How to Change Default Screenshot Location on Windows 11

How to Change Default Screenshot Location on Windows 11

Windows 11 has improved screenshot functionality but still saves captures to the default Screenshots folder in Pictures. Whether you want better organization or need screenshots saved to a specific location for work, this guide shows you multiple ways to customize where your screenshots are stored.

Before changing storage locations, make sure you know how to take screenshots on Windows. For Windows 10 users, check our Windows 10 screenshot location guide.

Method 1: Relocate Screenshots Folder

Move the entire Screenshots folder to a new location in Windows 11.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer (Windows + E)
2. Navigate to This PC > Pictures
3. Right-click on the "Screenshots" folder
4. Select "Properties"
5. Click on the "Location" tab
6. Click the "Move..." button
7. Browse and select your new desired location
8. Click "Select Folder"
9. Click "OK" to apply changes
10. Choose "Yes" to move all existing screenshots

?? Pro Tip: Consider creating a dedicated folder structure like D:\Media\Screenshots for better organization and to save space on your main drive.

Method 2: Using Snipping Tool Settings

Configure the new Snipping Tool in Windows 11 for custom save locations.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + Shift + S or search for "Snipping Tool"
2. Open the Snipping Tool app
3. Click the settings gear icon (??)
4. Under "Save screenshots" section:
5. � Toggle on "Ask me where to save each screenshot" for manual selection
6. � Or set a default save location
7. Choose your preferred file format (PNG, JPEG, GIF)
8. Set automatic file naming preferences

?? Pro Tip: The new Snipping Tool in Windows 11 has more features than Windows 10, including better editing tools and save options.

Method 3: Using PowerShell Commands

Change screenshot location using PowerShell for advanced users.

Steps:

1. Right-click Start button and select "Windows Terminal (Admin)"
2. Type: Get-ItemProperty -Path 'HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders' -Name '{B7BEDE81-DF94-4682-A7D8-57A52620B86F}'
3. Note the current path
4. Type: Set-ItemProperty -Path 'HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders' -Name '{B7BEDE81-DF94-4682-A7D8-57A52620B86F}' -Value 'C:\YourNewPath\Screenshots'
5. Replace 'C:\YourNewPath\Screenshots' with your desired path
6. Restart Windows Explorer: Stop-Process -Name explorer -Force

?? Pro Tip: PowerShell method gives you more control and is safer than direct registry editing. Always run as administrator.

Method 4: Using Xbox Game Bar Settings

Change where Xbox Game Bar saves screenshots and recordings.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + G to open Xbox Game Bar
2. Click the settings gear icon
3. Go to "Captures" section
4. Under "Store captures to:"
5. Click "Open folder" to see current location
6. Click "Change folder" to select a new location
7. Browse to your preferred folder
8. Click "Select Folder" to confirm

?? Pro Tip: This method only affects screenshots taken with Xbox Game Bar (Windows + Alt + PrtScn), commonly used for gaming screenshots.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Screenshots not saving to new location

Solution: Make sure you're using the correct screenshot method. Windows + PrtScn saves to the Screenshots folder, while other methods may save elsewhere. Restart your computer if folder relocation isn't working.

PowerShell commands not working

Solution: Ensure you're running PowerShell as Administrator. Check that the registry path exists and you have permission to modify it. Use the folder properties method if you're not comfortable with PowerShell.

New Snipping Tool not available

Solution: Make sure Windows 11 is updated to the latest version. The new Snipping Tool replaced the old one in recent updates. You can also download it from Microsoft Store if needed. For additional organization tips, learn about organizing and naming screenshots automatically.

Conclusion

Windows 11 provides multiple ways to customize your screenshot save location, from simple folder relocation to advanced PowerShell commands. Whether using the new Snipping Tool or traditional methods, you can organize your captures exactly where you need them.

For screen recording needs, check out how to record Windows 11 screen or try our screenshot editor for post-capture enhancements.