Snipping Tool shortcuts
Short answer: Windows + Shift + S opens the Snipping Tool overlay. Inside the editor, Ctrl + N starts a new snip, Ctrl + S saves, Ctrl + C copies and Ctrl + Z undoes annotation.
Last verified: 2026-08-01
Snipping Tool keyboard reference
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Windows + Shift + S | Open the capture overlay |
| Ctrl + N | New snip from inside the app |
| Ctrl + S | Save the current capture |
| Ctrl + C | Copy the capture to the clipboard |
| Ctrl + Z | Undo the last annotation |
| Ctrl + P | Print, including Microsoft Print to PDF |
| Esc | Cancel the capture overlay |
Where Windows saves your screenshots
- Windows + Print Screen saves PNG files to This PC \ Pictures \ Screenshots.
- Windows + Alt + Print Screen saves to This PC \ Videos \ Captures via Xbox Game Bar.
- Windows + Shift + S copies to the clipboard first; the file only exists once you save it from the Snipping Tool editor.
- Print Screen and Alt + Print Screen copy to the clipboard only — paste into an editor or document with Ctrl + V.
You can move the Screenshots folder: right-click it, open Properties, then the Location tab, and choose a new path.