How to Change Default Screenshot Location on Windows 10

How to Change Default Screenshot Location on Windows 10

Windows 10 saves screenshots to different locations depending on the method used. While some methods save to clipboard, others save to specific folders. This guide shows you how to change and customize where your screenshots are stored for better organization.

Before changing storage locations, make sure you know how to take screenshots on Windows and the different methods available.

Method 1: Change Screenshots Folder Location

Redirect the default Screenshots folder to a new location.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to Pictures folder
2. Right-click on the "Screenshots" folder
3. Select "Properties" from the context menu
4. Click on the "Location" tab
5. Click "Move" button
6. Browse to your desired new location
7. Select the folder and click "Select Folder"
8. Click "OK" to confirm the change
9. Choose "Yes" when asked to move existing files

?? Pro Tip: This method redirects the default Screenshots folder, so all future Windows+PrtScn screenshots will save to your new location.

Method 2: Using Registry Editor (Advanced)

Modify Windows registry to change screenshot save location.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R to open Run dialog
2. Type "regedit" and press Enter
3. Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders
4. Find the entry named "{B7BEDE81-DF94-4682-A7D8-57A52620B86F}"
5. Double-click to edit the value
6. Change the path to your desired screenshot folder
7. Click OK and close Registry Editor
8. Restart your computer for changes to take effect

?? Pro Tip: Always backup your registry before making changes. This method requires administrator privileges.

Method 3: Using Snip & Sketch Settings

Configure where Snip & Sketch saves screenshots.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + Shift + S to open Snip & Sketch
2. Take a screenshot to open the app
3. Click the three dots menu (?) in the top-right corner
4. Select "Settings"
5. Under "Save screenshots" section
6. Choose "Ask me where to save each screenshot"
7. Or set a default folder by browsing to your preferred location

?? Pro Tip: This only affects screenshots taken with Snip & Sketch, not other screenshot methods.

Method 4: Using Third-Party Tools

Use screenshot tools that offer more location control.

Steps:

1. Download tools like Greenshot, LightShot, or ShareX
2. Install your preferred screenshot tool
3. Open the tool's settings/preferences
4. Look for "Save location" or "Output" settings
5. Set your desired folder path
6. Configure hotkeys to replace default Windows shortcuts

?? Pro Tip: Third-party tools often provide more features like automatic naming, cloud upload, and editing capabilities.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Screenshots still saving to old location

Solution: Restart your computer after making registry changes, or log out and back in. Make sure you're using the correct screenshot method (Windows+PrtScn for automatic saving).

Can't find Screenshots folder in Pictures

Solution: The Screenshots folder is created automatically when you first use Windows+PrtScn. Take a screenshot first, then follow the steps to move the folder.

Registry editing seems risky

Solution: Use Method 1 (folder properties) instead, which is safer and doesn't require registry modifications. Always backup important data before making system changes. For Windows 11 users, check our Windows 11 screenshot location guide.

Conclusion

Customizing your Windows 10 screenshot save location helps maintain an organized file system and improves your workflow efficiency. Whether using built-in folder redirection or third-party tools, you can control where your captures are stored.

For additional organization tips, learn about organizing and naming screenshots automatically or try our screenshot editor for post-capture enhancements.