How to Screenshot Single Screen Dual Monitors?

Taking a screenshot when you have dual monitors can be frustrating when you only need to capture one screen. The default print screen function captures both displays, creating images that are too wide and often include information you don’t want to share.

Whether you’re documenting an error message, saving important work, or sharing content with colleagues, you need reliable methods to screenshot single screen dual monitors setups.

This guide shows you exactly how to capture just one monitor when using multiple displays. You’ll learn keyboard shortcuts, built-in Windows tools, and third-party applications that make dual monitor screenshot only one screen simple and fast.

No more cropping huge images or capturing unwanted content, just clean, focused screenshots of exactly what you need.

Why Single Monitor Screenshots Matter on Dual Setups?

When you work with two monitors, you quickly discover that standard screenshot methods don’t work well. The basic print screen key captures everything across all connected displays, creating massive images that are difficult to share and often contain sensitive information you’d rather keep private.

Learning how to screenshot one monitor multiple monitors setups is essential for several reasons. First, it saves time, you won’t need to crop large images after capturing them.

Second, it protects your privacy by not capturing content on your second screen. Third, it creates cleaner, more professional-looking screenshots that are easier to share in emails, documents, or presentations.

Common scenarios where you need dual screen screenshot only one include capturing error messages on one display, saving specific application windows, documenting work progress, or sharing content with team members without revealing your entire workspace. The ability to capture one screen dual monitors efficiently makes your workflow smoother and more professional.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Single Monitor Capture

The fastest way to capture a single monitor on a dual setup is using keyboard shortcuts. These methods work immediately without opening any applications, making them perfect for quick captures when you need screenshot 1 monitor on dual setups.

CTRL + ALT + PrtScn Method

This is the most reliable keyboard shortcut for capturing just one screen:

1. Move your mouse cursor to the monitor you want to capture
2. Press and hold the CTRL key
3. Press and hold the ALT key
4. Press the PrtScn (Print Screen) key
5. Release all keys
6. Open Paint, Word, or any image editor
7. Press CTRL + V to paste your screenshot
8. Save the file

This method works well for most Windows systems and gives you a clean capture of just one monitor. The key is placing your cursor on the correct screen before pressing the shortcut combination.

ALT + PrtScn for Active Window

When you need to capture just one window rather than the entire screen, use this method:

1. Click on the window you want to capture (this makes it the “active” window)
2. Press and hold the ALT key
3. Press the PrtScn key
4. Release both keys
5. Paste into your preferred application with CTRL + V
6. Save your screenshot

This is perfect when you have multiple applications open but only need to capture one specific window, even if it spans across both monitors.

Windows + Shift + S for Selective Capture

Windows 10 and 11 offer a powerful built-in tool for selective screenshots:

1. Press Windows key + Shift + S simultaneously
2. Your screen will dim and a toolbar appears at the top
3. Choose from four options:
   • Rectangular Snip (draw a box around what you want)
   • Freeform Snip (draw any shape)
   • Window Snip (click on a specific window)
   • Fullscreen Snip (captures all screens)
4. Select the area or window you want to capture
5. The screenshot copies to your clipboard automatically
6. A notification appears, click it to edit or save

This method gives you the most control and is excellent for screenshot one monitor multiple monitors situations where you need precise selection.

Using Windows Built-in Screenshot Tools

Windows includes several built-in tools that make it easy to capture one screen dual monitors setups. These tools come pre-installed and work without any additional downloads.

Snipping Tool for Precise Capture

The Windows Snipping Tool has evolved and is now the primary screenshot method in Windows 11:

1. Click the Start button and type “Snipping Tool”
2. Open the application from the search results
3. Click “New” to start a new capture
4. Choose your capture mode from the dropdown menu:
   • Rectangle mode for selecting specific areas
   • Window mode for capturing entire windows
   • Full-screen mode for all displays
5. Click and drag to select the area you want to capture
6. The screenshot opens in the Snipping Tool editor
7. Use the tools to annotate, crop, or highlight
8. Save your screenshot or copy it to the clipboard

The Snipping Tool works well for most users, but it has limitations when monitors have different scale settings. If your monitors have different resolutions or scaling percentages, you might experience issues with the capture area not matching what you see on screen.

