In this guide, I will show you why Greenshot is my preferred screenshot tool for system administration. I will cover how to install it, how to use its powerful image editor for annotations, and how to fix the common conflict with the Windows 11 Snipping Tool.
Greenshot is completely open-source software available under the GNU General Public License. This means there are no bundled unwanted software or subscription fees.
Navigate to the official website at getgreenshot.org and download the latest Windows installer. Run the executable to begin the installation.
During the installation wizard, you will be asked to select components. It is recommended to keep the "Open with external command plugin" selected, as this ensures proper functionality when pressing the Print Screen key. You can deselect other plugins (like Office or OCR) if you do not need them.
Once installed, Greenshot runs in the system tray. You can initiate a capture by right-clicking the Greenshot icon or by pressing the Print Screen key (once configured correctly).
Selecting "Capture region" gives you a crosshair cursor with a magnifier for precision. You can simply click and drag to select the exact area you want to save. Once released, a menu appears allowing you to save the image directly or open it in the Image Editor.
The built-in editor is one of Greenshot's strongest features, allowing for quick and professional annotations.
You can easily draw rectangles, ellipses, lines, and arrows to highlight specific parts of your screenshot. These objects remain editable even after you draw them, meaning you can move, resize, or delete them later using the selection tool.
This tool is excellent for creating step-by-step guides. When you select the "Add Counter" tool, every click on the image places a numbered stamp (1, 2, 3, etc.). If you delete a step in the middle, the tool automatically renumbers the remaining steps to maintain the correct order.
Greenshot includes specific tools for security and clarity:
O key shortcut.By default, Windows 11 binds the Print Screen key to its own Snipping Tool. To use Greenshot with the Print Screen key, you must disable this Windows setting.
Open your Windows Start Menu and search for "Accessibility keyboard settings". Alternatively, you can navigate manually via:
Settings > Accessibility > KeyboardLocate the setting labeled "Use the Print screen key to open screen capture" and toggle it to Off.
If Greenshot still doesn't react, open the Greenshot Preferences. Go to the "Capture" tab and ensure the hotkey for "Capture region" is set to Print Screen. You should now be able to take screenshots instantly using your keyboard.