Alright mate, here’s the lowdown on screenshotting on a Windows 11 rig with a compact 60% keyboard. If you’ve ever gone to press the usual PrtScn key and come up empty, you’re not the only one. These small keyboards often leave out a bunch of keys, so taking screenshots can feel a bit tricky at first. But no worries—Windows and a few handy workarounds have got your back.
How to Screenshot on Windows 11 with a 60% Keyboard
First up, the main thing to get your head around is that you won’t always have a dedicated PrtScn key. Sometimes it’s combined with other functions via the Fn key, or you might need to use different shortcuts altogether. The best bet is probably Windows + Shift + S, which calls up the built-in Snipping Tool. It lets you quickly grab a section, a window, or the entire screen.
Method 1: Use the Snipping Tool
Hit Windows + Shift + S. Your screen will dim a bit and the snipping menu pops up. This shortcut is pretty reliable since it uses Windows’ native snipping feature—no fuss. You can choose from rectangular, freeform, window, or fullscreen snips. Sometimes it works right away after a reboot, but occasionally it might need a kickstart or two. Typical Windows style, really.
Once you select what you want, the screenshot gets copied to your clipboard. You’ll get a little notification—click it to edit or save. Or just paste straight into Paint (Ctrl + V) or your fave image editor. Save from there however you like.
Method 2: The PrtScn workaround through Fn key
Since a lot of 60% keyboards hide the PrtScn button behind a Fn combo, you might need to do something like Fn + P—or maybe Fn + Windows + P, depending on your setup. This usually captures the full screen straight to your clipboard, just like the standard way. Keep in mind, some models might have a different combo or require a quick peek at the manual or crowdsourced forums to find the right one.
Once you’ve nailed it, open Paint or another app that accepts pasted images, then hit Ctrl + V. Easy as. It’s a bit of a workaround, but it works on most machines once you suss out the right combo. If it doesn’t work straight away, give it a reboot or update your drivers—a bit of a pain, but worth it.
Method 3: Third-party apps for the win
If Windows shortcuts aren’t cutting it or keep being a bit flaky, third-party tools like Lightshot, ShareX, or Greenshot are bloody handy. They often come with hotkeys, auto-upload options, annotations, and delayed captures—perfect for more complex jobs or web stuff.
In my experience, ShareX can be a bit daunting at first with all its settings—so start simple. But once you get it going, it’s a real game-changer. Many of these apps can even detect your screen activity and give you shortcuts that cut out all the Windows nonsense.
Tips for mastering screenshots on a 60% keyboard
- Memorise those shortcuts. Even if they seem a bit weird to start with, they’ll become second nature before you know it.
- Check your keyboard’s manual or settings—sometimes, you can remap keys or customise Fn combos for easier access.
- If you’re snapping a lot, automate the process using apps or scripts. Some tools let you assign commands to function keys or even microphone shortcuts.
- Save your shots to OneDrive or the cloud if you’re worried about losing them. Set it once, then it’s smooth sailing from then on.
- Keep everything updated—Windows, screenshot apps, and graphics drivers. It can fix a lot of weird bugs.
Common questions you might have
What if my keyboard doesn’t have an Fn key?
Good question. Some 60% keyboards skip the Fn altogether, or handle it differently. Usually, check the manual or your keyboard software (if it has any) to remap keys or find alternative shortcuts. Sometimes, you might need to borrow an external keyboard for those rare moments where nothing else seems to work.
Can I set delays for my screenshots?
Yep. The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 supports setting a delay—handy if you need to open a menu or dropdown before capturing. Just click the arrow next to New in the Snipping Tool and pick your delay time. Not all third-party apps do this, so keep that in mind if you need timed captures.
If I want to screenshot just one window, what’s the easiest way?
Use the snipping tool again, choose the window snip, or—if your keyboard supports it—try Alt + Fn + P. It’s not guaranteed on every rig, but it’s worth a shot. Sometimes those key combos don’t translate perfectly, especially if your function keys are mapped differently.
Are there free tools that do more than Windows’ default?
For sure—Lightshot, ShareX, Greenshot are all free and pretty powerful. Some can even do GIFs, scrolling captures, or quick uploads. Pick what works best for you.
Can I edit or annotate after I screenshot?
Absolutely. Most tools—including the Snipping Tool—have built-in editing options like cropping, drawing, and highlighting. Handy for making your captures clear before sharing.
Summary
- Use
Windows + Shift + Sfor quick snips. - Press
Fn + Por other combos to grab full screen, depending on your keyboard. - Paste into Paint (Ctrl + V) to save or edit.
- Try third-party apps if you’re after more control and features.
Chockers conclusion
Getting used to screenshotting on a 60% keyboard might take a bit of getting used to—especially if you’re used to full-sized boards. But once you crack the code with the right shortcuts and tools, it’s just another small hurdle. Patience is key, mate. Tinker with the combos your keyboard supports, have a go with the apps, and soon enough, screenshotting will be second nature—no dramas. And those third-party tools really fill in the gaps, making the whole process a breeze for anyone who needs a bit more than just the basics.
Hopefully, this saves you a few hours of head-scratching. Just keep mucking about with shortcuts and apps until it clicks. Before you know it, you’ll wonder how you ever struggled with that tiny keyboard in the first place.