So, here’s the deal with screenshotting on a Windows 11 machine that’s rocking a 60% keyboard. If you’ve ever tried pressing those standard keys like PrtScn and come up empty, you’re not alone. These tiny keyboards tend to omit a bunch of keys, making screenshot stuff a bit more complicated—at first glance, anyway. But, of course, Windows and some clever workarounds make it doable.
How to Screenshot on Windows 11 60 Keyboard
First off, the main thing is understanding that you don’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 entirely. On some setups, the Windows + Shift + S shortcut, which triggers the built-in Snipping Tool, is probably your best bet. It lets you grab a quick snip of a selected area, a window, or the whole screen.
Method 1: Use the Snipping Tool
Press Windows + Shift + S. This will dim your screen and bring up that snipping menu. The thing is, this shortcut is reliable because it works directly with Windows’ native snipping—no fuss needed. You get options for rectangular, freeform, window, or fullscreen snips. Usually, this feature just works after a reboot or so, but sometimes the shortcut fails on the first try. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
Once you make your selection, the captured image sits on your clipboard. You’ll see a little notification pop up—click that to edit or save. Alternatively, paste right into Paint (Ctrl + V) or your photo editor of choice. From there, just save it how you like.
Method 2: The PrtScn alternative via Fn key
Since many 60% keyboards hide the PrtScn function behind a Fn combo, you might have to do something like Fn + P—or maybe Fn + Windows + P depending on your keyboard. This usually captures the full screen to your clipboard, just like the standard method. Keep in mind, on some models, you might need to check the manual or tech forums for the exact combo because the Fn keys are sometimes customized or hard to find.
Once you press that combo, open Paint or any app that can accept pasted images, then hit Ctrl + V. Done. Yes, it’s kind of a workaround, but works on most machines once you figure out which combo fires your full-screen grab. On some setups, it fails the first time, then works after a reboot or driver update. Go figure.
Method 3: Use third-party apps for extra power
If regular Windows shortcuts are feeling limited or inconsistent, third-party apps like Lightshot, ShareX, or Greenshot are your friends. They often support hotkeys, auto-upload, annotations, delayed captures—stuff you might need when working on complex projects or web pages.
In my experience, ShareX can be a bit overwhelming at first—lots of options—so maybe start simple. But once set up, it’s a game changer. Many of these apps can detect your screen activity and give you shortcuts sans the crap Windows sometimes throws at you.
Tips and tricks for mastering screenshotting on a 60% keyboard
- Memorize those shortcuts. Even if they seem weird at first, they’ll eventually become second nature.
- Check your keyboard’s manual or settings—sometimes, you can remap keys or customize Fn combos for easier access.
- If you’re taking a lot of screenshots, automate the process with apps or scripts. Some tools let you assign commands to function keys or microphone shortcuts.
- Store your captures in OneDrive or cloud storage if you’re worried about losing them. Just set it up once, and it’s smooth sailing thereafter.
- Keep everything updated—Windows updates, screenshot apps, and your graphics drivers. Can’t hurt, and sometimes fixes weird bugs.
Some FAQ stuff that pops up
What if my keyboard doesn’t have an Fn key?
Good question. Some 60% boards might skip the Fn altogether, or handle it differently. Usually, check the manual or go to your keyboard software (if it has any) to remap or find alternative shortcuts. You might also just need to use an external keyboard for those rare moments when nothing else works.
Can I set delays for my screenshots?
Yeah, the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 supports a delay—good for when you need to click a menu or dropdown before capturing. Just click the arrow next to New in the Snipping Tool app and select the delay time. Not all third-party tools support this, though, 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, pick the window snip, or—if your keyboard supports it—try Alt + Fn + P. It’s not guaranteed on every device, but it’s worth experimenting. Sometimes the key combo just doesn’t translate perfectly, especially if your function keys are mapped differently.
Are there free tools that do more than Windows’s default?
Definitely—Lightshot, ShareX, Greenshot. They’re all free and pretty powerful. Some even do GIFs, scrolling capture, or quick uploads. Just pick what suits your workflow.
Can I edit or annotate after I screenshot?
Yeah, most tools—including the Snipping Tool—have built-in editing options. Cropping, drawing, highlighting—stuff that’s handy to clarify your captures before sharing.
Summary
- Use
Windows + Shift + Sfor quick snips. - Press
Fn + Por other combos to grab fullscreen, depending on your keyboard. - Paste into Paint (Ctrl + V) to save or edit.
- Try third-party apps for more tweakability and advanced features.
Conclusion
Getting used to screenshotting on a 60% keyboard might be a little frustrating at first—especially if you’re used to full-size keyboards. But once you figure out the right shortcuts and tools, it’s just another small hurdle. The key is patience and experimenting a bit with the combos your keyboard supports. Eventually, capturing and sharing your screen becomes second nature—no big deal. And hey, the extra tools from third-party apps really fill in the gaps, making it way easier for those that need more than just basic snaps.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Just messing around with shortcuts and apps until it clicks. Keep at it, and soon you’ll wonder how you ever struggled with a tiny keyboard to begin with.