How to Change Where Screenshots Are Saved in Windows 11
Windows 11 has introduced several new features and improvements to the screenshot and screen recording tools. One of the most significant changes is the ability to change where screenshots are saved. In this article, we will guide you through the process of changing the default screenshot location in Windows 11.
Understanding the Default Screenshot Location
Before we dive into the process of changing the screenshot location, it’s essential to understand how Windows 11 saves screenshots. By default, Windows 11 saves screenshots in the following locations:
- Desktop: Screenshots are saved in the Desktop folder, which is located in the C:Users
AppDataRoamingMicrosoftWindowsRecent folder. - Screenshots: Screenshots are saved in the Screenshots folder, which is located in the C:Users
AppDataRoamingMicrosoftWindowsRecent folder.
Changing the Default Screenshot Location
To change the default screenshot location in Windows 11, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Settings App
To access the settings app, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start button and type Settings in the search bar.
- Click on the Settings app to open it.
Step 2: Go to System
In the settings app, click on the System tab.
Step 3: Click on Display
In the System tab, click on the Display option.
Step 4: Change the Screenshot Location
In the Display settings, click on the Location tab.
- Desktop: Click on the Desktop location and select a new location from the dropdown menu.
- Screenshots: Click on the Screenshots location and select a new location from the dropdown menu.
Alternative Method: Using the Command Prompt
Alternatively, you can change the screenshot location using the Command Prompt. To do this:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type cmd and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
- Type the following command to change the screenshot location:
setx SHGDIAG:EnvironmentDirectory %USERPROFILE%Desktop - Press Enter to execute the command.
Tips and Tricks
- To change the screenshot location for all users, you can add the following line to the HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerShell Folders registry key:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerShell Folders]
"Desktop"="C:Users<YourUsername>AppDataRoamingMicrosoftWindowsRecent" - To change the screenshot location for all users, you can add the following line to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerShell Folders registry key:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerShell Folders]
"Desktop"="C:Users<YourUsername>AppDataRoamingMicrosoftWindowsRecent"Conclusion
Changing the default screenshot location in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can be done using the Settings app or the Command Prompt. By following these steps, you can change the screenshot location to a new location of your choice. Remember to update the screenshot location for all users by adding the necessary registry keys.
Additional Tips and Tricks
- To save screenshots in a specific folder, you can add the following line to the HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerShell Folders registry key:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerShell Folders]
"Desktop"="C:Users<YourUsername>PicturesScreenshots" - To save screenshots in a specific folder, you can add the following line to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerShell Folders registry key:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerShell Folders]
"Desktop"="C:Users<YourUsername>PicturesScreenshots"By following these tips and tricks, you can customize the screenshot location to suit your needs and preferences.