How to Take Screenshots Directly in OneNote for Windows 10
Question details
The user is looking for a one-click method or shortcut to capture a screen clipping and save it directly to OneNote for Windows 10.
- Product
- OneNote for Windows 10
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Taking multiple screen clippings rapidly and saving them automatically to a notebook without needing to manually switch windows and paste each time.
- Observed behavior
- OneNote for Windows 10 lacks the legacy system-tray clipping tool that automatically sends screenshots to Quick Notes, forcing users to use the manual Windows Snip & Sketch and paste method.
Check which version of OneNote you are currently using, as the native clipping capabilities differ significantly between the 'OneNote for Windows 10' app and the standard 'OneNote' desktop application.
Use Windows Snip & Sketch Shortcut
Since OneNote for Windows 10 does not have a native direct-to-note clipping tool, using the built-in Windows screen capture shortcut is the most efficient workaround available.
Press the Windows logo key + Shift + S simultaneously on your keyboard. The screen will dim, and a clipping menu will appear at the top of your monitor.
Click and drag your cursor to select the specific region of the screen you want to capture. The image is automatically copied to your Windows clipboard.
Switch to your OneNote for Windows 10 application, click on the desired location on your page, and press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot.
Switch to OneNote Desktop for Automatic Clipping
If your workflow heavily relies on the automatic 'Send to OneNote' clipping feature, you will need to switch to the traditional desktop version (formerly OneNote 2016).
Enhance Your Productivity with WPS Office
If missing features in specific versions of Office apps interrupt your workflow, consider trying WPS Office. It provides a comprehensive, lightweight suite with excellent compatibility for all your document tasks and built-in screen capture utilities.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install the software: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your computer.
- 3. Start creating and capturing: Open WPS Writer, Spreadsheet, or Presentation. Use the built-in 'Screen Grab' feature under the Insert tab to quickly capture and paste images directly into your files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the screen clipping tool missing in OneNote for Windows 10?
Microsoft developed OneNote for Windows 10 as a simplified Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app. To streamline the app and align with modern Windows features, they removed the legacy 'Send to OneNote' system-tray utility in favor of the built-in Windows Snip & Sketch tool.
Can I remap the Print Screen button to take a clipping in Windows 10?
Yes. In Windows 10, go to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard. Scroll down to the 'Print Screen shortcut' section and toggle on the option to 'Use the PrtScn button to open screen snipping'. This allows you to launch the screen clipping tool without needing to press Windows + Shift + S.
Is the traditional OneNote desktop version still supported by Microsoft?
Yes. Microsoft originally planned to deprecate OneNote 2016 but reversed this decision. It has been renamed simply to 'OneNote' and is now the recommended version for users who need advanced features like automatic screen clipping and local notebook storage.
