Press Windows + Shift + S to capture with Snipping Tool, then open the capture and check its save location. A copied screenshot and a saved image file are different things.
01Capture the area you need
Section linkPress Windows + Shift + S, choose a capture shape and select the screen area. For a whole window or the full display, choose the corresponding mode. You can also open Snipping Tool from Start. Review private information on the screen before capturing or sharing it.
02Open and save the result deliberately
Section linkOpen the capture in Snipping Tool, inspect it, then use Save as to choose a known folder and filename. Current Snipping Tool versions can automatically save captures to a Screenshots folder; the app's Settings controls that behavior and destination. Check the actual setting rather than assuming every Windows installation stores captures in the same place.
03Know what Print Screen did
Section linkThe Print Screen key can copy the display to the clipboard or open a capture interface, depending on Windows and keyboard settings. Some laptops require an additional function key. If an image was only copied, paste it into an app and save it. Copying another item can replace clipboard contents; clipboard success is not proof that a PNG file was created.
04Before sending the screenshot
Section linkOpen the saved image in File Explorer and check that it contains the intended area. Crop unnecessary material and remove sensitive information with an appropriate editor. Keep an original copy when you need it for troubleshooting. If shortcuts fail, launch Snipping Tool directly to distinguish a keyboard setting from an app problem.
Sources & further reading
Put it into practice
Image converter
Convert PNG, JPEG and WebP images, adjust quality and resize a copy.
Convert imagesBefore you convert
A short checklist for choosing an image format and checking the result.
Download checklist (.txt)