Taking screenshots on Windows 11 is incredibly easy thanks to built-in shortcuts like PrtScn, Windows + Shift + S, and Windows + PrtScn. The only problem? Windows automatically saves most screenshots in a default location—usually the Pictures → Screenshots folder. If you’re someone who takes a lot of screenshots for work, tutorials, school, or gaming, this can clutter your Pictures folder very quickly.
Now, since you’re here reading about changing the screenshot location, we’re guessing you want better organization or you want screenshots stored somewhere more convenient—maybe on your Desktop, a dedicated folder, or even an external drive. Well, you’re in luck! In this in-depth guide, we’ll show you every reliable way to change the default screenshot location on Windows 11 for different screenshot tools, including Print Screen, Snipping Tool, and Xbox Game Bar.
Where Windows Saves Screenshots by Default
Before we get into the steps, let’s quickly clarify where Windows currently stores your screenshots:
Win + PrtScn:
Saves automatically to:
Pictures → Screenshots
PrtScn (copied to clipboard):
No default save location unless used with Snipping Tool.
Snipping Tool:
Saves manually wherever you choose, but Autosave goes to:
Pictures → Screenshots
Xbox Game Bar screenshots:
Saved to:
Videos → Captures
Third-party tools (ShareX, Lightshot, etc.):
Customizable inside the app.
If you’re already familiar with these paths, feel free to skip ahead.
How to Change the Default Screenshot Location for “Windows + PrtScn”
This is the most commonly requested method, because Win + PrtScn automatically creates a file without asking where to save it.
Here’s how to change its folder.
1. Change Screenshot Folder Location (Pictures → Screenshots)
Windows lets you redirect the Screenshots folder to any location you want.
- Open File Explorer.
- Go to your Pictures folder.
- Right-click the Screenshots folder.
- Click Properties.
- Go to the Location tab.
- Click Move….
- Choose your new folder (or create one).
- Click Apply → OK.
Windows will ask:
“Do you want to move all existing screenshots to the new location?”
Choose Yes or No, depending on your preference.
Tip: This change affects all screenshots saved using Windows + PrtScn and Snipping Tool autosaves.
How to Change the Screenshot Location for the Snipping Tool
By default, the Snipping Tool copies screenshots to clipboard and lets you save manually. However, if you use Autosave or Automatic Clipboard History, you can control where Snipping Tool stores images.
Windows doesn’t give a built-in option to change its autosave location, but you can redirect it through the main Screenshots folder (as done above).
Just follow the Screenshots folder redirect method described earlier.
Once done, Snipping Tool autosaves will go to your new location.
How to Change Xbox Game Bar Screenshot Location
If you use Windows + G to take screenshots while gaming, they are saved separately.
You can easily move this folder.
- Open File Explorer.
- Go to your Videos → Captures folder.
- Right-click Captures → Properties.
- Open the Location tab.
- Click Move….
- Select your new folder.
- Click Apply → OK.
Game Bar screenshots and recordings will now save to the folder you chose.
How to Change Screenshot Location for Third-Party Tools
If you use ShareX, Lightshot, Greenshot, or Snagit, each has its own setting.
ShareX:
- Open ShareX.
- Go to Settings → Paths.
- Change the Screenshots folder.
Lightshot:
- Open Lightshot settings.
- Choose Save Path.
Snagit:
- Go to File → Editor Preferences.
- Set a new output folder.
Wrapping Up
And that wraps up our comprehensive guide on how to change the default screenshot location on Windows 11. Whether you take screenshots daily for tutorials, work, or gaming, customizing the save location can help you stay organized and streamline your workflow. By redirecting the Screenshots and Captures folders—or adjusting settings for tools like Snipping Tool, Game Bar, or third-party apps—you can easily keep your system tidy and efficient.
