Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority
TL; DR
- A new Windows 11 update is available in the beta channel.
- If you install this update or a newer one, it will change the functionality of your Print Screen key.
- The new default function will now open the new Snipping Tool.
A new update for Windows 11 has arrived in the beta channel – and it’s insider software. This update will bring about a divisive change that some may welcome, others will likely hate.
When you want to take a screenshot of your screen, you can press the dedicated Print Screen (Prt Sc) button on your keyboard. This screenshot will be automatically saved to the clipboard where you can paste it into an app and do whatever you want with it. However, this will not be the default function from now on.
The latest Windows 11 update – KB5025310 – changes the function of the Prt Sc key to open the new Snipping Tool. Windows previously had the Snipping Tool, but this new tool combines the best features of the old tool and the Snip & Sketch app. As a result, screenshots will not be automatically saved to the clipboard.
Now when you use the Prt Sc key, it will open the Snipping Tool and allow you to change the screenshot, which you can save for later. This change will eventually reach all Windows users, unless you previously modified the option, it will keep your chosen setting. Fortunately, Microsoft will allow you to revert the default behavior back to the original functionality if you want. All you have to do is enter Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard.
The problem with the current default functionality of the Prt Sc key is that when you click it, Windows doesn’t tell you what happened. This can be confusing, especially for people who are new to Windows. So while this decision may infuriate some, it could also make the operating system more user-friendly for others.