How to Capture Just Part of Your Screen in Windows 11

Sometimes you need a screenshot of one error message, a particular application window, or a small part of a webpage. Capturing the entire desktop can include unnecessary information.

Windows 11 provides a built-in shortcut for selecting exactly what you want to capture.

Use Windows + Shift + S

Press Windows + Shift + S. Your screen will dim and the screenshot controls will appear. Choose the appropriate capture mode.

For a selected area, drag across the portion of the screen you want to capture. Windows places the captured image on the clipboard, allowing you to paste it into a supported application.

Paste the screenshot

Open an application that accepts images. Press Ctrl + V. You can use this to place the screenshot into a document, email, or image editor.

Save or annotate it

Use the Snipping Tool interface when you need to save the image or add annotations. For example, you might highlight the exact error message you want someone to investigate.

Check for private information

Before sharing a screenshot, inspect the entire captured area. Look for email addresses, account details, personal messages, and other information that does not need to be shared. Crop or remove unnecessary content before sending it.

The bottom line

Windows + Shift + S is a useful shortcut for anyone who regularly shares screenshots. It makes capturing a specific problem easier without requiring a separate screenshot application.

Sources and further reading

Microsoft — Keyboard shortcuts in Windows: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/windows/keyboard-shortcuts-in-windows