your screenshots on Windows
Choose the method that matches how you took the screenshot and follow the steps below.
Method 1: Snipping Tool, Snip & Sketch, or Win + Shift + S
- Open File Explorer from the taskbar or Start menu.
- Double-click the Pictures folder in the Quick Access panel on the left.
- If you don’t see it, click This PC first, then select Pictures.
- If using OneDrive for backups, click your user name (Windows 11) or OneDrive (Windows 10) first, then double-click Pictures.
- Double-click the Screenshots folder to view all your captures.
Method 2: Print Screen key alone
- Search for and open Paint from the Windows search bar.
- Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot from your clipboard.
- Select File > Save as, choose JPG or PNG format, pick a save location, and click Save.
Method 3: Game Bar screenshots
- Open Settings by pressing Start and selecting the gear icon.
- Navigate to Gaming > Captures.
- Click Open folder to access your Game Bar screenshots and recordings.
Method 4: Change the default screenshots folder
- Open File Explorer and create a new folder for your desired save location.
- Navigate to the existing Pictures > Screenshots folder without opening it, right-click it, and select Properties.
- Go to the Location tab and click Move.
- Select your new folder, click Select Folder, then click Apply and OK.
Once you’ve located your screenshots, consider backing them up to an external drive or cloud service like OneDrive to prevent loss. You can also use built-in tools like the Photos app to edit and enhance your images quickly. For frequent captures, enable clipboard history in Settings > System > Clipboard to store multiple screenshots at once.
Explore advanced tools like ShareX for more customization options, including automatic naming and uploading. Regularly review and delete unnecessary screenshots to free up disk space and keep your folders tidy.
