Microsoft is no stranger to changing features in its operating system, often resulting in controversy among its users. And now, with the upcoming release of Windows 11, the tech giant has announced that they will replace the default functionality of the Print Screen key.
For the past 28 years, the Print Screen key has been used to capture a screenshot of the current screen, which is then saved to the clipboard. However, in Windows 11 preview builds 22621.1546 and 22624.1546, pressing the Print Screen key will open the Screen Snipping Tool instead.
The Screen Snipping Tool is not a new addition to the Windows operating system, as it was previously accessed by pressing the Win+Shift+S keyboard shortcut. This tool is useful, allowing users to capture screenshots in different modes. The default rectangular mode allows users to select the desired portion of the screen without having to crop the captured image further. Freeform capture mode, windowed mode, and full-screen mode are also available. Moreover, there is a screen recording mode and the ability to take screenshots at intervals.
Despite the usefulness of the Screen Snipping Tool, many users prefer to keep the original functionality of the Print Screen key. Fortunately, Microsoft has provided an option to undo this change in Settings -> Accessibility -> Keyboard by disabling the “Use Print Screen key to open Snipping Tool” option. This option can also be modified using the registry editor for individuals more familiar with Windows.
It’s worth noting that not all features from prerelease editions of Windows make it into the final version of the operating system. However, the default action for the Print Screen key will likely change to open the Snipping Tool in Windows 11, especially since it can be overridden in the settings.
