Windows 10 is getting a great new screenshot tool

As someone that moves from macOS to Windows frequently and takes screenshots all the time (I admit, it's a little specific, but I can't be the only one), one of the most annoying things about Windows is the lack of an integrated, powerful screenshot tool.

Yes, there were several ways to take a screenshot in Windows, but nothing compared to the simplicity of hitting Shift+Command+3 or 4 to capture your entire screen or a portion of it.

Well, this has changed in the latest beta version of Windows 10 (Build 17661, via The Verge), which brings Screen Sketch -- previously a part of the Windows Ink Workspace -- as a standalone app.

Even better, there's now a keyboard combination that lets you take a screenshot in Windows. Hit Win+Shift+S and you'll get a snipping toolbar that lets you either capture the full screen or a rectangular/free-form portion of it.

You can also immediately take that captured image to Screen Sketch, which lets you edit the snap -- for example, you can draw an arrow on it, crop a portion, or rotate the entire image.

And if you're used to hitting the Print Screen key, you can also bind that key to the new snipping tool by going to Keyboard Settings and enabling "Use the Print Screen key to launch screen snipping." You can also use the new quick action button in Action Center called "Screen snip," and pen owners will now be able to launch screen snipping with a single click (the option is available in Pen & Windows Ink Settings).

These new features might seem tiny but they're incredibly important to people who take screenshots often -- I, for one, will likely use them on a daily basis.

Other improvements in this new Windows build include a slightly nicer Task View (background is now blurry), a new name for Windows Defender Security Center, which is now simply called Windows Security, and automatic enabling of Focus assist whenever you're playing a full screen game. Check out the full list of new features and improvements here.