Xbox Game Bar Alternative

Originally designed for gamers, the Xbox Game Bar works well for screenshots:

1. Press Windows key + G to open the Game Bar
2. Click the camera icon in the capture widget
3. Or use the shortcut Windows key + ALT + PrtScn
4. The screenshot saves automatically to:
   • This PC > Videos > Captures folder
5. Find your screenshot there for sharing or editing

This method is quick but captures the entire active window rather than letting you select specific areas. It’s best when you need fast captures without much precision.

Third-Party Screenshot Tools for Dual Monitors

Sometimes built-in tools aren’t enough. Third-party applications offer more features and better control for print screen with dual monitors situations.

Lightshot Setup and Configuration

Lightshot is a popular free tool that makes screenshot single screen dual monitors easy:

1. Download Lightshot from the official website (app.prntscr.com)
2. Install the application following the on-screen instructions
3. After installation, press the PrtScn key to activate Lightshot
4. If Windows 11’s Snipping Tool opens instead:
   • Go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard
   • Turn off “Use the Print screen key to open screen capture”
   • Restart your computer
5. Now PrtScn will open Lightshot instead
6. Click and drag to select the area you want to capture
7. Use the toolbar to save, copy, or share your screenshot

Lightshot is lightweight and fast, making it perfect for quick captures. It also includes basic editing features and easy sharing options.

Snagit Features

Snagit is a professional screenshot tool with advanced features:

1. Download and install Snagit from TechSmith’s website
2. Open the application after installation
3. Choose your capture type:
   • All-in-one capture (most flexible)
   • Image capture for screenshots
   • Video capture for screen recordings
4. Select the area you want to capture
5. Use the crosshairs to select specific monitors or windows
6. The screenshot opens in Snagit’s powerful editor
7. Add annotations, effects, or edits
8. Save or share your finished screenshot

Snagit offers the most features but comes with a price tag. It’s ideal for professionals who need advanced editing capabilities and frequent screenshot functionality.

Greenshot Alternatives

Greenshot is another free, open-source option:

1. Download Greenshot from the official website
2. Install the application
3. Configure the hotkeys in the settings (PrtScn by default)
4. Use the hotkey to capture selected areas
5. Choose from various capture modes:
   • Capture region (select area)
   • Capture last region (repeat previous selection)
   • Capture window (active window)
   • Capture full screen (all monitors)
6. Edit in the built-in editor or save directly

Greenshot strikes a balance between simplicity and functionality, making it a good choice for users who want more than basic tools but don’t need Snagit’s advanced features.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with the right tools, you might encounter issues when trying to capture one screen dual monitors. Here are the most common problems and their solutions.

Windows 11 Scale Setting Issues

Many users report problems with the Snipping Tool when monitors have different scale settings:

Problem: The Snipping Tool only captures a portion of your screens or doesn’t work properly when monitors have different scaling percentages.

Solution: Try these fixes in order:

1. Reset the Snipping Tool:
   • Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps
   • Find “Snipping Tool” in the list
   • Click the three dots next to it
   • Select “Advanced options”
   • Click “Repair” first, then “Reset” if needed
2. Match Monitor Scale Settings:
   • Right-click on your desktop and select “Display settings”
   • Look at the “Scale” percentage for each monitor
   • Set all monitors to the same scale (usually 100% or 150%)
   • Try the Snipping Tool again
3. Use Keyboard Shortcuts Instead:
   • If the Snipping Tool still doesn’t work, use Windows + Shift + S
   • Or try the CTRL + ALT + PrtScn method instead

Tool Conflicts and Fixes

Sometimes different screenshot tools conflict with each other:

Problem: Pressing PrtScn opens the wrong tool or nothing happens at all.

Solution: Manage which tool responds to the Print Screen key:

1. For Windows 11 Users:
   • Go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard
   • Toggle “Use the Print screen key to open screen capture” off
   • This will let third-party tools like Lightshot respond to PrtScn
2. Check Running Applications:
   • Press CTRL + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
   • Look for multiple screenshot tools running
   • End tasks for tools you’re not using
   • Keep only your preferred screenshot tool running
3. Restart Your Computer:
   • Sometimes a simple restart resolves conflicts
   • This clears any stuck processes or conflicting settings

Resolution Discrepancy Problems

Different monitor resolutions can cause screenshot issues:

Problem: Screenshots appear stretched, distorted, or cut off when monitors have different resolutions.

