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Windows · Download, Screen Capture & AI Tools

ShareX for Windows

Free, open-source screenshot and screen recording tool with extensive capture modes, built-in editing, and automated upload workflows.

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

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Overview

ShareX is an open-source screen capture tool that goes well beyond a basic screenshot utility: it supports region, window, scrolling, and full-screen capture, GIF and video screen recording, and a workflow builder ('actions') that can automatically run OCR, upload a file, or copy a link to the clipboard immediately after capture.

Its upload integrations connect to dozens of third-party services and self-hosted destinations, so a screenshot can be captured, uploaded, and have its shareable link copied to your clipboard in one keystroke — a workflow power users configure once and then never think about again.

The tradeoff for that depth is a genuinely large settings surface; new users often start with just the basic capture-and-save workflow and grow into the automation features over time.

ShareX is completely free and open source with no paid tier, developed and maintained by volunteer contributors on GitHub.

Key features

  • Region, window, scrolling, and full-screen capture modes
  • GIF and video screen recording
  • Built-in image editor for annotation before sharing
  • Automated 'after capture' actions such as OCR, upload, or clipboard copy
  • Integrations with dozens of upload destinations and self-hosted servers
  • Global hotkeys for every capture mode

System requirements

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

How to install ShareX

  1. 1. Download the installer or portable build

    Choose either from getsharex.com/downloads.

  2. 2. Run the installer

    Setup completes quickly with no bundled offers.

  3. 3. Choose your default capture destination

    In the first-run wizard, pick whether captures save locally, copy to clipboard, or upload automatically.

  4. 4. Set hotkeys

    Review Hotkey settings and adjust any that conflict with other software you use.

How to use it

  1. 1. Capture a region

    Use the region capture hotkey to select any part of the screen instead of capturing the full display.

  2. 2. Record a GIF

    Use the screen recording (GIF) mode for short animated captures, useful for bug reports or quick tutorials.

  3. 3. Set up an after-capture workflow

    In Task Settings, chain actions like 'copy to clipboard' and 'upload' so a single hotkey does the whole job.

  4. 4. Use the built-in editor

    Annotate a screenshot with arrows, blur, or text directly in ShareX's editor before saving or sharing it.

Safety and privacy

  • Download only from getsharex.com or the project's official GitHub releases page; the app is open source and reviewable.
  • Upload destinations you configure send captured images or files to that third-party service — check the sharing scope of any service you connect.
  • 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.
Privacy
ShareX itself works locally; any upload destination you enable determines where your captures are sent and under what privacy policy.

Known risks

  • Automated uploads can unintentionally share sensitive information if a capture includes something you didn't mean to send — review before uploads if privacy matters.
  • Publicly shared links from some upload services may be guessable or discoverable if not protected — check the service's link privacy settings.

What's new

    Pros and cons

    Pros

    • Free, open source, with no paid tier
    • Extremely flexible capture modes and workflow automation
    • Deep upload/integration ecosystem
    • Portable build available for no-install use

    Cons

    • Large settings surface can overwhelm new users at first
    • Automated uploads require care to avoid oversharing
    • Interface looks utilitarian rather than polished
    • Windows only

    Verdict

    ShareX is the most capable free screen capture tool for Windows once you invest a little time in its settings, particularly for anyone who wants automated capture-to-upload workflows. Users who just want a quick screenshot may prefer Greenshot's simpler defaults.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is ShareX free?

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

    Is ShareX safe?

    It's open source and downloadable from getsharex.com. Upload destinations you configure send data to those third-party services, so review what each integration shares.

    Can ShareX record video, not just screenshots?

    Yes, it supports GIF and video screen recording alongside its various screenshot capture modes.

    Does ShareX work on Windows 11?

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