Intro
These methods are for general use. For specialized requirements, you’ll need to do your own research.
1. Using Built-in Windows 10/11 Tools
1) The Built-in Snipping Tool
Windows 10/11 comes with a built-in app called “Snipping Tool.” You can use it in two ways.
<1> Launching the App
Press the Win key, open your app list, and find “Snipping Tool.”
The image above shows the interface. Click “New” to start a screenshot.
<2> Using Shortcuts
As shown in the app interface, the shortcut is Win+Shift+S. Press all three together to trigger the screen capture.
Saving Your Screenshot
After taking a shot, a popup appears in the notification center (bottom-right).
If you just want to paste it into a chat app, just press Ctrl+V in the input field.
If you want to save it locally, click the notification to open the editor, then press Ctrl+S to choose a save path. Feel free to explore the other features yourself.
2) Using Xbox Game Bar
Press Win+G to open the Xbox Game Bar. Click a blank area or press Win+G again to close it.
<1> Screenshots and Recording via Xbox Bar
In the red box: the first button is for screenshots, the third is for screen recording. Press the record button again (or use the floating stop button) to finish.
If you don’t see the “Capture” widget, click the icon in the blue box.
<2> File Locations
Click “See all captures” (red box) to view all files. You can click “Open file location” for any file to find it in Explorer.
By default, the path is This PC/Videos/Captures (specifically C:\Users\%username%\Videos\Captures). Both screenshots and videos go here.
2. Using Third-Party Apps
There are plenty of third-party options, though the built-in ones usually suffice. Here are two popular choices.
1) Screenshots/Recording via QQ, TIM, or WeChat
QQ/TIM screenshot shortcut: Ctrl+Alt+A. Screen recording: Ctrl+Alt+S.
WeChat screenshot shortcut: Alt+A. (It doesn’t seem to have a screen recording feature).
Both allow you to toggle “Hide current window during capture” via the small arrow next to the scissors icon above the chat box.
2) Screen Recording with OBS
OBS Overview
Since this isn’t a full OBS guide, here is the official pitch. Just download and install from the site.
OBS Studio – Free and open-source software for live streaming and screen recording.
Official Website: Open Broadcaster Software-OBS
Github: obsproject/obs-studio: OBS Studio
Recording Tutorial
<1> Setting up OBS
In the OBS interface, go to the “Sources” window (bottom left, second box) and click the plus (+) icon.
Select “Display Capture,” then hit OK twice. Your screen should now appear in the preview.
Click “Start Recording” on the right to begin.
<2> File Save Location
Click “File -> Show Recordings” in the top-left menu to jump to the folder.
Issue: Screen is Blank/Black
If the screen doesn’t show up, go to “NVIDIA Control Panel” -> “Manage 3D Settings”. Find OBS and change the “Preferred graphics processor” to “Integrated graphics.”
See below; mine defaults to “Integrated,” so no changes were needed.
If this doesn’t work, you’ll need to search for other solutions.