Solution: Optimize your display settings:

1. Match Resolutions When Possible:
   • Right-click desktop > Display settings
   • Check the resolution for each monitor
   • Set both to the same resolution if possible
   • This creates the best screenshot experience
2. Adjust Display Arrangement:
   • In Display settings, drag monitor icons to match your physical setup
   • This ensures screenshots capture the correct areas
   • Proper arrangement prevents capture confusion
3. Use Third-Party Tools:
   • Tools like Snagit handle mixed resolutions better than built-in tools
   • They automatically adjust for different monitor sizes and scales

Tips for Better Dual Monitor Screenshots

Getting great screenshots on a dual monitor setup goes beyond knowing the right shortcuts. These tips will help you capture better images consistently.

Consistent Display Settings

Setting up your monitors consistently prevents many screenshot problems:

1. Match Scale Settings:
   • Set both monitors to the same scale percentage
   • This prevents the Snipping Tool from capturing incorrectly
   • Common scales are 100%, 125%, or 150%
2. Align Resolutions:
   • Use similar resolutions on both monitors when possible
   • Common pairs include 1920×1080 + 1920×1080
   • Or 2560×1440 + 2560×1440
3. Arrange Displays Correctly:
   • In Display settings, position monitors to match your physical setup
   • This ensures screenshot tools capture the right areas
   • Proper arrangement prevents confusion about which screen is which

Color Calibration

Consistent colors make your screenshots look more professional:

1. Use Windows Color Calibration:
   • Type “calibrate display color” in the Start menu
   • Follow the wizard for each monitor
   • This ensures colors look the same on both screens
2. Check Brightness Settings:
   • Match brightness levels between monitors
   • This prevents one screen from looking washed out in screenshots
   • Most monitors have buttons for brightness adjustment
3. Consider Monitor Profiles:
   • If you do professional work, create color profiles
   • This ensures color accuracy across all captures
   • Profiles help maintain consistency in documentation

Organizing Your Workspace

A well-organized workspace makes screenshot capture easier:

1. Clean Your Desktop:
   • Remove unnecessary icons and files
   • This creates cleaner screenshots
   • Consider using a solid color background
2. Position Windows Strategically:
   • Keep important windows on your primary monitor
   • Use the secondary monitor for reference materials
   • This makes it easier to capture what you need
3. Use Virtual Desktops:
   • Windows 10/11 let you create multiple desktops
   • Use one desktop for work, another for personal apps
   • This helps separate content for cleaner screenshots

Quick Reference Guide

This table summarizes all the methods for capturing screenshots on dual monitor setups:

Method	Best For	Pros	Cons
CTRL + ALT + PrtScn	Quick single monitor capture	Fast, no tools needed	Limited editing options
ALT + PrtScn	Active window only	Precise window capture	Only works with active windows
Windows + Shift + S	Selective area capture	Flexible, built-in editor	Can be slow on some systems
Snipping Tool	Precise captures with editing	Good editing features	Scale setting issues
Lightshot	Quick sharing and basic editing	Fast, easy sharing	Limited advanced features
Snagit	Professional screenshots	Advanced editing, scrolling capture	Paid software
Greenshot	Free, open-source option	Good balance of features	Less intuitive interface

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Mastering how to screenshot single screen dual monitors setups is essential for anyone working with multiple displays. Whether you’re using keyboard shortcuts like CTRL + ALT + PrtScn, built-in Windows tools, or third-party applications like Lightshot, you now have multiple options to capture exactly what you need.

The key takeaways are simple: use keyboard shortcuts for speed, leverage built-in tools for convenience, and consider third-party applications for advanced features. Remember to set up your monitors with consistent scale settings to avoid common issues, and don’t hesitate to try different methods to find what works best for your workflow.

Start practicing these methods today, and you’ll quickly find that capturing screenshots on dual monitor setups becomes second nature. No more frustration with unwanted content in your screenshots, just clean, precise captures of exactly what you need to share or save.

For more help with monitor-related issues, check out our guides on monitor HDMI connection problems and Lightshot troubleshooting. If you’re using a Lenovo laptop, our Lenovo screenshot guide offers additional tips specific to those devices. For advanced Windows issues, Microsoft’s support documentation provides official solutions to common screenshot problems.