How to screenshot a selected area of the screen on Windows 11

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Here are three easiest ways to capture only part of the screen with the Snipping Tool on Windows 11.

Windows 11 screenshot region
Windows 11 screenshot region (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

On Windows 11, you can take screenshots in multiple ways with different apps. However, the Snipping Tool is perhaps the best option for most users since it includes the tools to capture the screen in different ways, including the ability to screenshot a selected area of the screen.

Technically, using the Snipping Tool app, you have at least three ways to take a screenshot from a region. You can use the rectangle, freeform, and the option to screenshot a specific window.

In this how-to guide, I'll explain the steps to take screenshots but only from a selected area, not in full-screen, on Windows 11.

How to take screenshots from a region of the screen

The instructions below will help you take screenshots using the rectangle and freeform, as well as the option to screenshot a specific window.

Rectangle screenshot

To take a screenshot from a selected area on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Snipping Tool and click the top result to open the app.
  • Quick tip: You can use the "Windows key + Shift + S" keyboard shortcut to bring up the app tools.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Choose the Rectangle option.
  2. Click the New button.
  3. Select the area to take the screenshot using the mouse pointer.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

Freeform screenshot

To screenshot part of the screen with the freeform option, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Snipping Tool and click the top result to open the app.
  3. Choose the Freeform option.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Click the New button.
  2. Circle the area to take the screenshot using the mouse pointer.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

Window screenshot

To take a screenshot of a window on the screen, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Snipping Tool and click the top result to open the app.
  3. Choose the Window option.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
  1. Click the New button.
  2. Choose the window to take the screenshot.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

Once you complete the steps, you will end up with a screenshot that only covers a region of the screen.

You can now use the Snipping Tool features to annotate the screenshot. The app offers a pen and highlighter, and the "Shapes" tool lets you use shapes and emojis.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources: 

Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.