There are several ways to take a screenshot on Windows. For example, you can press the Print Screen button on the keyboard and then use the Paint app to paste the screenshot and save it. Alternatively, you can also use the built-in snipping tool to take quick screenshots in different modes. For example, the built-in tool allows you to take delayed screenshots, crop screenshots on the fly, windowed screenshots, etc.
While most people only ever take screenshots after logging into Windows, there might be situations where you need to screenshot the Windows lock screen or login screen. There are many reasons, like showing off your brand-new login screen wallpaper, demonstrating a specific feature or option on the login screen, etc.
The problem is, you can’t simply press the Print Screen button on your keyboard to take a screenshot of the login screen. This is an intentional design for security reasons. That being said, with a simple trick, you can screenshot the lock screen in Windows 10 and 11. All we need to do is use the built-in Snipping tool and set it to take a delayed screenshot.
So, without delay, let me show you how to take a screenshot of the login screen in Windows 10 & 11.
How do I screenshot Windows Lockscreen?
You can use the built-in Snipping Tool’s delayed screenshot functionality to take a screenshot of the login screen or lock screen. Set the delay timer in the Snipping tool and then press “Windows key + L” to lock the system. The snipping tool will automatically take a screenshot of the lock screen.
Take Lock Screen Screenshot on Windows
To capture Windows login screen, we are going to use the built-in Snipping tool. Here is how.
- Press the Start key on your keyboard.
- Search for “Snipping tool” in the Start menu.
- Click on the top result to open Snipping tool.
- Select “Window mode” from the second dropdown.
- Select the “Snip in 10 seconds” option from the delay dropdown.
- Click the “New” button.
- Press “Windows + L” to lock the system.
- Wait for a few seconds.
- When see the snipping prompt, click on the lock screen.
- Unlock the system to see the lock screen screenshot.
- Click the “Save” icon and save the screenshot.
- With that, you are done taking a screenshot of the login or lock screen.
Steps with more details:
First, open the Start menu, search for “Snipping tool,” and click on the result to open the screenshot tool. Windows 10 users can search and open “Snip & Sketch.”
Once the Snipping tool has been opened, select “Window mode” from the second dropdown menu. If you want, you can also select the “Rectangle mode.” After that, select “Snip in 10 seconds” from the delay dropdown menu.
After selecting the options, click the “New” button.
Next, press the “Windows key + L” keyboard shortcut to lock the system. This should show the lock screen or login screen.
After locking, wait for a few seconds. When you see a snipping tool prompt, click on the lock screen. As soon as you do that, the Snipping tool will screenshot the lock screen.
Now, log into your system. Once logged in, you will see the captured screenshot in the Snipping tool window as soon as you do that. Press the “Save” icon or “Ctrl + S” keyboard shortcut to save the screenshot.
That is all. It is that simple to screenshot lock screen or login screen on Windows 10 and 11.
I hope this simple and easy Windows how-to guide helped you.
If you are stuck or need help, send an email, and I will try to help as much as possible.
If you like this article, you might be interested to know how to take a scrolling screenshot on Windows.
