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Windows · Download, Screen Capture & AI Tools

Greenshot for Windows

Lightweight, open-source screenshot tool focused on quick capture and simple annotation, without ShareX's deeper automation features.

Updated August 9, 2026 · Reviewed by SoftNexi Editorial Team, Software research and documentation

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Overview

Greenshot is a focused screenshot utility: capture a region, window, or full screen, annotate it with basic shapes and text, and save, copy, or send it to a destination like a printer, file, or clipboard. It deliberately doesn't try to match ShareX's automation depth or wide integration list.

That simplicity is the appeal for many users — the settings are limited enough to understand in a few minutes, and the built-in editor covers the common annotation needs (arrows, highlighting, blurring sensitive information, text labels) without extra clutter.

It runs quietly in the system tray and responds to global hotkeys, which is how most people interact with it day to day rather than opening a main window.

Greenshot is free and open source, developed by volunteer contributors, with no paid tier or subscription.

Key features

  • Region, window, and full-screen capture via global hotkeys
  • Built-in editor for arrows, highlighting, blurring, and text annotation
  • Direct export to file, clipboard, printer, or email
  • Plugin support for a small number of extra destinations like Confluence or Jira
  • Runs quietly in the system tray between captures
  • Portable build for use without installation

System requirements

Operating system
Windows 11 and Windows 10
Architecture
x64 or x86
Installation option
Installer or portable build available

How to install Greenshot

  1. 1. Download from the official site

    Get the installer or portable ZIP from getgreenshot.org/downloads.

  2. 2. Run the installer

    Setup is quick and doesn't include bundled offers.

  3. 3. Set your default hotkeys

    Review the hotkey settings in Preferences to confirm they don't conflict with other software.

  4. 4. Choose default output

    Set whether captures should open the editor, copy to clipboard, or save to a folder by default.

How to use it

  1. 1. Capture a region quickly

    Use the Print Screen hotkey (or your configured one) to drag-select a region and open it directly in the editor.

  2. 2. Blur sensitive information

    Use the editor's obfuscate/blur tool over any personal data before saving or sharing a screenshot.

  3. 3. Save to a consistent location

    Set a default save folder and file naming pattern in Preferences so screenshots don't scatter across your desktop.

  4. 4. Use the tray icon for quick access

    Right-click the Greenshot tray icon for quick access to capture modes without opening a separate app window.

Safety and privacy

  • Download only from getgreenshot.org; the SourceForge-hosted release is the same official project distribution.
  • The app is open source and its code is publicly reviewable.
  • We link only to the developer's own site and have not independently audited the current build beyond its open-source status.
Bundled software
The official installer does not bundle third-party offers, though some third-party download portals mirroring it in the past have added extras — use the official site only.
Privacy
Greenshot works entirely locally; it does not require an account and has no built-in cloud upload feature by default.

Known risks

  • As with any capture tool, be mindful of sensitive information visible in a screenshot before sharing it — use the blur/highlight tool to redact it first.

What's new

    Pros and cons

    Pros

    • Simple, fast, and easy to learn
    • Free and open source
    • Solid built-in editor for common annotation needs
    • Low resource use, runs quietly in the tray

    Cons

    • Fewer capture modes and integrations than ShareX
    • No screen recording or GIF capture
    • Fewer automated workflow options
    • Windows only

    Verdict

    Greenshot is the better choice for users who want fast, simple screenshots with basic annotation and don't need ShareX's automation depth or video capture. It stays out of the way and does the common job well.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is Greenshot free?

    Yes, entirely free and open source with no paid tier.

    Does Greenshot record video?

    No, Greenshot is screenshot-only. ShareX or ScreenToGif are better choices if you need screen recording.

    Is Greenshot safe?

    It's open source, and we link only to the official getgreenshot.org site. Avoid third-party mirrors, which have historically added extras to some downloads.

    Does Greenshot work on Windows 11?

    Yes, both the installer and portable build support Windows 11 and Windows 10.