Where Do Minecraft Screenshots Go? A Practical Guide for 2026
Discover exactly where Minecraft screenshots are saved across Java and Bedrock editions, plus platform-specific paths for Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile. Learn to locate, move, and organize your captures with step-by-step guidance and quick tips.
Where do Minecraft screenshots go? They’re saved in the game’s screenshot folder, which varies by edition and platform. In Java Edition on Windows, the images live under the .minecraft/screenshots folder; on macOS and Linux, they appear in the user’s home directory under a similarly named path. Bedrock Edition places Windows captures in Pictures/Screenshots by default, while mobile devices save to the device gallery. This guide outlines each path and how to access them quickly.
Understanding the question: Where do Minecraft screenshots go
In practice, the exact save location for screenshots depends on your Minecraft edition (Java vs Bedrock) and the platform you’re playing on (Windows, macOS, Linux, or mobile). The terminology is simple: screenshots are saved to a specific folder on your device where the game writes image files whenever you take a shot. If you frequently share builds or compare creations with friends, knowing the precise location helps you access, rename, or back up your captures quickly. In 2026, most players expect a predictable pattern, but editions and platforms still introduce small variances that can cause confusion for new players.
Edition differences: Java vs Bedrock save behavior
The two main Minecraft editions handle screenshots differently by default. Java Edition generally writes images to a dedicated screenshots folder inside the user’s Minecraft directory. Bedrock Edition, especially on Windows devices, tends to save to the system Pictures or Screenshots folder. Mobile devices commonly route screenshots through the device’s native gallery app. Understanding these distinctions is essential because a screenshot taken on Java might not appear in the same folder as a Bedrock capture if you switch editions. This separation helps keep builds organized by edition, but it can be tricky when you work across platforms.
Platform-specific paths you’ll encounter
On Windows with Java Edition, expect a path related to your user profile’s AppData/Roaming area and a .minecraft folder, where a screenshots subfolder exists. On macOS, the equivalent is typically under ~/Library/Application Support/minecraft/screenshots, while Linux users see ~/.minecraft/screenshots. Bedrock on Windows commonly saves to C:\Users<your-username>\Pictures\Screenshots, and Bedrock on consoles or mobile uses the device’s native gallery. These patterns reflect how Minecraft integrates with each operating system’s file management. If you’re unfamiliar with file paths, keep a small note of your current edition and OS to avoid future confusion.
Finding the folder quickly using OS tools
If you’re unsure where your screenshots land, you can locate them quickly using built-in search features. On Windows, search for "Screenshots" in the Start Menu or File Explorer and filter by modification date. On macOS, use Finder’s Spotlight search with kind:image and recency. On Linux, use a file manager’s search or the terminal with a simple locate command. For mobile, open the Photos or Gallery app and navigate to the Screenshots album. These steps save time when you’ve moved between machines or reinstalled Minecraft.
Moving or relocating your screenshot storage (advanced)
If you want your screenshots elsewhere—for example, on a larger drive—you can move the entire Minecraft folder or create a symbolic link from the current location to a new one. This approach avoids changing in-game settings and reduces the risk of missing files after an update. Always back up before moving folders, and test by taking a quick screenshot to confirm it saves to the new location. Advanced users often combine this with regular backups for safety.
Common issues and quick remedies
Some players notice that screenshots disappear after updates or appear in unexpected places. In many cases the problem is edition-specific or OS-specific path changes. Double-check which edition you’re playing and confirm you’re using the correct platform path. If you recently changed drives or reinstalled Minecraft, re-verify the screenshot folder. If your launcher relocates the game files, you may need to locate the relocated .minecraft or equivalent folder and update your references. Keeping a small map of where your captures live can prevent future mix-ups.
Best practices for organizing Minecraft screenshots
To stay organized, adopt a consistent naming scheme and folder structure. For example, separate Java and Bedrock captures, then group by year or build name. Create a short, readable prefix (e.g., "2026-Desert-Temple") and store high-priority shots in a dedicated folder. Regularly back up your screenshots to a cloud or external drive, and consider tagging or cataloging images with metadata. Simple organization reduces search time later and helps when sharing with others.
Screenshot save locations by edition and platform
| Edition/Platform | Default Save Path | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Java Edition (Windows/macOS/Linux) | Varies by OS; commonly a .minecraft/screenshots folder in your home/user directory | Exact path depends on OS and user account |
| Bedrock Edition (Windows) | Pictures/Screenshots by default | Also accessible via Photos app or gallery on the device |
| Bedrock Edition (Mobile) | Device gallery/screenshots folder | Location depends on iOS/Android file structure |
People Also Ask
Where are Minecraft screenshots saved by default on Windows?
For Java Edition on Windows, screenshots typically save to the .minecraft/screenshots folder within your user profile. Bedrock on Windows saves to the Pictures/Screenshots folder by default. If you use a different edition or launcher, verify via the launcher settings or by searching your drive.
On Windows, Java usually saves in your Minecraft folder under .minecraft/screenshots; Bedrock uses Pictures/Screenshots. If unsure, search your PC for Minecraft folders or the Screenshots directory.
Are Bedrock and Java editions using the same screenshot folder?
No. Java Edition stores in the game folder under .minecraft/screenshots (path varies by OS); Bedrock typically uses the Pictures/Screenshots directory on Windows, and the device gallery on mobile.
Not always—the editions use different default folders.
How can I change or relocate my screenshot save location?
Minecraft doesn’t offer a simple in-game setting to change the save path. You can move the entire Minecraft folder or create a symbolic link from the current location to a new one. Always back up before moving and test by saving a new screenshot.
You can move the folder or use a link, but back up first.
What should I do if I can't find my screenshots after an update?
Check the standard paths first, then search your OS for recent PNG files. Ensure you’re using the same edition (Java vs Bedrock). If you use a launcher that relocates folders, it may store images elsewhere.
Try the usual paths and a quick search; verify your edition.
Do mobile screenshots save to the device gallery automatically?
Yes, mobile versions generally save screenshots to the device’s gallery or Photos app, unless OS settings specify otherwise. You can access them via the device’s Gallery app or Photos.
Yes, most mobile versions save to your device’s gallery.
“Knowing where Minecraft saves screenshots saves time and speeds up sharing your builds.”
The Essentials
- Identify your edition first to know the default path.
- Java uses a dedicated Minecraft folder; Bedrock uses system galleries on Windows and mobile devices.
- Mac users often find screenshots under Library/Application Support/minecraft.
- If you switch devices, verify paths to avoid missing shots.
- Consider organized naming and backups to simplify sharing.
