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How to set the PrintScreen key to open QuickCapture

On Windows 11 the PrintScreen key opens Snipping Tool by default, so other apps cannot use it. One Windows setting frees the key; then QuickCapture can use PrintScreen, or any shortcut you prefer.

1 min ·

Step by step

  1. Turn off the Windows setting

    Open Settings › Accessibility › Keyboard and turn off “Use the Print screen key to open screen capture”. QuickCapture's home screen shows a button that opens this page when the setting is on.

  2. Check the shortcut in QuickCapture

    Open QuickCapture › Hotkeys. “Capture region” should show “Active” next to PrintScreen.

  3. If it says “in use”

    Another program, often another capture tool, owns the key. QuickCapture never takes it over: close that program or change its setting, or choose a different shortcut.

  4. Set your own shortcuts

    Click a shortcut and press the new keys; Backspace clears it and Esc cancels. The defaults are PrintScreen (region), Alt+PrintScreen (window), Ctrl+PrintScreen (full screen) and Ctrl+Alt+PrintScreen (scrolling).

Tips

  • On Windows 10 the same setting is in Settings › Ease of Access › Keyboard
  • Laptop without a PrintScreen key? Choose a combination with Ctrl, Alt or Win instead
  • Win+Shift+S stays Windows' own shortcut; QuickCapture does not change it

Questions and answers

Why does PrintScreen still open Snipping Tool?

The Windows setting in step 1 is still on, or another app registered the key first. Turn the setting off, then check QuickCapture's Hotkeys page.

Can I go back to Snipping Tool later?

Yes. Turn the Windows setting back on, or clear the shortcut in QuickCapture. Nothing else changes.