Lightshot
Lightshot is a free screenshot utility for Windows that allows users to capture any selected area on their screen with minimal friction. Activated typically via the Print Screen key, it overlays an intuitive set of annotation tools directly around the capture frame, enabling immediate markup, local saving, or instant upload to the prntscr.com image hosting service for sharing.
updater.prntscr.com · Official website
- ✓ Official source (winget)
- ✓ SHA256 taken from the official repository
- ✓ Last checked: Nov. 4, 2026
- This is not a virus scan. Check on VirusTotal
- Version
- 5.5.0.7
- License
- Freeware
- Installer type
- inno
How do I use this?
Type Terminal in the Start menu and open it, paste the command (Ctrl+V or right-click) and press Enter. It uses winget, Windows' own package manager, to install the program from its official source.
winget install --id Skillbrains.Lightshot -eSHA256 (file verification)
928c2808421dfd487ffa697379548cbe682c0e13aeb595eb89973ba9c515b8a1We couldn't find a macOS version of Lightshot in the official repositories; check the publisher's website.
We couldn't find a Linux version of Lightshot in the official repositories; check the publisher's website.
You can try these instead:
We couldn't find a Android version of Lightshot in the official repositories; check the publisher's website.
Highlights
- Instant capture of any custom rectangular area on the desktop
- On-screen markup tools including freehand pen, lines, arrows, rectangles, and text
- Direct cloud upload with an immediate public short link for quick sharing
- One-click copy to system clipboard or local disk save in common image formats
- Quick reverse image search using captured areas
Who is it for?
Lightshot is suited for remote workers, students, and support agents who need to quickly illustrate ideas or report issues by annotating and sharing desktop captures.
Good to know before installing
- Images uploaded to the cloud service generate publicly accessible links, posing privacy risks for confidential data.
- Lacks advanced features such as video recording, GIF creation, or scrolling window capture.
How to install
Windows
- Click the official download button on this page to get the installer.
- Open the downloaded setup file and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Once installed, press the Print Screen key on your keyboard to start capturing.
Alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Is Lightshot free to use?
Yes, Lightshot is available as freeware without any mandatory subscriptions or license fees.
Are uploaded screenshots private?
No, screenshots uploaded to prntscr.com are given public URLs that can be accessed by anyone with the link. Avoid uploading sensitive or confidential information.
Can I customize the capture hotkey?
Yes, right-click the Lightshot icon in the system tray and select Options to reassign the default capture hotkey.